Senior IT Application System Architect

job summary:

As the Senior IT Application System Architect for Rail & Logistics, you will be the principal technical leader responsible for designing and governing the transformation of mission-critical Rail Transportation application systems. This role demands extensive experience (15+ years) and deep architectural expertise to guide large-scale modernization efforts, particularly the shift from legacy platforms like IBM Mainframe and TPF to state-of-the-art event-driven microservices architectures built on technologies like Java and Spring. You will leverage architectural frameworks (like TOGAF) and the Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe) to ensure all application solutions are scalable, secure, and strategically aligned to solve complex, multi-domain business challenges within the logistics sector.

location: Washington, Washington, D.C.

job type: Contract

salary: $75 - 85 per hour

work hours: 9am to 5pm

education: Bachelors



responsibilities:

Application & System Modernization: Lead the architectural design and implementation of large-scale system modernization, specifically replacing legacy Rail Transportation systems (Mainframe/TPF) with modern Java and Spring-based microservices in an event-driven architecture.

Architectural Governance: Define, document, and enforce architectural principles and standards for application design, software development, and integration across various business domains.

Framework Application: Apply expert knowledge of Enterprise Architecture Frameworks and Bodies of Knowledge, including TOGAF, Business Architecture Guild (BizBok), and DAMA (DMBok), to drive structure and coherence in the technology portfolio.

Agile & Delivery: Provide architectural leadership and guidance within a Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe) environment to ensure technical designs enable agility, continuous integration, and rapid delivery.

Technical Design Authority: Act as the subject matter expert for architectural modeling, event-driven architecture patterns, and enterprise information management (EIM) to ensure robust, scalable, and secure system solutions.

Cross-Domain Problem Solving: Successfully design and deliver application solutions that resolve complex business problems that span multiple operational and technical domains within the enterprise.

qualifications:

Bachelor's degree, specialized training, or equivalent work experience.

Requires a minimum of fifteen (15) years of experience in multiple IT areas, with ten (10) years or more in technology architecture roles.

Required Domain Experience: Extensive, demonstrated experience defining and implementing solutions for rail transportation companies is mandatory.

Five (5) years or more practicing knowledge and experience with the Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe).

Demonstrated knowledge of EA Frameworks (e.g., TOGAF, BizBok, DMBok).

Broad experience across diverse IT technologies, including transitioning from legacy systems (IBM Mainframe, TPF) to modern stacks (Java, Spring, microservices).

Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to articulate complex technical concepts to non-technical business leaders.

Equal Opportunity Employer: Race, Color, Religion, Sex, Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, National Origin, Age, Genetic Information, Disability, Protected Veteran Status, or any other legally protected group status.

At Randstad Digital, we welcome people of all abilities and want to ensure that our hiring and interview process meets the needs of all applicants. If you require a reasonable accommodation to make your application or interview experience a great one, please contact

Pay offered to a successful candidate will be based on several factors including the candidate's education, work experience, work location, specific job duties, certifications, etc. In addition, Randstad Digital offers a comprehensive benefits package, including: medical, prescription, dental, vision, AD&D, and life insurance offerings, short-term disability, and a 401K plan (all benefits are based on eligibility).

This posting is open for thirty (30) days.