Software Architect

Join the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) and be part of a team committed to creating a positive impact in the lives of fellow Texans. At HHSC, your contributions matter, and we support you at each stage of your life and work journey. Our comprehensive benefits package includes 100% paid employee health insurance for full-time eligible employees, a defined benefit pension plan, generous time off benefits, numerous opportunities for career advancement and more. Explore more details on the Benefits of Working at HHS webpage.

Functional Title: Software Architect

Job Title: Systems Analyst VI

Agency: Health & Human Services Comm

Department: Public Hlth Services Appl-425

Posting Number: 17715

Closing Date: 07/05/2026

Posting Audience: Internal and External

Occupational Category: Computer and Mathematical

Salary Range: $7,015.16 - $9,416.66

Pay Frequency: Monthly

Salary Group: TEXAS-B-27

Shift: Day

Additional Shift: Days (First)

Telework:

Travel:

Regular/Temporary: Regular

Full Time/Part Time: Full time

FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Exempt

Facility Location:

Job Location City: AUSTIN

Job Location Address: 701 W 51ST ST

Other Locations:

MOS Codes: 0171,8848,8858,181X,182X,1D7X1,255A,255S,25B,25D,25H,26B,62E,681X,682X,781X,CTI,CTM,CTR,CYB10,CYB11

ISM,IT,Z Prefix

Brief Job Description:

This position is open to U.S. Citizens and permanent residents.

This hybrid role requires the selected candidate to work from an HHS office in Austin, Texas.

Design software solutions from the ground up, make high-level decisions about each stage of the SDLC process, and lead a team of engineers to create products or solutions utilizing various enterprise level resources in Health and Human Services (HHS) agencies. The position has considerable latitude for the use of independent judgment and performs highly advanced senior level analysis and development of both complex business process and system solutions. Operates as a liaison, analyzes user requirements and business processes, and advises Public Health Application leadership on designs, fixes, and enhancements. Performs advanced, senior level technology architecture work in support of HHS projects. Works closely with the other application development teams, business stakeholders and other vendor partners. Hands on software development and utilizes Agile development practices and works together with teams in support of application enhancements.

Develops strategic plans for enterprise level products and solutions. Functions as a software architect working with other IT divisions in the review/assessment of solutions proposed for use or implementation at HHS.

Provides application support by assisting technical staff in troubleshooting and diagnosis of problems, including development of resolution strategies on both core and emerging technologies. Serves as the top-level technical expert by creating high-level architectural specifications and addressing problems of systems integration, compatibility.

Essential Job Functions (EJFs):

EJF 1: Provides enterprise technical leadership for complex, multi-stakeholder application initiatives by developing architectural blueprints, evaluating vendor solutions, defining infrastructure and database requirements, and representing IT in architecture governance activities. Leads and mentors technical staff and vendor teams; ensures compliance with agency, DIR, and State of Texas standards; oversees Server administration, disaster recovery planning and testing, automation, and source code management; and drives prioritization, stakeholder communication, and cross-functional coordination to deliver secure, high-quality, and sustainable technology solutions.

EJF 2: Designs, develops, tests, implements, documents and supports complex enterprise application solutions end to end, including but not limited to Commercial Off-The-Shelf (COTS) Laboratory Information Management Systems and associated infrastructure components, by translating business requirements into secure, scalable, and maintainable software. Leads software development efforts; collaborates with cross-functional teams, product stakeholders, and leadership; reviews code and technical deliverables to ensure quality, clarity, and alignment with enterprise standards; troubleshoots and resolves production issues; develops prototypes and evaluates technologies; and coordinates application integration, performance monitoring, and continuous improvement to support operational continuity, system availability, security, and cost-effective delivery. Supports implementation and training teams during system deployments.

EJF3: Participate in audit activities and lead teams successfully through solutions to mitigate, remediate and address audit findings including, but not limited to, overseeing and facilitating audits, rectification of audit findings, and delivery of corrective measures to ensure full compliance. Act as an owner, facilitator, and technology expert in undertaking audit requests as well as ensure audit-readiness at all times by working closely with business stakeholders, infrastructure, security, governance, and development teams.

EJF4: Mentor peers and technical teams. Collaborate with peer teams, quality assurance and end users to produce cutting-edge software solutions. Share their skills and expertise with their staff as well as set a positive example for them. Encourages team members to think creatively as well as keep them motivated. Participate in creation of a team suitable for the scope of the project, assigning duties to the staff, creating a timeline for the project, and performing cost analysis and budgeting functions. Create a roadmap for the analysis, design, programming, testing and deployment for responsible projects.

EJF5: Pursues/participates in continuing education opportunities to enhance both technical and interpersonal skills on new technology trends. Use the knowledge and work on various POCs to improve departments existing applications. Maintaining documentation and repository. Maintains professional and technical knowledge by attending educational workshops; reviewing professional publications; establishing personal networks; participating in professional societies.

EJF 6: Other duties as assigned include but are not limited to actively participating and/or serving in a supporting role to meet the agency's obligations for disaster response and/or recovery or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation. Such participation may require an alternate shift pattern assignment and/or location.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):

Knowledge

• Understanding of enterprise application capabilities and constraints, including the impact of architecture, integrations, and non automated processes on product design and maintainability.
• Systems analysis, application development, and IT infrastructure
• Familiarity with database concepts, including design, security, and data encryption principles
• Enterprise monitoring tools and system performance concepts
• IT security standards, including PHI/PII data protection
• Experience in all aspects of SDLC such as Agile and DevOps
• Working experience with SQL Server or Oracle, T-SQL and Normalized Data Structures
• Knowledge of architectural styles, design patterns and SOLID principles
• Strong understanding of Object Oriented programing concepts and design
• Experience with SOA, Microservices, Cloud native architecture and CI\CD
• Experience with test-driven development in an agile environment
• Thorough understanding of Agile software development methodologies (Scrum, XP), values and procedures
• Experience in conducting or participating in IT audits, penetration testing, SOC2 etc. is highly desirable.
• Knowledge of HIPAA regulations and PHI/PII governance is an added advantage.

Skills

• Skills in Programming, DevOps, Agile Principles. Dev Ops, CI/CD, Scrum etc.
• Skills with hands on experience with Test-driven-development, clean code practices and design patterns.
• Designing, developing, and supporting complex enterprise systems
• Managing Active Directory (AD) groups, configuring file shares and access controls, setting up ODBC connections, and developing technical specifications for configuring firewall rules (FWRs) to support secure and reliable system operations.
• Document management and collaboration using SharePoint
• Python, Bash and PowerShell scripting for automation
• Troubleshooting and resolving system and production issues
• Using source code management systems (e.g., GitHub, GitLab)
• Analyzing system performance and implementing improvements

Abilities

• Lead technical teams and manage multiple priorities
• Develop and document complex system designs
• Communicate effectively with technical and non-technical stakeholders
• Analyze complex problems and implement effective solutions
• Ensure compliance with agency and regulatory standards
• Ability to participate in Code Reviews and brainstorming activities
• Ability interface and interact with PMs & client services clarify requirements and validate design
• Ability to work with requirements gathering teams to understand requirements and provide constructive feedback.
• Ability to analyze, design, document, code, test, implement, and monitor automated processes.
• Ability to manage medium (or larger) sized software development projects.
• Ability to solve complex problems in ambiguous situations, factoring the unknowns.
• Ability to work in a team environment and encourage change.
• Ability to express ideas clearly and concisely, both written and verbal.
• Ability to work independently and to work effectively with others.
• Ability to work effectively with customer, helping to identify and design automated technical solutions.
• Ability to identify, investigate, and resolve production problems. Excellent problem-solving skills
• Ability to train others. Innovative thinker who can drive change across a development organization

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

N/A

Initial Screening Criteria:

Required:

• Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor's or master's degree in computer science, Information Technology, or a related field
• 8-10 years of hands-on IT experience, including systems analysis, application development, and IT infrastructure support
• Experience with managing AD groups, file shares and access controls, ODBC connections, and FWRs
• Experience with scripting (Python, or BASH and/or PowerShell)

Preferred:

• Experience working with Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) in public health or government environments
• Experience with database security and encryption for PHI/PII data
• Experience with enterprise monitoring and IT service management tools such as Dynatrace, BMC Helix, and ServiceNow
• Experience leveraging SharePoint for document management and collaboration
• Experience with disaster recovery planning and testing

Additional Information:

Any employment offer is contingent upon available budgeted funds. The offered salary will be determined in accordance with budgetary limits and the requirements of HHSC Human Resources Manual.

Selected candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. without sponsorship.

Selected candidate must be willing to commute to the office on the required days.

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Active Duty, Military, Reservists, Guardsmen, and Veterans:

Military occupation(s) that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position may include, but not limited to those listed in this posting. All active-duty military, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if qualified to fill this position. For more information please see the Texas State Auditor's Job Descriptions, Military Crosswalk and Military Crosswalk Guide at Texas State Auditors Office - Job Descriptions.

ADA Accommodations:

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), HHSC and DSHS agencies will provide reasonable accommodation during the hiring and selection process for qualified individuals with a disability. If you need assistance completing the on-line application, contact the HHS Employee Service Center at 1-888-894-4747. If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodation to participate in the interview process, please notify the person scheduling the interview.

Pre-Employment Checks and Work Eligibility:

Depending on the program area and position requirements, applicants selected for hire may be required to pass background and other due diligence checks.

HHSC uses E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work. Download the I-9 Form

Telework Disclaimer:

This position may be eligible for telework. Please note, all HHS positions are subject to state and agency telework policies in addition to the discretion of the direct supervisor and business needs.