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Application Modernization Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Modernization SME

Arlington, VA · On-site

$80K - $150K/yr

Experience with legacy system migration and application modernization patterns. Additional Information: * Clearance: Must be a U.S. Citizen with an active Secret security clearance or the ability to ...

Senior Cloud Engineer - Remote

Reston, VA · Remote

$58 - $77.50/hr

Lead enterprise architecture, platform integration, product engineering, and application modernization activities across a complex federal technology environment. * Establish and maintain technical ...

Showing results 21-40

Application Modernization information

What is the difference between Application Modernization vs Software Engineer?

AspectApplication ModernizationSoftware Engineer
Primary FocusUpdating and transforming existing applications to modern platforms and architecturesDesigning, developing, and maintaining software applications from scratch or existing codebases
Required SkillsCloud platforms, legacy systems, system integration, migration strategiesProgramming languages, software development lifecycle, coding, debugging
Work EnvironmentIT departments, consulting firms, project-based teamsDevelopment teams, tech companies, startups
CertificationsCloud certifications (AWS, Azure), system architectureProgramming certifications, specific language expertise

Application Modernization focuses on updating existing applications to improve performance, security, and scalability, often involving migration to cloud platforms. Software Engineers primarily develop new software solutions or enhance existing codebases. While both roles require technical skills, their objectives and daily tasks differ significantly.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in application modernization?

To thrive in Application Modernization, you need expertise in legacy and cloud-native architectures, software development, and system integration, often supported by a background in computer science or IT. Familiarity with tools like Docker, Kubernetes, Azure/AWS, and modernization frameworks, as well as certifications such as AWS Certified Solutions Architect or Microsoft Azure certifications, is highly valued. Strong problem-solving skills, adaptability, and effective communication are essential soft skills to manage complex transformation projects and collaborate across teams. These skills ensure that legacy systems are efficiently upgraded to meet modern business needs while minimizing disruption and maximizing value.

What is application modernization?

Application modernization refers to the process of updating and transforming legacy software applications to make them more efficient, secure, and compatible with modern technologies. This often involves moving applications to the cloud, refactoring code, or integrating with new architectures like microservices. The goal is to improve performance, reduce operational costs, and enable faster innovation. Modernization helps organizations stay competitive by ensuring their IT systems can support current and future business needs.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in application modernization projects?

Professionals working in Application Modernization often encounter challenges such as integrating legacy systems with new technologies, managing data migration without disrupting business operations, and ensuring security compliance throughout the modernization process. Collaboration with cross-functional teams—including developers, business analysts, and IT security—is crucial to address these complexities. Additionally, keeping up with rapidly evolving cloud platforms and tools requires continuous learning and adaptability.
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What cities in Washington are hiring for Application Modernization jobs? Cities in Washington with the most Application Modernization job openings:

Lead Technical Architect - Cloud Modernization (AWS)

A-TEK Inc.

Rockville, MD • Hybrid

Full-time

Re-posted 28 days ago


Job description

Empower, Innovate, Impact! At Team A-TEK, we EMPOWER people to drive INNOVATION that IMPACTS mission!

A-TEK operates at the intersection of mission and innovation by applying our deep domain expertise across the federal markets. Embracing our digital-first strategy, A-TEK provides enhanced capabilities in application development, digital transformation, enterprise IT, and scientific services. Our solutions are designed to modernize, automate, secure, protect, and enhance the operations of our federal clients, ensuring they stay ahead in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.

Our work is fueled by a passion to serve our clients' needs and to protect the safety and welfare of Americans. That passion shapes how we nurture our most valuable asset – Our Employees. A-TEK actively cultivates the talent that drives our success and fosters a creative, challenging, and mission-driven work environment for current and future employees.

Position Overview

A-TEK is seeking a Lead Technical Architect to provide technical leadership for a major modernization initiative supporting the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The successful candidate will guide the transformation of a legacy enterprise platform into a cloud native architecture leveraging AWS, PostgreSQL, GraphQL Federation, React, Kubernetes, and modern DevSecOps practices. This individual will serve as the senior technical authority for modernization activities while remaining hands-on in architecture, design reviews, engineering leadership, and implementation support.

This role requires an experienced architect who can balance strategic planning with practical execution while mentoring development teams and collaborating closely with Government stakeholders. This is a hybrid position, requiring 3 days per week onsite in Rockville, MD. The ability to obtain and retain a public trust level clearance is required for consideration. A-TEK is not currently sponsoring for this role.

Key Responsibilities

  • Lead the modernization of legacy applications and data platforms into a cloud native AWS environment.
  • Define and maintain target-state architecture, technology standards, and modernization roadmaps.
  • Architect and oversee migration from an on-premises Oracle environment to multiple PostgreSQL databases hosted in AWS.
  • Design scalable microservices and API architecture utilizing GraphQL Federation and RESTful services.
  • Lead application modernization efforts involving React front end applications and containerized services.
  • Design and implement AWS-based solutions using services such as EKS, RDS PostgreSQL, IAM, Route 53, CloudWatch, Secrets Manager, and related platform services.
  • Guide the adoption of modern DevSecOps practices including CI/CD pipelines, Infrastructure as Code, automated testing, security scanning, and deployment automation.
  • Collaborate with database administrators, developers, business analysts, and Government stakeholders to align technical solutions with mission objectives.
  • Conduct architecture reviews, code reviews, and technical design sessions.
  • Mentor engineering staff and establish engineering best practices.
  • Evaluate emerging technologies and recommend modernization approaches that improve scalability, security, maintainability, and operational efficiency.
  • Support system security requirements, compliance activities, and Authority to Operate (ATO) processes.
  • Contribute to strategic planning for future enhancements, analytics platforms, AI/ML capabilities, and enterprise architecture initiatives.

Required Qualifications

  • Ability to obtain and maintain a Public Trust clearance.
  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Engineering, or a related field.
  • Minimum of 10 years of experience designing and delivering enterprise software solutions.
  • Minimum of 5 years of experience architecting cloud solutions on AWS.
  • Experience leading large scale application modernization initiatives.
  • Experience migrating Oracle databases to PostgreSQL or other modern cloud native database platforms.
  • Experience designing microservices architectures and API ecosystems.
  • Experience with GraphQL and API gateway technologies.
  • Experience with containerization technologies including Docker and Kubernetes.
  • Experience with AWS EKS and cloud native application deployment.
  • Experience with Infrastructure as Code using Terraform, CloudFormation, or equivalent tools.
  • Experience implementing DevSecOps practices and CI/CD pipelines.
  • Strong understanding of software architecture patterns, security principles, and cloud operations.
  • Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills.

Preferred Qualifications

  • AWS Certified Solutions Architect Professional.
  • AWS Certified AI Practitioner or related AWS specialty certification.
  • Experience supporting NIH, HHS, FDA, CDC, CMS, or other Federal civilian agencies.
  • Experience supporting scientific, biomedical, research, grants management, or public health systems.
  • Experience with React, TypeScript, Node.js, and modern web application frameworks.
  • Experience with PostgreSQL performance tuning and database architecture.
  • Experience implementing analytics, business intelligence, or data platform solutions.
  • Familiarity with Federal security frameworks including NIST 800-53, FedRAMP, and FISMA.

Compensation:

  • Salary Range: $170,000 – $180,000 annually (commensurate with experience)
  • Benefits: Health, dental, and vision insurance; 401(k) with employer match; paid time off; professional development opportunities.

Candidates may use tools (including AI) for proofreading or formatting; however, using any tool to fabricate, exaggerate, or misrepresent qualifications, experience, or work product is not permitted. We may assess application materials for job-related technical depth, internal consistency, and demonstrated hands-on experience, including through follow-up questions, skills assessments, or reference checks. Verification of education may be requested before or during the hiring process.

For security and identity verification purposes, participants may be asked to temporarily disable virtual backgrounds during portions of the call.

Misrepresentation or falsification may result in removal from further consideration. Candidates who need a reasonable accommodation in the application or interview process may request one.

A-TEK, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or status as a qualified individual with a disability, or Vietnam era or other protected Veteran status.