Company Overview
At 4A Consulting, we turn complexity into opportunity. Founded in 2014 and headquartered in Baltimore, MD, we are a women-owned, boutique consulting firm specializing in delivering innovative, data-driven solutions to both the Federal Government and Fortune 500 clients. Our team blends deep industry knowledge with advanced technologies to design tailored strategies that drive measurable and sustainable outcomes. We pride ourselves on an agile, collaborative approach that helps organizations navigate challenges and seize emerging opportunities in a rapidly evolving digital landscape. At 4A, we don’t just deliver projects, we build trusted partnerships that empower our clients to lead with confidence in the digital age.
Position Overview
We are seeking an IT Systems Architect to provide technical leadership and architectural support for a large-scale mainframe-based system undergoing modernization and digitalization. This role focuses on maintaining system architecture, supporting enhancements, and ensuring alignment with enterprise standards, security requirements, and integration across systems.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide system architecture direction and maintain overall system design
- Translate business and technical requirements into logical and physical architectures
- Develop and maintain system design documentation and traceability matrices
- Conduct and support logical and physical design reviews
- Ensure alignment with enterprise architecture standards and frameworks
- Support development, modernization, and enhancement initiatives
- Guide integration of mainframe applications, batch processes, databases, and interfaces
- Support analytics, modeling, and simulation tool integration
- Ensure system reliability, scalability, and performance through architectural decisions
- Participate in root cause analysis and system performance monitoring
- Support lifecycle governance, technical reviews, and compliance processes
- Maintain configuration and baseline management standards
- Provide architectural documentation, system diagrams, and data flow models
- Mentor development and operations teams on architecture best practices
Required Qualifications
- Strong experience in mainframe systems architecture
- Expertise in COBOL (COBOL 85), batch processing, and job scheduling
- Experience working with UNISYS mainframe environments and ECL
- Knowledge of legacy database architectures and system integrations
- Experience with SDLC frameworks, design reviews, and traceability practices
- Strong documentation, analytical, and communication skills
- Experience working in cross-functional or integrated project teams
Preferred Qualifications
- Familiarity with configuration management tools (e.g., CMPlus)
- Experience with TSO/IPF environments
- Knowledge of legacy systems such as IDRS
- Experience supporting systems with legislative or regulatory changes
Why Join 4A
- Be part of a mission-driven, women-owned consulting firm with a reputation for excellence.
- Work on high-impact projects across federal and commercial clients.
- Collaborate in an inclusive, growth-oriented culture where innovation is valued.
- Access career development programs, mentorship, and learning opportunities.
- Enjoy a comprehensive benefits package, flexible work options, and a focus on work-life balance.
Equal Opportunity Statement
4A Consulting is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
We want every candidate to have the opportunity to shine. is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to building an inclusive environment. If you need a reasonable accommodation to apply for a role or participate in the interview process due to a disability, please let us know by reaching out to .
Please note that 4A Consulting participates in the federal E-Verify program. Upon hire, we will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the US. 4A Consulting will only use E-Verify once you have accepted a job offer and completed the Form I-9.
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