Lead Digital Innovation: Principal IT Solutions Architect at the SBA
The Small Business Administration (SBA) is at the forefront of powering the American dream. As the federal government's primary advocate for small businesses, the agency requires top-tier technical leadership to navigate an increasingly complex digital landscape. We are currently looking for a seasoned IT Specialist (Principal IT Solutions Architect) to join our team in Washington, D.C. If you are an architect with a passion for cloud-native modernization and strategic IT design, this role offers the perfect blend of technical challenge and public service impact.
Job Responsibilities
As the Principal IT Solutions Architect (GS-15), you will be the recognized senior authority for enterprise design within the agency. Your responsibilities include:
- Strategic Advisory: Providing high-level guidance to senior agency officials on the integration of complex IT programs.
- Framework Development: Defining and maintaining enterprise reference architectures, including the use of ADRs and reusable design patterns.
- Investment Planning: Building technical roadmaps, business cases, and total-cost-of-ownership models to inform executive decision-making.
- Emerging Tech Research: Monitoring threats and new technologies (like AI and legacy cloud vulnerabilities) to ensure the SBA remains secure and performant.
Requirements
To be eligible for this senior role, you must meet the following criteria:
- Specialized Experience: One year of experience equivalent to the GS-14 level, encompassing strategic architecture, cloud engineering (AWS/Azure), and modernization practices.
- Education: No degree substitution is allowed for this grade level.
- Assessment: Completion of the USA Hire Competency Based Assessment.
| Feature | Requirement Detail |
|---|---|
| Grade | GS-15 |
| Location | Washington, D.C. |
| Salary | $169,279 - $197,200 per year |
| Security Level | High Risk (HR) |
Salary Overview & Benefits
This position is compensated at the GS-15 pay scale, offering a highly competitive salary range of $169,279 to $197,200 annually. Beyond the salary, employees enjoy the comprehensive federal benefits package, including robust health insurance options, life insurance, a generous retirement plan, and significant paid time off.
Application Tips
- Be Detailed: Ensure your resume explicitly addresses the specialized experience requirements. We cannot assume experience that isn't clearly documented.
- Formatting: Keep your resume to a maximum of 2 pages and remove all photographs.
- Verify Uploads: Simply uploading to USAJOBS is not enough; confirm that each document is attached to your specific application before the cutoff.
Serving as a Principal IT Solutions Architect at the SBA is a career-defining opportunity. You will manage the technical backbone of an agency that touches every community in America. Apply today to bring your architecture expertise to the federal sector.
Why This It Specialist (Principal It Solutions Architect) Job Matters
Step into a leadership role as a Principal IT Solutions Architect at the SBA and drive the digital modernization powering American entrepreneurship.
It Specialist (Principal It Solutions Architect) Job Overview
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is seeking a visionary IT Specialist (Principal IT Solutions Architect) for the Office of the Chief Information Officer in Washington, D.C. This pivotal role involves leading cloud-native modernization, defining enterprise architecture frameworks, and providing strategic guidance to senior officials to support the agency's mission of fostering economic growth across the nation.
Requirements for It Specialist (Principal It Solutions Architect)
- One year of specialized experience at the GS-14 level or equivalent.
- Expertise in providing strategic architecture advice on complex IT programs using modern cloud practices (AWS, Azure, microservices, APIs, DevSecOps).
- Proven experience defining and maintaining enterprise reference architectures, architectural decision records (ADRs), and technology-selection frameworks.
- Must be a U.S. Citizen.
- Completion of a 1-year probationary or 2-year trial period.
- Registration with the Selective Service System if born after Dec 31, 1959 (for male applicants).
Preferred Qualifications for It Specialist (Principal It Solutions Architect)
- Advanced knowledge of Federal Enterprise Architecture frameworks.
- Experience with AWS/Azure Well-Architected and Cloud Adoption Frameworks.
- Proficiency in predictive analytics, Model-Based Systems Engineering, and Apache Kafka.
- Strong skills in building business cases and total-cost-of-ownership models.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive Federal Salary
- ✓Comprehensive Health and Insurance Plans
- ✓Federal Retirement Benefits
- ✓Paid Leave and Federal Holidays
- ✓Potential for Telework opportunities
- ✓Professional Development and Training
💡 How to Apply It Specialist (Principal It Solutions Architect) Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for It Specialist (Principal It Solutions Architect) Job
- Submit your resume (max 2 pages) and online application via USAJOBS.
- Complete the mandatory online questionnaire.
- Participate in the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments if notified.
- Verify all required documentation is uploaded and legible before the deadline.
💡 General Tips
- Tailor your resume to specifically highlight the required specialized experience in architecture frameworks.
- Ensure your resume includes your full address, telephone number, and email.
- If using volunteer experience, clearly state the hours worked per week.
- Set aside at least 3 hours for the USA Hire assessment once invited.
- Double-check that all uploaded documents are visible in your application package before submitting.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this role?
The role centers on leading cloud-native modernization, defining enterprise architecture standards, and advising senior leadership on IT investments within the SBA.
Is a security clearance required?
This position is designated as High Risk (HR), and while a formal clearance is not specifically listed as 'Required', a background investigation and favorable adjudication are mandatory.
Can I use education as a substitute for experience?
No, there is no education substitution for this GS-15 grade level.
Job from Small Business Administration
The SBA has supported America's small businesses for over 70 years. From access to capital and federal contracts to expert guidance and disaster recovery assistance, our mission is to strengthen the economic fabric of the nation. By joining the Office of the Chief Information Officer (OCIO), you will be instrumental in building the infrastructure that allows entrepreneurs to start, grow, and expand their businesses efficiently.