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Application Architect Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Application Architect Location: Bethesda, MD Type: Permanent salaried position Compensation: 170- 190K Contractor Work Model: Hybrid (2 to 3 days on site in Bethesda MD) The Senior Application ...

Application Architect Location: Bethesda, MD Type: Permanent salaried position Compensation: 170- 190K Contractor Work Model: Hybrid (2 to 3 days on site in Bethesda MD) The Senior Application ...

Lead Application Architect

Suitland, MD ยท On-site

$120K - $180K/yr

Lead Application Architect Job #1072 U.S. Citizenship is required Must be in person in Suitland, MD We are seeking a Subject Matter Expert (SME)-level Lead Application Architect to design and define ...

Application Architect Location: Bethesda, MD Type: Permanent salaried position Compensation: 170- 190K Contractor Work Model: Hybrid (2 to 3 days on site in Bethesda MD) The Senior Application ...

Lead Application Architect

Suitland, MD ยท On-site

$120K - $180K/yr

Lead Application Architect Job #1072 U.S. Citizenship is required Must be in person in Suitland, MD We are seeking a Subject Matter Expert (SME)-level Lead Application Architect to design and define ...

Description Lead Application Architect At B&A, we foster and embrace a distinct set of values that we live by and instill in all aspects of our organization: dedication, commitment, partnership ...

Job Summary We are seeking an experienced Application Architect with the ability to design end-to-end application architectures and develop logical, physical, and reference architecture designs. The ...

Lead Application Architect

Suitland, MD ยท On-site

$120K - $180K/yr

Lead Application Architect Job #1072 U.S. Citizenship is required Must be in person in Suitland, MD We are seeking a Subject Matter Expert (SME)-level Lead Application Architect to design and define ...

Lead Application Architect

Suitland, MD ยท On-site

$120K - $180K/yr

Lead Application Architect Job #1072 U.S. Citizenship is required Must be in person in Suitland, MD We are seeking a Subject Matter Expert (SME)-level Lead Application Architect to design and define ...

Lead Application Architect Location: Suitland, MD (Hybrid) Terms: Full-time Clearance/Work Authorization: U.S. Citizenship with the ability to obtain and maintain a Public Trust is required Salary ...

The Application Architect will help establish consistency across platforms, improve and standardize implementation practices, strengthen database and application flow design and identify integration ...

Application Architect Responsibilities and Duties: * Lead the design, development, integration, and modernization of enterprise applications supporting Digital Solution Development, Automation, and ...

Application Architect Location : Bethesda, MD Duration : 12 Months Contract Need 10+ Years of EXP Candidates This hands-on role requires a highly motivated and experienced application architect with ...

Application Architect

Arlington, VA ยท On-site

$130 - $170/hr

Application Architect Responsibilities and Duties: * Lead the design, development, integration, and modernization of enterprise applications supporting Digital Solution Development, Automation, and ...

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Application Architect information

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$10

$69

$92

How much do application architect jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for application architect in the United States is $69.30, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $60.82 and $78.61 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an application architect?

An Application Architect is a technology professional responsible for designing the overall structure of software applications. They define application components, frameworks, and interfaces to ensure that software solutions meet business needs and technical requirements. Application Architects work closely with development teams, stakeholders, and other architects to create scalable, efficient, and maintainable systems. Their role often involves making critical decisions about software design patterns, integration strategies, and technology stacks.

How does an application architect typically collaborate with development and business teams during a project?

Application Architects work closely with both development teams and business stakeholders to ensure that software solutions align with organizational goals and technical requirements. They facilitate communication by translating business needs into technical specifications and by guiding developers on architectural best practices. Regular meetings, design reviews, and cross-functional workshops are common, helping to address challenges early and ensure alignment throughout the development lifecycle. This collaborative approach not only streamlines project delivery but also supports innovation and quality in the final product.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an application architect, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Application Architect, you need a deep understanding of software development, system design, and architecture principles, often backed by a degree in computer science or related field. Familiarity with cloud platforms, architectural frameworks (like TOGAF), and tools such as UML, as well as relevant certifications, are commonly expected. Strong problem-solving, leadership, and communication skills help you collaborate effectively with stakeholders and development teams. These competencies ensure robust, scalable, and efficient application solutions aligned with business goals.

What is the difference between Application Architect vs Software Developer?

AspectApplication ArchitectSoftware Developer
CredentialsBachelor's or higher in CS, certifications like TOGAF or AWSBachelor's in CS or related field, certifications vary
Work EnvironmentDesigns overall application structure, collaborates with teamsWrites, tests, and maintains code, often in teams or solo
Industry UsageUsed across enterprise, software, and tech companiesCommon in startups, tech firms, and software companies

The Application Architect focuses on designing the overall structure and architecture of software applications, ensuring scalability and integration. In contrast, the Software Developer primarily writes and maintains code to implement features. While both roles require technical skills and often overlap in knowledge, the architect has a broader strategic role, whereas the developer is more hands-on with coding tasks.

How much do application architects make?

Application architects typically earn a median annual salary between $100,000 and $150,000, depending on experience, location, and industry. Senior roles or those with specialized skills in cloud platforms or enterprise systems can earn higher compensation, often exceeding $160,000 annually.

What cities are hiring for Application Architect jobs?

Cities with the most Application Architect job openings:

What states have the most Application Architect jobs?

States with the most job openings for Application Architect jobs include:

Infographic showing various Application Architect job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 50% In-person, and 50% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $144,144 per year, or $69.3 per hour.

Application Architect

System One

Bethesda, MD โ€ข On-site

Contractor

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 11 days ago


Job description

Job Title: Application Architect Location: Bethesda, MD Type: Permanent salaried position Compensation: 170- 190K Contractor Work Model: Hybrid (2 to 3 days on site in Bethesda MD) The Senior Application Architect is responsible for developing and evolving application-layer architecture following the Agile Software Development Life Cycle. This role shapes the technical direction of the business applications by defining application design, domain models, REST API strategy, integration patterns, and code-level standards to ensure systems are scalable, secure, maintainable, and aligned with business strategy. This position is not an infrastructure or cloud platform architect role. While the Senior Application Architect partners closely with cloud, operations, data, and cybersecurity teams, the primary accountability is for application architecture and application design decisions, including ownership of RESTful services and application integration strategy from concept through implementation and long-term evolution. The Senior Application Architect works closely with engineering teams, product owners, operations, and security to design and guide the implementation of modern, reliable, and well-integrated application solutions. Responsibilities: • Own the end-to-end application architecture for key business systems, including domain modeling, application decomposition, service boundaries, and integration patterns. • Define and own API strategy, including RESTful API design standards, documentation, versioning, lifecycle management, and governance. • Design and govern REST APIs and service contracts that enable reuse, scalability, and consistent integration across internal applications and external partners. • Strong hands-on experience in .NET, C#, ASP.NET, SQL Server, REST APIs, domain modeling, and database schema design for enterprise applications. • Collaborate with business and technical stakeholders to translate strategic objectives and functional needs into application architecture, REST API designs, and implementation approaches. • Develop and maintain technical and business feature roadmaps in consultation with stakeholders; identify risks, track progress, and communicate status updates to project sponsors. • Lead the design and implementation of scalable, secure, and resilient enterprise application architectures, with a focus on maintainability, extensibility, and performance. • Define and enforce application architecture standards, design patterns, and coding guidelines to ensure consistency and interoperability across development teams. • Design and document software architectures using diagrams and models that guide development and support long-term system sustainability. • Review application and API implementations to ensure adherence to architectural intent, clean code principles, and design patterns. • Lead application modernization and refactoring efforts, including decomposition of legacy systems into modular or service-aligned architectures. • Evaluate emerging technologies—including AI, ML, and application integration frameworks—through proofs of concept and pilot implementations, focusing on application-level feasibility and business value. • Architect, prototype, and build hands-on components of AI-enabled application capabilities, such as generative AI. • Partner with data engineering teams to design application-aligned data access patterns, pipelines, and governance supporting analytics and machine learning initiatives. • Engage directly in complex solution development when needed, contributing application code, prototypes, and architectural exemplars. • Integrate security, privacy, and compliance requirements into application and API design in alignment with governance standards. • Engineer applications and APIs for reliability, scalability, and performance by proactively identifying and resolving architectural bottlenecks. • Mentor developers and other architects, fostering a culture of hands-on learning, strong design discipline, and technical excellence. • Lead vendor and product evaluations from an application and API architecture perspective, assessing extensibility, integration capability, and alignment with application roadmap. Requirements: • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Information Technology, or a related field; advanced degree preferred • Typically requires 10+ years of experience in software design and development, including at least 5 years of architecting enterprise-level applications • Demonstrated experience designing and evolving application architecture, rather than primarily infrastructure, cloud, or data architecture • Proven experience defining and implementing RESTful API strategies, including API design, versioning, documentation, security, and governance • Experience making architectural decisions across application layers, including UI, backend services, REST APIs, and data access • Skilled in database modeling, relationship design, and writing queries and stored procedures in support of application needs • Working knowledge of cloud platforms and DevOps practices as they relate to application deployment and runtime concerns; this role does not own cloud infrastructure architecture • Experience working in Agile delivery environments, collaborating across teams to deliver iterative, high-quality application solutions • Strong understanding of application security and enterprise architecture, supported by hands-on leadership in large-scale application and API design • Experience collaborating with data engineering teams to support application-driven analytics and data initiatives • Excellent analytical, communication, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to lead through influence and adapt to evolving priorities • Enterprise Architecture certification preferred • Insurance or risk management industry experience a plus System One, and its subsidiaries including Joulé, ALTA IT Services, and Mountain Ltd., are leaders in delivering outsourced services and workforce solutions across North America. We help clients get work done more efficiently and economically, without compromising quality. System One not only serves as a valued partner for our clients, but we offer eligible employees health and welfare benefits coverage options including medical, dental, vision, spending accounts, life insurance, voluntary plans, as well as participation in a 401(k) plan. System One is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, disability, family care or medical leave status, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. #M-2 #LI-CK1 Ref: #851-Rockville-S1


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About System One

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

System One helps employers get work done more efficiently and economically without compromising quality. Over our 35+ year history, we've helped connect thousands of talented people with innovative companies. The excitement of a perfect fit motivates us every single day.

Industry

Business consulting services and recruiting and staffing services

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Pittsburgh, PA, US