IT Solutions Architect

Salary : $98,520.00 - $129,288.00 Annually
Location : Thurston County - Olympia, WA
Job Type: Exempt
Job Number: 2025-87
Department: Administrative Office of the Courts
Opening Date: 11/17/2025
Closing Date: 12/1/2025 11:59 PM Pacific

Description
Develops options and recommendations for information technology designs and solutions to meet business requirements and resolve identified business problems within Washington's judicial branch of government.

Reporting to the Architecture and Strategy Manager, this expert level professional works under general supervision and decision-making is carried out according to established guidelines and defined rules/procedures, although some areas require interpretation and/or development of possible approaches. Interacts regularly with executive leadership, agency management, all levels of division staff, and staff assigned to specific projects.
Washington Courts Employment Opportunity

Administrative Office of the Courts
IT Solutions Architect

Information Services Division
Our Mission: Advance the efficient and effective operation of the Washington Judicial System.
The Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC) is looking for top-performing employees who embody its core values integrity, inclusion, accountability, and teamwork. It is committed to both employee growth and work-life balance.
Our diversity and inclusion efforts include embracing different cultures, backgrounds, and perspectives while fostering growth and advancement in the workplace.
POSITION DETAILS
Job #: 2025-87

Status: Regular, Full-Time*

Location: Olympia, Washington

Salary: Range 74: $98,520 - $129,288 per year (DOQ).

Opens: Monday, November 17th, 2025

Closes: December 1st, 2025. AOC reserves the right to close the recruitment at any time but no sooner than seven calendar days after posting.
WASHINGTON STATE RESIDENCY AND TELEWORK INFORMATION
AOC requires employees to reside in Washington State. Any exceptions must be approved. If you are invited to interview and currently reside outside of Washington State, seek more information about residency requirements from the AOC hiring manager of this recruitment.

This position requires at least 2 days per week working onsite at AOC facilities

Duties

• Converts business requirements into an architecture design that becomes the blueprint for IT solutions being created to solve identified business problems; ensures that technology solutions are cohesive, align with the organization's technology standards, strategic IT roadmaps, and meet the customer needs; employs effective reusable architecture design, strategies and best practices.

Solution Planning

• Serves as the solution architect to research available project information to understand the scope of project, the current IT and business environment, objectives and priorities of the organization.
• Validates and/or defines and documents proposed, high-level solution.
• Analyzes technical risks and advises on risk mitigation strategies.
• Identify resources needed to deliver the proposed solution.
• Provides architecture technical information and expertise to the Project Manager and Business Analyst to assist with development of a high-level project schedule, resource planning for the project and estimations.

Solution Outline

• Prepares architecture documents by researching, evaluating and selecting the technology, methodologies and tools for the technical solution.
• Analyzes available assets (frameworks, reference architectures, etc.) to bridge the gap between the as-is architecture and the to-be architecture.
• Understands and applies knowledge of complex technology environments and solution architecture practices across the necessary analysis, technical architecture, and design tasks to develop well-integrated, cost-effective solutions for the business problems in the assigned projects.

• Works with the Business Analyst to document/refine requirements (functional and non-functional) and to addresses compliance requirements.
• Establish high-level models that guide solution architecture design, sub-architecture, or deployment, and reviews with all interested parties.
• Adheres to IT standards. Collaborates with Enterprise Architect and Project Managers to optimize and balance long range architectural objectives and project constraints while maintaining customer objectives.
• Defines and documents the actions needed to close architecture gaps in support of business objectives.
• Participate in reviews of the designs, prototypes, and other technical deliverables to ensure they fulfill requirements and meet standards.
• Refines architectural decisions, at a project level, related to the infrastructure, data architecture, application architecture, patterns and designs, and security; to include:
  • Developing conceptual models and performing gap analysis.
  • Identifying services to be developed and integrated into IT solutions.
• Ensures the end-to-end service architectural roadmap to address the standard service and customization options.
• Defines and implements plans to address the service's integration points with other services.

Release

• Leads the overall architecture design and works with the development teams during application design and development.
• Provides technical guidance and consultation into the work performed by the development and project team. Duties include providing architecture guidance and consultation to development project staff and assisting project managers in ensuring tasks are updated and task status is communicated to stakeholders. Establish regular stakeholder meetings.
• Ensures the progression of the solution development through implementation and customer acceptance and rollout to production.
• Participate in solution design reviews and other project related checkpoints.

• Analyzes, learns, and applies new technology and architecture trends in alignment with the AOC Enterprise Architecture direction.

• Continuously enhances the AOC solution architecture knowledgebase by creating reusable common architecture patterns and solutions.

• Independently prepares written materials and gives oral presentations to project stakeholder groups and AOC leadership to communicate and educate stakeholders on solution recommendations and technology options.
• Provides input to ISD Enterprise Architect, Management and staff on architecture and related subjects.

Performs other duties as required.
Qualifications
Relevant experience may substitute for education on a year for year basis.
A Bachelor's degree in an information technology discipline; Master's degree or post-graduate work preferred; AND:

• At least four (4) years of senior level experience in development and design of complex IT systems including substantive experience providing architectural guidance and/or supervision to developers/teams as an Architect or Lead Developer/Engineer;
• Substantive experience working across expansive, multiple areas of software, hardware, networking, and integration of diverse technology areas for architecting front-end, back-end, data analytics or cloud-based solutions using a variety of appropriate technologies.

THE IDEAL APPLICANT WILL ALSO HAVE SOME OR ALL OF THE FOLLOWING EXPERIENCE, EDUCATION, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Leadership and interpersonal skills to work across boundaries and to establish and maintain professional working relationships with co-workers, management, and others; mentors and works effectively with people of different abilities/skills
• Ability to effectively communicate both orally and in writing; ability to communicate proficiently in written reports as well as delivering information through presentations
• Proficient in utilizing Microsoft 365 products, including Teams, Outlook, Word, OneNote, PowerPoint, and others, with expertise appropriate to the responsibilities of the role.
• Communication skills that facilitate effective, appropriate information exchanges at all levels within the AOC and the Washington Courts
• Ability to present complex ideas and designs to a variety of technical or non-technical stakeholders

• Strong facilitation/negotiation skills; ability to interface with and influence people at multiple levels within the organization.

• Skill in research methods and practices
• Understands customer expectations and ensures work meets those expectations
• Ability to estimate project effort, staffing, and financials; skill to manage time, and resources to accomplish goals and objectives
• Ability to logically integrate information to form effective goals, objectives, timelines, action plans and solutions; prioritization; effective time management

• Ability to identify, analyze and resolve problems in a consultative manner bringing problems together with recommendations for solutions

• Ability to multi-task and effectively coordinate multiple projects simultaneously
• Ability to identify risks and outcomes associated with courses of action; ability to develop action plans/strategies for the purpose of ensuring the desired outcome
• Ability to accomplish work objectives in cooperation with agency, court and state colleagues and officials
• Ability to achieve excellent results with little need for direct/oversight
• Ability to accept personal responsibility for the quality and timeliness of work
• Ability to exercise judgment and make timely, sound, strategic decisions and recommendations consistent with organizational objectives

• Broad IT generalist knowledge with an understanding of applications, data, and hardware; along with proven skills, business acumen, and discipline to ensure alignment among solution, business, and IT architecture
• Proficient in all aspects of designing and constructing application systems; as well as in developing requirements, use cases, and design specifications for new and existing applications.
• Strong project management knowledge and understanding of the software development life cycle such as waterfall, SCRUM, and/or Agile.
• Ability to adjust priorities in rapidly changing environments, work well under pressure, and provide technical leadership in multiple projects concurrently.
• Proficient in service-oriented architecture (SOA), messaging, object-oriented programming concepts, multi-tiered distributed component based technology, legacy infrastructure platforms and technologies, and enterprise service bus.
• Proven ability to work effectively with business analysts, other architects, application development and testing staff, project managers and managers within a large matrix organization.

Supplemental Information
For more information about the position, to review the job description, application submission requirements, supplemental questions, inquire about benefits, or to apply for the position: CLICK HERE TO APPLY.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION

• The workweek may fluctuate depending on workload or agency needs.
• Overnight travel may be required based on business needs.
• This position is not overtime eligible.

The AOC is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate based on gender, pregnancy, race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, creed, physical, mental or sensory disability (actual or perceived), use of a service animal, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran or military status, age, HIV or Hepatitis C status, or any other basis protected by federal or state law. Persons of disability needing assistance in the application process, or those needing this announcement in an alternative format, please contact the AOC Human Resource Office, at (360) 704-4143, or fax (360) 586-4409, or via email to Recruitment@courts.wa.gov.
Candidates who are offered a job with AOC must possess work authorization that does not require sponsorship by the employer for a visa now or in the future.
AOC complies with the employment eligibility verification requirements of the federal government eligibility verification form I-9. The selected candidate must be able to provide proof of identify and eligibility to work in the United States consistent with the requirements for that form.
AOC does not use E-verify; therefore we are not eligible to extend STEM-Optional Practice Training (OPT). For information, please visit www.uscis.gov
Persons legally authorized to work in the U.S. under federal law, including Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals recipients, are eligible for employment unless prohibited by other state or federal law.
SPECIAL NOTE: Before a new hire, a background check, including criminal history, will be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competence to perform in the job.
More than Just a Paycheck
Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.

We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.

Read about our benefits:
The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.

Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.

Insurance Benefits
Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.

Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.

To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.

Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.

Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.

The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.

Retirement and Deferred Compensation
State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site.

Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.

Social Security
All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness
If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Holidays
Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.

Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.

Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.

Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.

Sick Leave
Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.

Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

Vacation (Annual Leave)
Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in (1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.

Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with (1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.

Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

As provided in , an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165.

Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.

Military Leave
Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.

Bereavement Leave
Most employees whose family member or household member dies, or for loss of pregnancy, are entitled to five (5) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.

Additional Leave
Leave Sharing

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Leave Without Pay

Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.

Updated 07-21-2025

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