Cloud Application Architect

Join the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) and be part of a team committed to creating a positive impact in the lives of fellow Texans. At HHSC, your contributions matter, and we support you at each stage of your life and work journey. Our comprehensive benefits package includes 100% paid employee health insurance for full-time eligible employees, a defined benefit pension plan, generous time off benefits, numerous opportunities for career advancement and more. Explore more details on the Benefits of Working at HHS webpage.

Functional Title: Cloud Application Architect 
Job Title: Systems Analyst VII 
Agency: Health & Human Services Comm 
Department: Chief Technology Office EI 3b 
Posting Number: 10559 
Closing Date: 01/21/2026 
Posting Audience: Internal and External 
Occupational Category: Computer and Mathematical 
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-29 
Salary Range: $8,488.33 - $13,151.00 
Pay Frequency: Monthly
Shift: Day 
Additional Shift: Days (First) 
Telework:  
Travel: Up to 60% 
Regular/Temporary: Regular 
Full Time/Part Time: Full time 
FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Exempt 
Facility Location:  
Job Location City: AUSTIN 
Job Location Address: 4601 W GUADALUPE ST 
Other Locations:  
MOS Codes: 0171,8848,8858,181X,182X,1D7X1,255A,255S,25B,25D,25H,26B,62E,681X,682X,781X,CTI,CTM,CTR,CYB10,CYB11 
ISM,IT,Z Prefix 
 
 

Brief Job Description:

The Cloud Application Architect serves as a key technical leader under the Chief Technology Office, responsible for designing, modernizing, and integrating complex enterprise applications across state systems. This role ensures application solutions are secure, interoperable, cost-effective, and aligned with statewide technology strategies. The architect collaborates with program areas, technical teams, and vendors to develop roadmaps that support modernization, digital transformation, and mission outcomes.

Essential Job Functions (EJFs):

(30%) Developing and maintaining application architecture standards, frameworks, and patterns that align with statewide IT strategies is a key responsibility. In addition, this role involves participating in enterprise architecture governance to ensure consistency across systems and agencies. Supporting the CTO's modernization roadmap is essential, particularly by assessing legacy applications for cloud readiness and opportunities to enhance interoperability. Furthermore, defining technical reference models and creating reusable solution components helps to drive standardization and minimize duplication throughout the organization.

(20%) Responsible for translating business objectives and requirements into secure, scalable, and sustainable technical solutions. This involves designing and documenting end-to-end architectures that integrate on-premises, cloud, and hybrid environments. The architect collaborates closely with Business Architects, Technical Product Managers, and Solution Architects to ensure application designs are aligned with business capabilities and data strategies. Additionally, the role ensures that all solutions comply with accessibility, cybersecurity, and performance requirements.

(20%) Guides major initiatives by leading technical reviews, orchestrating design sessions, and overseeing project activities. This position provides expert advice to development teams on the implementation of architecture patterns, frameworks, and industry best practices, ensuring solutions are robust and aligned with organizational goals. Additionally, the architect offers recommendations for selecting technologies, platforms, and vendors that best meet project requirements while balancing cost-effectiveness. By supporting the adoption of DevSecOps and automation practices, the architect helps enhance delivery efficiency and maintain compliance across development processes.

(15%) Responsible for embedding security-by-design and privacy-by-default principles throughout all application architectures. This role ensures strict adherence to state cybersecurity policies, federal data exchange standards, and NIST frameworks. The architect designs and implements solutions that support secure data exchange and interoperability among agencies and external partners. Additionally, the architect works collaboratively with Information Security Officers and Infrastructure teams to identify and mitigate risks, thereby enhancing system resilience.

(10%) Collaborating with business and IT stakeholders, the Application Architect works to thoroughly understand program objectives and effectively translate these goals into actionable technology outcomes. The architect partners closely with enterprise architects, data architects, and integration teams to ensure all initiatives are fully aligned with statewide architectural principles. In addition, the role involves contributing to the creation and refinement of multi-year application modernization roadmaps and migration strategies that drive organizational progress. Clear communication of architectural decisions and the rationale behind technical trade-offs is essential, with information presented in a way that is accessible to both executive leaders and technical teams.

(5%) Performs other responsibilities as needed to advance the agency’s enterprise data modernization strategy, ensuring flexibility and comprehensive support for evolving organizational priorities.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):

•       Deep expertise in designing and modernizing large-scale, resilient applications, focusing on cloud-native architecture principles (e.g., microservices, event-driven, serverless) and effective legacy system modernization strategies.

•       Expert proficiency in architecting solutions across leading cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP), specifically leveraging their native services for compute, networking, security, and data.

•       Mastery in implementing robust API-driven, service-oriented, and microservices architectures, including API gateway management, service mesh technologies, and security best practices for public and private APIs.

•       Proficiency in designing solutions using modern development stacks (Java, .NET, Node.js, Python, or Golang) and leveraging DevOps/GitOps principles for continuous delivery and Infrastructure-as-Code (IaC).

•       Skilled in using industry-standard architecture modeling tools (e.g., ArchiMate, Sparx EA, or similar) to document and communicate architectural decisions effectively.

•       Experience in designing effective hybrid and multi-cloud integration models that balance enterprise standards with project agility.

•       Strong working knowledge of state and public sector IT environments, including an understanding of procurement processes and unique regulatory requirements.

•       Familiarity with critical federal and state cybersecurity and risk management frameworks (e.g., NIST 800-53, FISMA, FedRAMP, CMMC), and experience designing compliant systems.

•       Knowledge of enterprise data exchange standards relevant to the public sector (e.g., NIEM, HL7, FHIR) and experience with modern messaging/middleware technologies for secure data interoperability.

•       Exceptional problem-solving, analytical, and decision-making abilities with a proven track record of guiding cross-functional teams to consensus on complex architectural challenges.

•       Adept at balancing enterprise standards with project agility to drive technical innovation while maintaining governance and security.

•       Effective communicator and technical leader, capable of presenting complex architecture roadmaps and technical concepts to both executive stakeholders and development teams.

•       Ability to evaluate and modernize legacy applications for scalability, interoperability, and security.

•       Ability to assess trade-offs between technology, cost, and long-term maintainability.

•       Ability to lead cross-functional architecture initiatives across agencies or divisions.

•       Ability to present architectural recommendations clearly to executive decision-makers.

•       Ability to drive alignment between business, data, and technical domains.

•       Ability to stay current with evolving public sector technology trends, including zero-trust security, cloud migration, and shared platforms.

•       Skill in solving problems; in scheduling, testing, installing, and implementing programs; and in troubleshooting computer systems.

•       Ability to analyze systems and procedures, to write and revise standards and procedures, and to communicate effectively.

•       Ability to oversee and/or supervise the work of others.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

Certifications such as TOGAF, AWS/Azure Certified Solutions Architect, or Certified Software Architect are preferred.

Initial Screening Criteria:

Bachelor's degree in computer science, Information Systems, or related field (or equivalent experience on a year for year basis).

10+ years of experience in application design and development, including 5+ years in a lead or architecture role.

Experience in enterprise modernization, system integration, and cloud transformation.

Additional Information:

Any employment offer is contingent upon available budgeted funds. The offered salary will be determined in accordance with budgetary limits and the requirements of HHSC Human Resources Manual.

• Selected candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. without sponsorship.

• This is a hybrid position based in Austin with at least three (3) days in the office required. Selected candidate must be willing to commute to the office on the required days. 

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Active Duty, Military, Reservists, Guardsmen, and Veterans:

Military occupation(s) that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position may include, but not limited to those listed in this posting. All active-duty military, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if qualified to fill this position. For more information please see the Texas State Auditor’s Job Descriptions, Military Crosswalk and Military Crosswalk Guide at Texas State Auditor's Office - Job Descriptions.

ADA Accommodations:

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), HHSC and DSHS agencies will provide reasonable accommodation during the hiring and selection process for qualified individuals with a disability. If you need assistance completing the on-line application, contact the HHS Employee Service Center at 1-888-894-4747. If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodation to participate in the interview process, please notify the person scheduling the interview.

Pre-Employment Checks and Work Eligibility:

Depending on the program area and position requirements, applicants selected for hire may be required to pass background and other due diligence checks.

HHSC uses E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work. Download the I-9 Form

Telework Disclaimer:

This position may be eligible for telework.  Please note, all HHS positions are subject to state and agency telework policies in addition to the discretion of the direct supervisor and business needs.