VistA MUMPS (M) Subject Matter Expert

Explore Digits Inc; United States; Remote; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Explore Digits Inc. is seeking an experienced VistA MUMPS Subject Matter Expert to maintain, enhance, and modernize the VA VistA system. The role focuses on stability, security, and compliance as VA shifts toward modern platforms.

You will translate legacy MUMPS into clear requirements and migration designs. The ideal candidate has deep MUMPS experience, strong VA VistA knowledge, and the ability to guide modernization efforts across teams.

Qualifications

• Minimum 7 years of professional MUMPS programming experience (mandatory) with at least 5 years developing VA VistA applications.
• Strong working knowledge of VistA infrastructure: Kernel, FileMan, MailMan, RPC Broker, TaskMan, and KIDS.
• Experience with the full VistA patch lifecycle including FORUM, patch build, SQA review, and national release.
• Proficiency with InterSystems IRIS or Caché, global structures, and M debugging tools.
• Experience supporting multiple VistA packages (e.g., CPRS, Pharmacy, Laboratory, Scheduling, Registration, Billing, TIU).
• Familiarity with HL7, Agile delivery, and tools such as Jira, Confluence, or Azure DevOps.
• Clear written and verbal communication with technical and clinical stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Sustainment and maintenance: analyze, code, test, and debug MUMPS routines across VistA packages.
• Resolve production defects and incidents within SLAs.
• Build, test, and release VistA patches using KIDS and FORUM tools.
• Ensure code passes XINDEX and VA standards.
• Support IRIS/Caché DB operations and performance tuning at VA sites.
• Modernization: document current functionality and build RPCs/web services exposing VistA data to modern apps.
• Assist with data migration for Federal EHR transition and HL7 interfaces.
• Mentor junior developers and participate in VA release governance.

Skills

MUMPS programming

VistA infrastructure

HL7 messaging

Agile delivery

Jira

Confluence

Azure DevOps

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or related field

Tools

InterSystems IRIS

Caché

KIDS

FORUM

RPC Broker

Job description

We are seeking an experienced VistA MUMPS (M) Subject Matter Expert to maintain, enhance, and help modernize the VA Veterans Health Information Systems and Technology Architecture (VistA). VistA remains the operational backbone for VA medical centers nationwide, and this role keeps it stable, secure, and compliant while the VA moves toward modern platforms and integration with the Federal Electronic Health Record (EHR).

The ideal candidate has deep, proven MUMPS programming experience in VistA, understands its core infrastructure (Kernel, FileMan, RPC Broker), and can translate legacy M routines and data structures into documented requirements, APIs, and migration designs. MUMPS experience is mandatory for this position.

Key Responsibilities

Sustainment and maintenance

• Analyze, design, code, test, and debug MUMPS (M) routines across VistA packages and the underlying FileMan data dictionary.
• Resolve production defects, incident tickets, and patient safety issues within agreed service levels.
• Build, test, and release VistA patches using KIDS (Kernel Installation and Distribution System) and the FORUM National Patch Module.
• Ensure code passes XINDEX checks and conforms to VA Standards and Conventions (SAC).
• Support InterSystems IRIS / Caché database operations, globals, and performance tuning at VA sites.

Modernization

• Analyze legacy VistA routines, globals, and business rules to document current functionality and data flows.
• Design and build Remote Procedure Calls (RPCs) and web services that expose VistA data to modern applications, including VA Lighthouse APIs and enterprise integration layers.
• Support data extraction, mapping, and migration activities related to the Federal EHR transition.
• Contribute to HL7 interfaces and VistA integration with external and VA enterprise systems.
• Advise architects and modern stack developers on VistA behavior, dependencies, and risks.

Security, compliance, and documentation

• Remediate security findings and follow VA Directive 6500 and VA Handbook 6500 controls.
• Produce technical documentation, release notes, installation guides, and test scripts.
• Participate in Agile ceremonies, code reviews, and VA release governance.
• Mentor junior developers and share VistA and MUMPS knowledge across the team.

Required Qualifications

• Minimum 7 years of professional MUMPS (M) programming experience (mandatory), with at least 5 years developing and maintaining VA VistA applications.
• Strong working knowledge of VistA infrastructure: Kernel, FileMan, MailMan, RPC Broker, TaskMan, and KIDS.
• Experience with the full VistA patch lifecycle, including FORUM, patch build, SQA review, and national release.
• Proficiency with InterSystems IRIS or Caché, global structures, and M debugging tools.
• Experience supporting at least two clinical or business VistA packages, such as CPRS, Pharmacy, Laboratory, Scheduling, Registration, Billing, or Text Integration Utilities (TIU).
• Familiarity with HL7 messaging and VistA interface design.
• Working knowledge of Agile delivery and tools such as Jira, Confluence, or Azure DevOps.
• Clear written and verbal communication with technical and clinical stakeholders.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience building or consuming APIs that expose VistA data, including VA Lighthouse, VistALink, or FHIR based services.
• Exposure to the Federal EHR Modernization program and VistA to EHR data migration.
• Experience with VA Enterprise DevSecOps practices, Git, and automated testing for M code.
• Prior work at a VA Medical Center, VA OIT, or a VA prime or subcontractor.
• Relevant certifications such as InterSystems IRIS certification, Certified ScrumMaster, or CompTIA Security+.

Education, Clearance, and Work Environment

• Education: Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, or a related field. Four additional years of directly relevant MUMPS and VistA experience may substitute for a degree.
• Clearance: Must pass a VA background investigation and complete required VA privacy, security, and HIPAA training before onboarding.
• Work environment: Primarily remote, using VA furnished equipment and secure VA network access. Occasional evening or weekend support may be required for production releases and critical incidents.

We are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.