Reference Architect

Akima; Springfield (VA); On-site; USD 170,000 - 175,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits program

Paid Time Off (PTO)

Job summary

Akima is seeking a Reference Architect for the TSA Enterprise Architecture Support Team in Springfield, VA. Ideal candidates will possess a strong background in Enterprise Architecture, demonstrate commitment to mission and excellent customer service. Responsibilities include establishing architectural principles, conducting reviews, and supporting EA governance. Requirements include US citizenship, a Bachelor’s degree, and over 8 years of relevant experience. The position offers a competitive salary range of $170,000 to $175,000, along with comprehensive benefits.

Qualifications

• US Citizenship required.
• Ability to obtain a Public Trust clearance.
• 8+ years of progressive experience in Enterprise Architecture.
• 4 years focused on architectural standards and governance.

Responsibilities

• Establish and enforce architectural principles across all levels.
• Review TSA programs using architectural standards.
• Assist in maintaining EA governance processes.
• Serve as an embedded architect as required.

Skills

Customer service

Subject matter expertise

Mission dedication

Strong work ethic

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Collaboration skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in computer science, Information Systems, Engineering, or related field

Tools

ServiceNow

Ins-Pi/YouDesign

Job description

Suvi is seeking a Reference Architect for the TSA Enterprise Architecture Support Team in Springfield, VA. Ideal candidates demonstrate strong customer service, subject matter expertise, mission dedication, and a solid work ethic. To join our team of outstanding professionals, apply today!

Responsibilities

• Establish, maintain, and enforce architectural principles, standards, and reference architectures across enterprise, portfolio, and solution levels.
• Review assigned TSA programs and projects, applying architectural principles, standards, and reference models in the development of associated artifacts and deliverables.
• Assist with maintaining and enforcing architectural principles, standards, and reference architectures through EA governance processes, EA reviews, and Federal Information Technology Acquisition Reform Act (FITARA) related reviews.
• Serve as an embedded architect for specific programs/projects as required, providing direct guidance on standards and reference model application.
• Support EA governance entities as the Executive Secretariat, including maintaining meeting cadence, notices, invitees, minutes/notes, and follow-up on action items.
• Develop and update reference architecture templates, patterns, and guidance documents to promote consistency and reusability of IT assets.
• Participate in Analysis of Alternatives (AoAs), gap analyses, and modernization activities to identify opportunities for standardization and reuse.
• Ensure all architectural deliverables comply with TSA and DHS policies, FEAF v2.0, DoDAF components, and applicable federal mandates.
• Collaborate with the Lead Architect and other domain specialists to integrate reference models into as-is and to-be architectures and enterprise views.
• Provide subject matter expertise during technology insertion, procurement reviews, and stakeholder engagements to promote adherence to established standards.

Qualifications

• US Citizenship.
• Ability to obtain a Public Trust clearance.
• Bachelor’s degree in computer science, Information Systems, Engineering, or related field.
• 8+ years of progressive experience in Enterprise Architecture, with at least 4 years focused on architectural standards, reference models, and governance.
• Strong working knowledge of FEAF v2.0 and DoDAF frameworks.
• Demonstrated experience developing and enforcing reference architectures and standards in federal or large-scale IT environments.
• Proven ability to conduct architectural reviews and provide governance support (e.g., FITARA, EA review boards).
• Excellent analytical, communication and collaboration skills.

Preferred Skills

• Master’s degree.
• Experience supporting TSA, DHS, or other federal agencies in architectural governance roles.
• Familiarity with ServiceNow, Ins-Pi/YouDesign, or other EA modeling tools.
• Knowledge of modern architecture patterns (e.g., cloud, microservices, data mesh, Zero Trust).
• Certifications such as TOGAF, FEAF, or equivalent standards-focused credentials.
• Understanding of TSA-specific domains (e.g., aviation security, TSE, identity management).

Job ID

2026-23007

Work Type

On-Site

Pay Range

$170,000.00 - $175,000.00

Benefits

Regular – The company offers a comprehensive benefits program, including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, 401(k) and a range of other voluntary benefits. Paid Time Off (PTO) is offered to regular full-time and part-time employees.