Role Overview
The Lead Solution Architect serves as the principal technical connector for the SIO program, bringing together the work of Security, Enterprise Architecture & Innovation, and Shared Solutions & Enablement into one coherent technical direction. This role spots where a security finding should shape an architecture decision, where a shared solution should scale across more of CCSQ, and where the EA&I roadmap should reflect what’s emerging from CMS’s own priorities — turning three connected functions into a single, well-aligned technical capability.
What You Will Do
Serve as a primary technical point of contact for CMS stakeholders on architecture direction, modernization priorities, and emerging technology opportunities. Translate CMS’s evolving mission needs into a forward-looking technical roadmap, and bring that roadmap back to CMS for validation and buy-in. Represent SIO’s technical perspective in CMS governance forums, helping CMS leadership think through tradeoffs as they shape their own strategic technology direction.
Why It Might Be a Fit
This role requires a strong communication and relationship-building skills, with a demonstrated ability to translate technical tradeoffs into terms a program or agency leader can act on. Experience in regulated or compliance-driven environments (e.g., healthcare, public sector); CMS experience strongly preferred.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Information Systems, or a related technical discipline.
- 12+ years of progressive experience in solution architecture, systems engineering, or related technical roles, including demonstrated experience operating as a trusted advisor to non-technical or executive stakeholders.
- Experience working directly with government or enterprise clients on strategic technology direction.
- Strong communication and relationship-building skills, with a demonstrated ability to translate technical tradeoffs into terms a program or agency leader can act on.
- Experience in regulated or compliance-driven environments (e.g., healthcare, public sector); CMS experience strongly preferred.
- Working knowledge of cloud-based architecture, security-by-design principles, and modern delivery practices (Agile, DevSecOps) sufficient to engage credibly in technical conversations across all three functions.
- Prior experience in a client-facing technical advisory or architecture consulting role within a federal program.
- Familiarity with innovation governance models (e.g., innovation councils, technology evaluation frameworks).
- Familiarity with interoperability standards and data exchange frameworks relevant to CMS/CCSQ systems.
- Ability and interest to track emerging AI developments and brings forward practical ways to apply them across SIO's security, architecture, and shared solutions work, as well as CMS's broader technology direction.
Benefits
- Flexible Time Off (FTO) Policy
- Paid holidays
- Comprehensive wellness program
- Flexible work arrangements
- Health, dental, vision, life, and accident/death/disability insurance options
- HSA employer contribution
- Eleven (11) paid holidays annually.
- A robust paid Parental Bonding Leave program covering birth, adoption, and foster children.
- 401(k) with employer contributions
- Tuition reimbursement
- Generous employee referral bonus program
- Client referral bonus program
- Pet insurance
- FORCE – Tantus, a Subsidiary community volunteer program enabling each team member to use up to four hours of paid time annually to volunteer and make a difference in their local communities.
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