Become a Senior IT Solutions Architect at the Small Business Administration
Are you ready to influence the digital future of a federal agency dedicated to powering the American dream? The Small Business Administration (SBA) is currently hiring for a Senior IT Solutions Architect. This is an exceptional opportunity for a seasoned technical expert to drive innovation, improve cloud-native capabilities, and shape the infrastructure that supports entrepreneurs across the country.
Job Responsibilities
As a Senior IT Solutions Architect, you will wear many hats, serving as both a technical authority and a strategic advisor. Your core responsibilities include:
- Strategic Leadership: Acting as a trusted advisor to the Director and senior program leadership regarding architecture and modernization.
- Infrastructure Design: Creating robust network and systems architecture spanning on-premise, hybrid, and cloud environments (AWS/Azure).
- Modernization: Implementing event-driven, streaming, and container-based architectures.
- Financial Planning: Developing business cases, TCO (Total Cost of Ownership) assessments, and performance measures.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration: Representing the agency in technical discussions with vendors and partner offices.
Comparison: Modernization Focus
| Feature | Current State | Future State (Architect's Goal) |
|---|---|---|
| Infrastructure | Legacy / On-Prem | Cloud-Native / Hybrid |
| Architecture | Monolithic | Microservices / API-Driven |
| Security | Traditional Perimeter | Zero Trust Model |
Requirements
To qualify for this GS-14 position, you must demonstrate one year of specialized experience at the GS-13 level or the private sector equivalent. This experience must show your ability to serve as a technical advisor in enterprise architecture. You must also prove your skills in designing secure systems and defending complex technical roadmaps.
Salary Overview
This position offers a competitive salary range of $143,913 to $187,093 per year, commensurate with federal GS-14 pay standards.
Benefits
Employees of the SBA enjoy a comprehensive federal benefits package, including:
- Health, dental, and vision insurance options.
- Retirement savings via the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
- Paid annual leave, sick leave, and federal holidays.
- Professional growth and training opportunities within the federal ecosystem.
Application Tips
- Tailor Your Resume: Be specific about how your experience aligns with the required competencies. Avoid generic descriptions.
- USA Hire Prep: The USA Hire assessment is a mandatory step. Plan for a 3-hour block to complete this without distractions.
- Documentation: Double-check that all required SF-50 forms and transcripts are uploaded correctly before the deadline.
If you are a seasoned architect seeking to use your skills for the public good, the SBA offers a career path that is both challenging and rewarding. Apply today to lead the technological modernization of the agency that supports America’s small businesses.
Why This It Specialist (Senior It Solutions Architect) Job Matters
Architect the future of digital infrastructure at the U.S. Small Business Administration—where your technical expertise fuels the American dream.
It Specialist (Senior It Solutions Architect) Job Overview
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is seeking a visionary Senior IT Solutions Architect to join the Office of the Chief Information Officer. In this role, you will act as a primary technical advisor, driving cloud-native modernization and enterprise-wide architecture strategies. You will design, secure, and maintain scalable infrastructure, ensuring our systems effectively empower small businesses nationwide. If you thrive on solving complex technical challenges and shaping the technological landscape of a mission-critical federal agency, we invite you to apply.
Requirements for It Specialist (Senior It Solutions Architect)
- One year of specialized experience at the GS-13 level or equivalent in the private or public sector.
- Expertise in enterprise solutions architecture, systems engineering, and cloud modernization.
- Proven experience designing/maintaining on-premise, hybrid, and cloud infrastructure (AWS/Azure).
- Proficiency in translating business requirements into technical architecture including APIs, Zero Trust, and data platforms.
- Ability to develop business cases, cost-benefit analyses, and modernization roadmaps.
- Experience ensuring alignment with FISMA, NIST, and FedRAMP cybersecurity standards.
- Must be a U.S. citizen.
- Male applicants born after 1959 must be registered with the Selective Service.
Preferred Qualifications for It Specialist (Senior It Solutions Architect)
- Experience with containerization and microservices platforms.
- Deep understanding of event-driven and streaming architectures.
- Demonstrated ability to defend complex technical recommendations to senior executive leadership.
- Experience supporting IT governance and major federal acquisitions.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive federal salary and advancement potential.
- ✓Health and life insurance options.
- ✓Comprehensive retirement planning (FERS).
- ✓Opportunities for professional development.
- ✓Potential for telework arrangements.
- ✓Paid federal holidays and leave benefits.
💡 How to Apply It Specialist (Senior It Solutions Architect) Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for It Specialist (Senior It Solutions Architect) Job
- Review the full vacancy announcement details on the official portal.
- Prepare a resume that is no longer than 2 pages, highlighting specialized experience.
- Apply online and complete the required occupational questionnaire.
- Submit all necessary supporting documentation, such as SF-50s if a current federal employee.
- Monitor email for an invitation to complete the USA Hire Competency-Based Assessments within 48 hours of receipt.
- Submit the full package before the closing date of September 16, 2026.
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your resume specifically addresses the required specialized experience; do not assume the hiring team knows your background.
- Proofread your resume to ensure it contains all required information, including dates and hours worked for part-time roles.
- Set aside at least 3 hours for the USA Hire assessment, as it is a critical component of the application process.
- Use the 'Update Application' feature in your account if you need to adjust materials before the deadline.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a security clearance required for this role?
A formal security clearance is not required, but the position is designated as Moderate Risk and will be subject to a background investigation.
Can I substitute education for the specialized experience?
No, there is no education substitution for this specific grade level.
Is remote work available?
The position is based in Washington, D.C., but telework may be available consistent with SBA policy and agency needs.
What is the primary location for this job?
This position is located in Washington, D.C.
Can I apply if I am not a current federal employee?
Yes, the position is open to various hiring paths including competitive service candidates and those with disability eligibility.
Job from Small Business Administration
For over 70 years, the SBA has served as the backbone of the American economy. From disaster recovery to capital access and federal contracting, the SBA provides the essential tools businesses need to succeed. As part of the Office of the Chief Information Officer (OCIO), you will work in a high-stakes environment where your architectural decisions directly impact millions of stakeholders.