Systems Architect

Client is looking for an Information Systems Architect - Project Lead

Work Location: Columbia, SC- Role is hybrid (2 days onsite per week)

Candidate location: Candidate must be a CURRENT SC resident. No relocation allowed.

Required Skills

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, or related field.
• 8+ years of experience in enterprise software architecture
• 8+ years of experience in project leadership

Preferred Skills

• Familiarity with State and/or federal compliance requirements (NIST, FISMA, or similar)
• Experience with Human Services Systems like Child welfare, SNAP, or TANF
• Understanding of Data Privacy Laws (PII, PHI)
• Prior work experience with public sector agencies or government contracts

Desired Qualifications

• Leadership ability
• Understanding of system engineering concepts; modeling techniques and Methods.
• Demonstrate strong ability to take initiative and the ability to work with minimal guidance.
• Written and verbal communication, including technical writing skills, to communicate effectively with technical, non-technical staff, and customers/.stakeholders as needed or directed.
• Ability to communicate effectively with SCDSS and other state information technology staff.

Scope of the project:

The Division of Technology Services is responsible for developing, implementing, maintaining, and obtaining multiple mission critical applications for the Department of Social Services. The Department seeks a highly motivated individual who has extensive technical project lead experience and SDLC to head the Web Application Development team that will deliver new DSS Re-Engineering projects and maintain and support IT systems in the Economic Services program area.

Primary Responsibilities

• Lead the design and architecture of modernized IT systems supporting SNAP and TANF programs.
• Oversee technical planning, system integration, and development lifecycle for Economic Services modernization efforts.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including business analysts, developers, QA, and federal partners (e.g., FNS).
• Ensure compliance with federal APD (Advance Planning Document) requirements and security standards.
• Provide technical leadership in coordination and project implantation with 3^rd party vendors.
• Mentor Business Analysts, and developers and ensure adherence to architectural standards and best practices.
• Leads team effort to supply new user stories or use cases by analyzing requirements; constructing workflow charts and diagrams; studying system capabilities; writing specifications.
• Assist in the design or review of test cases, process change requests and manage project scope through requirements.

Key Projects

• SNAP/TANF Systems Integration: Lead efforts to align new development with federal reporting and performance tracking.
• API Modernization & UAT: Oversee testing and integration of third-party APIs.
• ESSAM (Economic Services System Application Modernization): Core modernization of eligibility and case management systems.