Principal Solutions Architect

Code for America Brigade; New York (NY); On-site; USD 143,884 - 176,138; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Comprehensive benefits package

Remote work options

Open personal time off

Professional development stipend

Retirement & 401k plans

Job summary

A nonprofit organization seeking a Principal Solutions Architect to lead technical initiatives for improving government services for communities in need. The role requires deep experience in software engineering and collaboration with government agencies. Responsibilities include guiding implementation projects, assessing AI readiness, and developing solutions. Candidates should have strong management skills, an ability to communicate complex concepts, and a passion for enhancing government services.

Qualifications

• Experience leading projects and interacting with customers.
• Ability to design new solutions based on current systems.
• Fast learning curve in new tech stacks.

Responsibilities

• Lead technical advisement and integration projects for government services.
• Collaborate with partners to assess technical needs and develop solutions.
• Implement proof-of-concept applications and custom development projects.

Skills

10+ years of experience as a Software Engineer or Solutions Architect

Experience coding backend systems in Python, Ruby, Java, Scala, or Kotlin

Experience applying or integrating emerging technologies

Outstanding written and verbal communication skills

Strong self-management skills

Job description

Software Engineering Solutions Architect Government Services Technical Leadership Open Source

Code for America is seeking a Principal Solutions Architect to collaborate with government partners and provide technical guidance to improve government services for communities in need. In this role, you will work within a team of designers, researchers, engineers, product managers, and policy experts across various program portfolios, engaging with government agencies to understand their technical needs and develop solutions to improve program access.

Responsibilities

• Lead technical advisement, implementation, migration, and integration projects for government safety net services.
• Assist in project planning and drafting statements of work and technical requirements.
• Collaborate with government partners to assess AI readiness and develop implementation roadmaps.
• Build and maintain relationships with government and partner organizations.
• Implement proof-of-concept applications, software installations, and custom development projects.
• Design and implement flexible open-source solutions for data quality, normalization, and spread challenges.
• Provide technical perspectives and expertise to improve government services.
• Evaluate the technical landscape and partner capacity for new state engagements.
• Assist in documenting technical best practices and framing government RFPs.
• Estimate project scope and rough project plans for government initiatives.
• Participate in calls with government partners and provide written resources to communicate complex technical concepts.

Requirements

• 10+ years of experience as a Software Engineer, Solutions Engineer, or Solutions Architect with experience leading projects and interacting with customers.
• 4+ years of experience coding backend systems and data infrastructure in an industry‑standard language (Python, Ruby, Java, Scala, Kotlin, etc.).
• 2+ years of experience in applying or integrating emerging technologies (e.g., generative AI models) into existing workflows or new solutions.
• Ability to research and learn about current systems and architecture to design new solutions.
• Strong self‑management skills and the ability to manage multiple engagements simultaneously.
• Curiosity and empathy, with the ability to balance partner, user, and team needs.
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills.
• Tenacity and adaptability to navigate relationships, ambiguity, and technical challenges.
• Passion for improving government services for those who need them most.
• Fast learning curve and capacity to get up to speed in new tech stacks.

Nice‑to‑Have Skills

• Experience working with or in government.
• Personal or professional experience within the justice system, social safety net, or other mission‑relevant government services.
• Experience automating with Large Language Models, machine learning, RAG, natural language processing or entity resolution technologies.
• Experience with government procurement processes.
• Experience with Salesforce or Robotic Process Automation software.
• Active contribution to open‑source projects.

Benefits and Perks

• Competitive salary (range: $143,884 to $176,138 annually).
• Comprehensive benefits package with medical, dental, and vision plans.
• Remote work options within the U.S.
• Open personal time off and generous holiday schedule.
• Professional development stipend.
• Retirement & 401k plans.
• Paid parental and family leave.
• Paid sick time.
• Sabbatical after 4 years of service.

How to Apply

Interested in this position? Please submit your resume and cover letter through the application portal.