Lead Solutions Architect

Requirements

MDW Associates is looking for an experienced Lead Solutions Architect to join our team, preferably in our Memphis, Tennessee office, though hybrid or remote arrangements will be considered. This role requires a blend of technical expertise and strong leadership skills to collaborate with both internal and external teams in developing scalable, innovative solutions. The Lead Solutions Architect will lead the transition of USPS's Mainframe AEC and AEC II systems to a cloud-based architecture. This position demands strong leadership, knowledge of legacy system modernization, cloud technologies, and API development, as well as a deep understanding of AEC and AEC II services. The ideal candidate will serve as a hands-on consultant, guiding project direction to ensure the new system meets all functional requirements while aligning with USPS's goals for innovation and efficiency. The Lead Solutions Architect may perform a combination of some or all of the following duties:

The Lead Solutions Architect may perform some or all of the following essential job functions including, but not limited to:

• Project Leadership: Lead the planning, design, and execution of the AEC/AEC II system transition project.
• Team Leadership: Guide and mentor a team of developers and engineers throughout the project lifecycle.
• System Analysis: Gain an understanding of the existing COBOL-based systems, including all functionalities, data structures, and processes. Evaluate customer issues and make educated decisions on technologies, tools and the overall delivery strategy.
• Architecture Design: Develop a scalable, secure, and resilient system architecture on AWS, incorporating necessary AWS services (e.g., EC2, Lambda, S3, RDS).
• API Development: Define and oversee the implementation of RESTful APIs that replicate and enhance the functionalities of the existing AEC and AEC II systems.
• Stakeholder Collaboration: Work closely with USPS stakeholders, including technical teams and business units, to gather requirements and ensure alignment. Collaborate with operations, technical and business development managers, and ECS Centers of Excellence on key architectural components of large solutions. Successfully communicate to customers, contract program managers, industry partners, and ECS senior management.
• Data Migration Strategy: Develop strategies for data transformation and migration from legacy Mainframe systems to the new cloud-based solution.
• Compliance and Security: Ensure that all solutions comply with USPS policies, federal regulations, and industry best practices for security and data protection.
• Risk Management: Identify potential risks and develop mitigation strategies to ensure project success.
• Documentation: Produce comprehensive documentation, including architectural diagrams, technical specifications, and user guides.
  
  

Required Experience/Skills

• Minimum of 10 years of experience in IT solutions architecture and system integration.
• 8 years of software development tools and methodologies experience.
• Proven experience with legacy system migrations, preferably COBOL-based systems to modern platforms.
• Proven experience leading cross-functional teams on enterprise software projects.
• Extensive experience with AWS cloud services and cloud architecture best practices.
• Strong background in API design and development, especially RESTful APIs utilizing Spring Boot in a Java environment.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills across internal and external organizations.
• Ability to prioritize and manage several projects / priorities simultaneously; able to be hands-on as well as strategic.
  
  

Technical Skills

• Proficiency in modern programming languages such as Java, Python, or C#.
• Familiarity with mainframe systems and COBOL codebase.
• Experience with data migration tools and ETL processes.
• Knowledge of database systems (e.g., Amazon RDS, DynamoDB).
• Understanding of infrastructure as code (IaC) tools like AWS CloudFormation.
  
  

Soft Skills

• Excellent leadership and project management abilities.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Effective communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams.
  
  

Certifications (preferred)

• AWS Certified Solutions Architect - Professional
• PMP Certification
  
  

Desired Skills

• Knowledge of USPS operations, particularly address correction services, is highly desirable.
• Familiarity with addressing standards and USPS-specific protocols.
  
  

Education Requirements

• Master's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field.
  
  

Security Requirements

• Public Trust - Candidates for this position must be submitted for a background investigation in order to satisfy government requirements
  
  

Company Description

Incorporated in 2012, MDW is a small business headquartered in Tysons, VA with employees in various locations in the United States. We provide Federal government clients with consulting, management services, advisory and assistance services, decision support, strategic planning, process planning and improvement, task execution and metrics analysis. Our mission is to make our clients more successful by providing honest assessments, exceptional analysis, prudent advice, direct communication, and hard work.

Our Core Capabilities Include

• Strategic Planning
• Cost Estimating
• Budget Formulation & Funds Execution
• Data Analysis
• Acquisition Management
• Financial Systems Support & Integration
  
  

MDW Associates, LLC ("MDW") is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, marital status, covered veteran status, mental or physical disability, pregnancy or any other unlawful basis unrelated to the ability to do the job. MDW seeks to employ talented, ethical, and entrepreneurial-minded persons. Our applicants and employees are protected from discrimination as required by Federal law.

Additional Information

We offer a competitive and comprehensive benefits and compensation package for our employees, including but not limited to:

• Health
• Dental
• Vision
• Group Life Insurance/Long Term Disability/Short Term Disability
• Retirement/401(k)
• Flexible Leave Policy
  
  

All of your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.