Product Architect

California Department of Motor Vehicles; California (MO); On-site; USD 140,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

The California Department of Motor Vehicles is seeking a visionary Product Architect to drive statewide digital modernization. You will lead enterprise system design and oversee major IT initiatives, translating business needs into clear technical direction for leaders across the organization.

Bring mastery of enterprise architecture, SDLC, and product integration. You will mentor staff, guide technical teams, and ensure delivery within scope, schedule, and budget while aligning with

Qualifications

• Bachelor level degree in information technology or related field.
• Ability to translate business strategy into artifacts such as capability maps and value streams.
• Knowledge of enterprise architecture frameworks and modeling tools.

Responsibilities

• Serve as Product Architect and technical lead for enterprise design, integration, and modernization.
• Develop architectural frameworks, documentation, and product designs aligned to goals.
• Evaluate legacy and emerging technologies for modernization and efficiency.
• Lead IT and digital modernization projects following SDLC and project standards.
• Oversee planning, resources, and vendor performance to meet scope and budget.
• Conduct risk assessments and drive continuous improvement.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to align requirements and strengthen relationships.
• Advise leadership on IT strategy and governance.
• Mentor staff on new tools and best practices; support emergent initiatives.

Skills

Enterprise architecture

SDLC

Change management

Vendor management

Project management

Mentoring staff

Business capability maps

Value streams

Customer journey maps

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in information technology

Tools

Business Process Modeling Tools

Job description

This position is located at the DMV Headquarters in Sacramento, CA.

Final Filing Date: 8/31/2026

About the Role:

Are you a visionary technologist ready to shape the future of statewide digital services? We're looking for a bold, strategic Product Architect who brings mastery-level expertise in enterprise architecture, software engineering, and product integration. In this influential role, you'll spearhead major modernization initiatives, guide high-performing technical teams, and translate complex concepts into clear, actionable direction for leaders across the organization. If you excel at pairing big-picture strategy with hands-on technical execution—and thrive in environments where innovation drives real impact—you'll feel right at home here.

What You Will Do:

• Serve as the Product Architect and technical lead for enterprise system design, integration, and modernization.
• Develop and maintain architectural frameworks, technical documentation, and product designs that align with departmental goals.
• Evaluate legacy and emerging technologies to recommend modernization, consolidation, and efficiency improvements.
• Lead major IT and digital modernization projects, ensuring compliance with SDLC, Change Management, and enterprise project standards.
• Oversee project planning, resource coordination, and vendor performance to ensure delivery on scope, schedule, and budget.
• Conduct risk assessments, develop mitigation strategies, and support continuous improvement efforts.
• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to align requirements, support initiatives, and strengthen working relationships.
• Advise leadership on IT strategy, architectural direction, and technology governance.
• Research business needs, develop future-state system designs, and mentor staff on new tools, technologies, and best practices.
• Perform additional duties as needed, including training, consulting, and support for emergent initiatives.

Desirable Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in information technology or a related field.
• Ability to interpret and contextualize business strategy for operational needs and create key artifacts such as business capability maps, value streams, and customer journey maps.
• Knowledge of enterprise architecture frameworks and methodologies; familiarity with business process modeling tools is a plus.
• Strong analytical, creative, problem-solving, and critical-thinking skills.
• Ability to adapt to fast-paced environments and manage multiple priorities effectively.
• Experience with project management methodologies and change management principles and practices.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills for conveying ideas and strategies to stakeholders at all levels.
• Detail-oriented team player who consistently offers valuable suggestions and solutions in product and service delivery.
• Ability to think both as a business professional and a technical expert.

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