Solutions Architect

About the role

IT Specialist (APPSW) Solutions Architect positions are being filled through the Office of Personnel Management's delegated Direct Hire Authority, open to all U.S. citizens. Selections made under this bulletin will be processed as new appointments to the civil service. Current civil service employees would, therefore, be given new appointments to the civil service.

Under the provisions of the Direct Hire Authority, Veterans Preference and the "Rule of Many" do not apply.

What you will do

• This announcement serves as public notice.
• Applications submitted be placed into a pool and will remain on file for selection as positions become available.
• Vacancies may be filled for up to 6 months after the closing date of this announcement.
• Applicants may not receive notifications of referral status until the full 6-month eligibility period has elapsed.
• Positions filled with applications from this pool will be placed into positions where artificial intelligence duties occupy the majority of the work performed.

How you will be evaluated

Duties Design, architect, and maintain enterprise-grade solutions using modern technologies and frameworks, including Java, Spring Boot, React, and Node.js. Develop and implement architectural standards, patterns, and best practices for scalable, secure, and high-performance applications.

Lead the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) capabilities-including generative AI, agentic AI, and predictive analytics-into solution architectures to drive automation, efficiency, and innovation. Lead the integration of cloud platforms, generative AI, and agentic AI into solution architectures to drive automation, efficiency, and innovation.

Architect and oversee the integration of database technologies such as DB2, Oracle, Postgres, and SQL Server to support robust data management. Collaborate with business analysts, developers, and stakeholders to translate business requirements into technical architectures. Ensure architectural compliance with federal security, privacy, and data governance standards.

Prepare and maintain architectural documentation, including system diagrams, specifications, and user guides. Participate in code and design reviews, ensuring quality, security, and alignment with enterprise standards. Support system migration, modernization, and digital transformation initiatives.

Mentor and guide technical teams, fostering a culture of excellence and continuous improvement. Stay current with advancements in AI/ML technologies and recommend innovative solutions to enhance SSA's digital services. The evaluation you receive is based on your responses to the online assessment questions completed during the application process.

Please make sure you answer all questions and follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect your evaluation. Information not specifically stated in your resume cannot be assumed.

Information that is copied or restated language from the vacancy announcement or rating criteria will not be considered. If this occurs, you may be found ineligible. You may be asked to take an online technical assessment test as part of the application process.

The technical assessment will come from a third party called CodeSignal, a widely used coding assessment platform that has been adopted and validated by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) for federal IT hiring. This assessment is a live coding exercise completed in a proctored online environment.

The assessment is designed to evaluate practical programming skills relevant to the position. If you receive an email to take the CodeSignal assessment, this assessment is one component of our evaluation process, not the sole determining factor. Your application, resume, and other qualifications remain an important part of our review.

Documents you must provide

• Your resume showing work schedule, hours worked per week, dates of employment and duties performed.
• Other documents supporting qualifications and/or preference, if applicable.
• Resumes exceeding two pages will not be considered.
• To be considered, your resume must: Clearly demonstrate your qualifications for the position Include your contact information We recommend using a clear, easy-to-read format and focusing on information most relevant to the job announcement.
• You must also submit ALL supporting documentation by the closing date of the vacancy announcement to claim certain types of preference.
• INTERAGENCY CAREER TRANSITION ASSISTANCE PLAN (ICTAP): ICTAP provides eligible displaced Federal competitive service employees with selection priority for competitive service vacancies.
• To receive selection priority, candidates must meet the requirements for the Well Qualified.
• Well-qualified is defined as having knowledge, skills, and abilities that clearly exceed the minimum qualification requirements for the position.
• Candidates must also provide: proof of eligibility with your application.
• Such proof may include a copy of your written notification of ICTAP eligibility or a copy of your separation Notice of Personnel Action, (SF-50); and proof of your most recent performance rating of at least "fully successful" (Level III) or equivalent.
• For more information visit ***
• Veteran's preference does not apply under this Direct Hire Authority for these positions.
• Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.

What to expect next

Once you have successfully submitted your application materials, you can expect to receive an email notifications acknowledging receipt of your application. The hiring office will contact candidates directly for interviews. Interviews may be conducted via video conferencing software, if technically feasible.

To check the status of your application or return to a previous or incomplete application, log in to your USAJOBS account, select Application Status, and click on the more information link under the application status for this position.

Additional information

See announcement cutoff dates below under How To Apply. Are you ready to design the digital solutions that power America's future? The Social Security Administration's technology team is seeking Solution Architects to lead the development of robust, scalable, and secure applications that serve over 330 million Americans.

Whether you're a seasoned architect with deep expertise in modern platforms or an early-career professional eager to master solution architecture, this is your opportunity to shape mission-critical systems at a national scale. Forget everything you think you know about solution architecture-this is your chance to be at the forefront of a historic modernization effort.

As a Solution Architect at SSA, you'll help reimagine and transform a portfolio of more than 4,000 mission-critical applications, bringing them into the future with modern technologies and innovative design. This is an unparalleled opportunity to drive real change, streamline operations, and deliver smarter, more efficient digital services to millions of Americans.

Your expertise will be key in shaping the next generation of government technology, making a lasting impact on how we serve the public. You will also play a pivotal role in leveraging Artificial Intelligence (AI) to enhance automation, data-driven decision-making, and user experiences across our digital platforms.

If you're ready to take your career to the next level-whether you're a proven expert or an ambitious learner-apply today and discover how powerful and rewarding solution architecture can be as you help us build the future of digital government services! Recruitment Incentive may be authorized. Outstationing may be available at the GS-15 level.

Additional selections may be made for this vacancy six months from the closing date of this announcement. This Direct Hire announcement may be used to fill the same or similar position in another office.

Selective Service: If you are a male applicant born after December 31, 1959, you must certify that you have registered with the Selective Service System or are exempt from having to do so under the Selective Service Law. See ***

As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you may be required to serve a 1-year probationary period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest.

In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider: - your performance and conduct; - the needs and interests of the agency; - whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and - whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service.

Upon completion of your probationary period your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.