Principal Enterprise Software Architect

An Effectual Principal Enterprise Software Architect designs, develops, and deploys cloud-based applications and enterprise-scale solutions for our clients, with a strong emphasis on AWS-based application modernization. You will lead architectural strategy for large enterprise and public sector clients, transforming legacy applications into modern cloud-native architectures. You have extensive migration and modernization experience and will collaborate with cross-functional teams, including engineers, architects, and project managers, to ensure the delivery of high-quality cloud solutions. This role reports to the Senior Vice President & General Manager of Public Sector. 

Architecture & Modernization 

• Provide technical leadership by designing, architecting, and operationalizing cloud-based applications and systems on AWS in alignment with client goals
• Lead application modernization initiatives, transforming legacy applications (mainframe, Java EE, .NET) into cloud-native architectures using microservices, containers, and serverless patterns
• Develop migration and modernization roadmaps for complex enterprise and public sector applications
• Design, implement, and optimize cloud solutions, infrastructures, and platforms
• Create and maintain architecture documentation, diagrams, and decision records
• Define technical standards and best practices for application architecture and deployment

Technical Leadership & Innovation 

• Evaluate and integrate emerging AWS technologies and services to support infrastructure modernization
• Mentor and guide engineering teams on architectural principles, AWS best practices, and modernization approaches
• Participate in code reviews and ensure architectural integrity across projects
• Support and enhance existing software functionality through refactoring, performance optimization, and defect resolution
• Collaborate with DevOps teams to ensure architectures are deployment-ready and aligned with CI/CD and IaC practices

Client Engagement 

• Partner with sales and delivery teams to architect solutions for a major public sector client
• Present technical architectures and modernization strategies to government stakeholders and leadership
• Serve as a trusted technical advisor, understanding unique compliance and operational requirements
• Lead proof-of-concept initiatives and technical discovery engagements
• Navigate complex business processes and technical requirements specific to government operations 

Thought Leadership & Industry Engagement 

• Represent Effectual and share modernization expertise at industry conferences, government forums, and client events
• Build Effectual's reputation as a trusted authority in application modernization and public sector cloud transformation
• Stay current with industry trends, AWS innovations, and modernization methodologies to bring fresh insights to client engagements

Education & Experience 

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or related field OR Substitution: 15+ years of relevant on-the-job experience in lieu of degree
• Minimum: 15+ years of software development experience, including 5+ years in specialized software architecture roles including Mainframe migrations to the AWS Cloud
• AWS experience within previous 2-4 years
• Proven experience leading application modernization projects (mainframe to microservices, lift-and-shift to cloud-native, containerization, serverless adoption)
• Experience working with public sector organizations and government agencies 
• Must be a US Citizen and able to pass federal background and drug screening

Required Certifications 

• AWS Certified Solutions Architect Professional (or ability to obtain within 6 months)
• AWS Certified Developer Associate OR AWS Certified Solutions Architect Associate

Required Skills

Technical Experience 

• Deep expertise in AWS services, cloud-native architecture patterns, and modernization strategies
• Strong command of multiple programming languages (Java, Python, Go, Node.js) with proficiency in modern and legacy Java environments
• Experience with Java frameworks and platforms (JSF, Spring Boot, GlassFish, WebSphere z/OS)
• Experience with microservices, containerization (Docker/ECS/EKS), and serverless architectures
• Understanding of CI/CD pipelines, IaC principles (Terraform, CloudFormation, CDK), and DevOps collaboration
• Familiarity with SQL and NoSQL databases, including DB2 mainframe environments
• Knowledge of compliance frameworks (FedRAMP, FISMA, NIST, HIPAA, PCI-DSS) and security best practices
• Strong understanding of data structures, algorithms, and software design principles
• Knowledge of SDLC models and Application Lifecycle Management

Communication & Leadership 

• Active government security clearance required (Secret or higher) or Public Trust (DOJ Preferred)
• Excellent communication and presentation skills with ability to engage executive-level stakeholders
• Proven track record of delivering large-scale distributed systems
• Experience mentoring technical teams and driving architectural excellence

Preferred Skills & Experience 

• Experience with Quarkus framework
• Background in consulting or professional services environments
• Contributions to open-source projects or technical communities
• Experience with front-end testing frameworks (Selenium) and container-based development

• Opportunity to work on cutting-edge cloud technologies and transformative modernization projects
• Collaborative and innovative team culture
• Professional development and certification support
• Competitive compensation and benefits package
• Flexible work arrangements

Full-time employees are eligible to participate in our employee benefit programs:

• Medical, dental, and vision health insurances,
• Short term disability, long term disability and life insurances,
• 401k with Company match
• Paid time off (PTO) (120 hours PTO that accrue over one year)
• Paid time off for major holidays (14 days per year)
• These and any other employee benefit offerings are subject to management’s discretion and may change at any time. 

The work is generally performed in an office environment.  Physical demands include sitting, keyboarding, verbal communication, written communication.  Employees are occasionally required to stand; walk; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the functions.

Salary Range for this position: $215,000-$275,000

"Salary ranges provided are for informational purposes only and may vary depending on factors such as experience, qualifications, and geographic location. The final salary offer will be determined based on the candidate's skills and alignment with the role requirements."

This job description may not be inclusive of all assigned duties, responsibilities, or aspects of the job described, and may be amended anytime at the sole discretion of the Employer. Duties and responsibilities are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. To perform this job successfully, the incumbents will possess the skills, aptitudes, and abilities to perform each duty proficiently. This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an “at will” relationship. Effectual Inc. is an EEO employer and does not discriminate on the basis of any protected classification in its hiring, promoting, or any other job-related opportunity.