Principal Architect

Summary As Principal Architect of the Office of the Chief Information Officer's Healthcare and Insurance Engineering division, you will lead architecture strategy, governance, and modernization across healthcare and insurance systems. You will establish architecture standards, guide system integration, evaluate emerging technologies, and advise senior leadership on technology investments, architectural risks, and solutions that support agency mission objectives. Responsibilities Develop and maintain enterprise architecture strategies, frameworks, standards, reference models, and transition roadmaps for healthcare and insurance information technology systems. Lead architecture governance activities and evaluate technology solutions for alignment with enterprise standards, business requirements, security, and modernization objectives. Direct architectural planning and integration across applications, data platforms, cloud infrastructure, cybersecurity, identity management, and shared services. Evaluate emerging technologies, including super intelligence, automation, and cloud-native solutions, and recommend approaches for integration into healthcare and insurance systems. Assess system interoperability, technical debt, security risks, and modernization requirements; recommend architectural improvements and technology investment priorities. Review proposed technology acquisitions, system designs, and modernization initiatives to identify architectural risks, technical requirements, and alternative solutions. Advise senior leadership and collaborate with technical teams, program officials, and external stakeholders to resolve architecture issues and guide technology decisions. Requirements Conditions of Employment Must be a U.S. Citizen or National Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered for Selective Service Suitable for Federal employment, determined by a background investigation May be required to successfully complete a probationary period Candidates will not be hired based on their race, sex, color, religion, or national origin Complete the initial online assessment and USAHire Assessment, if required You will be required to report to an OPM assigned office. This position is not eligible for inclusion in a bargaining unit Qualifications Applicants must meet the specialized experience AND competency requirements below. Specialized Experience: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-14 level in the Federal service (or equivalent) performing information technology architecture, planning, and governance activities that include: Developing and implementing architecture frameworks, standards, reference models, or transition roadmaps to align information technology systems with organizational business and technology objectives; Evaluating system architectures across multiple technology domains, such as applications, data, cloud infrastructure, cybersecurity, or identity management, and recommending solutions to address interoperability, integration, or modernization requirements; Assessing proposed information technology systems, modernization initiatives, or emerging technologies to identify architectural risks, technical dependencies, and opportunities for system integration or improvement; and Advising organizational leadership and technical stakeholders on architecture alternatives, technology risks, and recommended approaches to support technology planning, governance, or investment decisions. Competency Requirements: Competency Requirements In addition to meeting the specialized experience requirements, applicants must demonstrate the required minimum proficiency levels in the following competencies, as established by the OPM Competency-Based Qualification Standard for the Information Technology Management Series, 2210: Attention to Detail - Level 4 Customer Service - Level 4 Decision Making - Level 3 Information Management - Level 4 Interpersonal Skills - Level 4 Oral Communication - Level 3 Problem Solving - Level 4 Teamwork - Level 4 Technical Competence - Level 4 Applicants must meet or exceed the required proficiency levels through job-related assessments aligned with the position's job analysis. You must meet all qualification and eligibility requirements by the closing date of this announcement. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Education Additional Information This announcement will be used to fill vacancies through OPM-authorized Direct Hire Authority due to Critical Hiring Need/Severe Shortage of Candidates. Veteran preference and traditional rating/raking of applicants do not apply. For more information on OPM's authorization of Direct Hire Authority, please visit: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/hiring-information/direct-hire-authority/ Relocation expenses will not be paid. This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional similar vacancies across OPM. If you are unable to apply online and would like to request information about the Alternate Application process, please use the contact information at the bottom of this announcement. Reasonable Accommodation Requests: If you believe you have a disability (i.e., physical or mental), covered by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended and Americans with Disabilities Act 1990 as amended, that would interfere with completing the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, you will be granted the opportunity to request a reasonable accommodation in your online application. Requests for Reasonable Accommodations for the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments and appropriate supporting documentation for Reasonable Accommodation must be received prior to starting the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments. Decisions on requests for Reasonable Accommodations are made on a case-by-case basis. If you meet the minimum qualifications of the position, after notification of the adjudication of your request, you will receive an email invitation to complete the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, based on your adjudication decision. You must complete all assessments within 48 hours of receiving the URL to access the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, if you received the link after the close of the announcement. To determine if you need a Reasonable Accommodation, please review the Procedures for Requesting a Reasonable Accommodation for Online Assessments here: https://help.usastaffing.gov/Apply/index.php?title=Reasonable\_Accommodations\_for\_USA\_Hire 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.