Solutions Architect

JobSummary

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.

LowGrade

14

HighGrade

15

PromotionPotential

None

SubAgencyName

Chief Information Officer (CIO)

OrganizationCodes

OT/SZ00

Relocation

False

HiringPath

• fed-transition
• public

MCOTags

• TechToGov

TotalOpenings

Many

AgencyMarketingStatement

Do you have a desire to: help SSA manage its Social Security programs? analyze and solve problems? help and advise millions of retired and disabled individuals? work on a team to make a difference in people's lives and your own? Join SSA, one of the Best Places to Work in the Federal Government!

TravelCode

0

ApplyOnlineUrl

https://apply.usastaffing.gov/Application/Apply

DetailStatusUrl

https://apply.usastaffing.gov/Application/ApplicationStatus

MajorDuties

• 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.

Education

Requirements

Evaluations

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.

HowToApply

Please read the entire announcement and all the instructions before you begin an application. To apply for this position, you must complete the initial online application, to include submission of the required documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on the closing date of the announcement to receive consideration. The application process is as follows: To begin the application process, click the Apply Online button. Answer the questions presented in the application and attach all necessary supporting documentation. Click the Submit Application button prior to 11:59PM (ET) on the cutoff date or announcement closing date. Announcement cutoff dates: 2/12/26 2/19/26 2/26/26 3/05/26 3/12/26 3/19/26 3/26/26 4/02/26 4/09/26 4/16/26 4/23/26 4/30/26 5/07/26 5/14/26 5/21/26 5/28/26 6/04/26 6/11/26 6/18/26 6/25/26 7/02/26 7/09/26 7/16/26 7/23/26 8/05/26 You may update your application, including supporting documentation, at any time during the announcement open period by returning to your USAJOBS account. There you will find a record of your application, the application status, and an option to Update Application. This option will no longer be available once the announcement has closed. To verify the status of your application both during and after the announcement open period, log into your USAJOBS account. All of your applications will appear on the Welcome page. The application record in your USAJOBS account provides an Additional Application Information page that provides information regarding the documentation you submitted and any correspondence we have sent related to this application. The Application Status will appear along with the date your application was last updated. For information on what each Application Status means, visit https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/how-to/application/status/. If you use assistive software or an adaptive device, or you are experiencing some other type of technical difficulty and/or otherwise require assistance with the application process, please contact Careers@ssa.gov. Individuals with disabilities may also call us via Federal Relay using the (voice) contact telephone provided. Due to our security procedures, our office will not accept any applications submitted via email or standard mail. The email address is listed only for inquiries about the position or the How to Apply process.

WhatToExpectNext

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.

RequiredDocuments

To apply for this position, you must submit a complete Application Package which includes: 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 http://www.opm.gov/rif/employee_guides/career_transition.asp. 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.

Benefits

BenefitsUrl

https://www.opm.gov/healthcare-insurance/Guide-Me/New-Prospective-Employees/

OtherInformation

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 www.sss.gov. 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.

KeyRequirements

WithinArea

False

CommuteDistance

0

ServiceType

01

AnnouncementClosingType

01

AgencyContactEmail

Careers@ssa.gov

SecurityClearance

Not Required

DrugTestRequired

False

PositionSensitivitiy

High Risk (HR)

AdjudicationType

• Suitability/Fitness