Systems 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: Systems Architect 
Job Title: Systems Analyst VI 
Agency: Health & Human Services Comm 
Department: MMIS Staff APD Internal 75/25 
Posting Number: 10106 
Closing Date: 01/07/2026 
Posting Audience: Internal and External 
Occupational Category: Computer and Mathematical 
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-27 
Salary Range: $7,015.16 - $11,864.50 
Pay Frequency: Monthly
Shift: Day 
Additional Shift:  
Telework:  
Travel:  
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 
 
 

The System Architect reports to the Director of Medicaid/CHIP Contracted IT Oversight and supports a team that oversees the delivery of product enhancements.  The selected individual will perform technical analysis and contract oversight of HHSC third party information technology systems in support of Texas Medicaid and CHIP programs. The candidate will routinely interact with business users and contracted IT representatives. This position will ensure contractor systems meet agency information technology directives, plans, goals, and contract requirements for Medicaid/CHIP programs including, but not limited to, Vendor Drug, Acute and Long-Term Care. This position participates in planning, definition and high-level design of the solution while actively participating in continuous discovery, especially with enabler Epics. The System Architect is responsible for understanding the solution and ensuring efficient integration points with all products.  This may include identification, development, input into, or validation of a solution.  Assumes a strategic role which ensures all aspects of the architectural runway are properly planned and communicated. This position helps to establish vision and direction with regard to the system architecture.  Will work closely with the Release Train Engineer to achieve efficiency for the Agile Release Train and Program Increment (PI) Planning. May identify specific non-functional requirements that must be considered as part of PI planning.  Works under minimal direction with extensive latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. 

Must be willing to work onsite at an Austin, TX HHS office three (3), or more, days per week. 

Essential Job Functions (EJFs):

• Attends work on a regular and predictable schedule in accordance with agency leave policy and performs other duties as assigned.
• Oversees and evaluates vendor architecture including PI plans, enabler epics, non-functional requirements, subsystems, interfaces, story documentation, test scenarios, functional designs and Testing results to ensure consistency with requirements and established standards, policies, and procedures. Develops strategies for resolving deficiencies or deviations in the deliverables from program area goals and expected outcomes and provides recommendations to project team. Develops business and system requirements, user stories and architecture runway. [30%]
• Provides day-to-day management support of a team of Delivery Product Managers who will coordinate with internal and external stakeholders for delivery on the product backlogs.   [20%]
• Serves as voice of MMIS IT System Architecture in all program-level planning activities. Participates in PI planning, solution demos, and Inspect and Adapt (I&A) events.  Ensures program/architecture requirements are being met and value is being delivered. Oversees various vendor product tracking systems to ensure architecture strategy, enabler epic definition and any associated acceptance criteria are well defined, measurable and deliverable. [20%]
• Analyzes, documents and reports on the IT component of projects with emphasis on identification of risk factors and develops mitigation strategies. Compares architectural runway schedule, which supports new features, with current progress. Identifies risks and issues and reports any change or impact to the PI. Ensures vendors are reporting accurate metrics and are operating within established procedures. Provides status updates on the PI and responds to questions from management. [10%]
• Leads workgroups to prepare, define and develop procedures or processes to comply with established policies. Identifies gaps in established processes and collaborates with agency staff to make recommendations for their closure. Provides recommendations on improving process workflows in the operation of the Texas Medicaid Managed Information System (MMIS). [10%]
• Coordinates with project stakeholders to support continuous delivery of value in accordance with established standards, policies, and procedures to ensure operational, technical and system support requirements are met. Develops mitigation plans when risks associated with scope, cost or resources are discussed during status meetings to ensure project stakeholders are aware of possible issues. [10%]

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):

• Knowledge of the capabilities and limitations of computer systems and of the techniques used in automated systems
• Knowledge of computer hardware and software
• Knowledge of computer operating systems
• Advanced knowledge of multiple computer-based systems, information technology management, and systems development methodologies including programming languages, systems analysis, and system testing.  Must understand the relationships between agency systems as related to provider enrollment, client eligibility, and claims payment, including the multiple technologies supporting these complex systems.
• Knowledge of Medicaid and/or CHIP Program and Policy.
• Skill in providing leadership and managing personnel in a team environment
• Skill in communicating issues and coordinating oversight across multiple cross-functional divisions. 
• Skill in monitoring and reporting on the status of large-scale technical solutions
• Skill in Agile Methodology
• Skill in ensuring systems meet business user requirements
• Skill in coordinating and solving problems
• Skill in communicating effectively both verbally and in writing with technical and non-technical staff
• Skill in reviewing technical requirements and ensuring vendor is using best practices and technology

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe) Architecture Certification preferred 

Initial Screening Criteria:

• Experience working with Texas Medicaid/CHIP programs required. 
• Four (4) or more years of experience is required in the areas of customer relationship, product management, product development, product ownership, project management, leading technical initiatives, systems analysis, business analysis, policy analysis, program support, business process analysis, or legislative bill analysis.
• A minimum of 4 years equivalent (120 credit hours) from an accredited college or university with major coursework in business, communications, computer science, computer information systems, management information systems, or another business or IT related field is preferred. Work experience in business, communications, computer science, computer information systems, management information systems, or another business or IT related field can be substituted for education on a year-for-year basis.
• Prior experience working with external vendors preferred. 
• Prior experience with Agile principles preferred. 

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.
• Selected candidate must be willing to work from an HHS office located in Austin, designated by the hiring manager. 

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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.