Solutions Architecture

Salary: $82,344.00 - $146,784.00 Annually
Location : Thurston County - Olympia, WA
Job Type: Exempt
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number: 2025-WaTech-7248-06348
Department: Washington Technology Solutions
Division: ETS NSD
Opening Date: 11/19/2025
Closing Date: 12/22/2025 11:59 PM Pacific

Description
Solutions Architecture & Engineer Manager (EMS 3)

This recruitment has been extended to increase the applicant pool. If you've already applied, you do not need to re-apply.

WaTech: Leading the way in technology

Washington Technology Solutions (WaTech) is at the forefront nationally in integrating innovative technologies that revolutionize how state services are delivered to the people of Washington. WaTech establishes the strategic technological framework for various state domains and programs, overseeing the primary technology services throughout the state.
About the position:

This position is a part of WaTech's Network Services Division (NSD), and reports to the Assistant Director of Network Services. As the Solutions Architecture & Engineer Manager you will apply expert specialized knowledge of the statewide wide area network (WAN) to lead and facilitate strategic business initiatives for the benefit of WaTech's customers. This position is responsible for developing and implementing NSD strategies, priorities, and initiatives that lead to improvements in customer satisfaction, cost recovery growth, and return on investment.

Duties
Some of what to expect in this role:

• Lead, manage, mentor, and develop three high-performing teams: Solution Architecture, Systems Engineering, and Network Capacity Management.
• Review and evaluate proposed technical designs and architectures to ensure alignment with organizational standards, security policies, and performance expectations.
• Design end-to-end solutions that meet business needs while aligning with well architected best practices.
• Provide directional oversight, guidance, constraints/restraints, and recommended courses of actions to senior technical staff.
• Research, validate and recommend fiscal investments for network and telecommunication equipment, services, and projects.
• Develop and write policies for NSD in coordination with all service owners.
• Evaluate and guide solution designs to ensure they align with enterprise strategy, support digital transformation initiatives, and meet defined business goals.
• Lead and conduct requirements engineering and design synthesis to formulate cost-effective statewide technical solutions for state agencies and enterprise service owners.
• Sponsor cross-divisional and interagency projects that evolve enterprise services and advance the division's service portfolio.
• Optimize resource allocation and manage workloads across multiple projects.
• Author contracts, business proposals, procurement requests, and financial analysis reports in support of delivering value-added services, acquiring new IT services, and maintaining operational readiness.

Qualifications
Here's what we're looking for:

• 14 years of experience in networking and telecommunication infrastructure, technology, operations, and services. This experience must include:
  • Five years of experience in each of the following:
    • Planning, managing, and overseeing IT projects.
    • Aligning architecture with enterprise strategy and roadmaps.
    • Designing end-to-end solutions across multiple platforms.
    • Leveraging an architectural framework to develop design solutions.
  • Four years of experience in each of the following:
    • Cloud technology and enterprise architecture.
    • Managing, supervising, or leading IT teams and resources.
  • Experience with at least four or more of the following:
    • Translate complex business needs into integrated solutions by harmonizing requirements, technical constraints, skill gaps, and sponsor expectations.
    • Lead cross-functional collaboration and mentor technical teams to ensure consistent, scalable, and strategic solution delivery.
    • Develop and maintain solution roadmaps aligned with enterprise architecture frameworks (e.g., TOGAF, Zachman) and IT strategy.
    • Design and integrate end-to-end systems across cloud (AWS, Azure, GCP), hybrid, and on-prem environments using best practices in architecture, interoperability, and data protection.
    • Apply architectural patterns and integration techniques (e.g., microservices, APIs, middleware) to enable scalable, secure, and resilient systems.
    • Assess emerging technologies and manage infrastructure across virtual/physical networks, cloud models (SaaS, PaaS, IaaS), and protocols (BGP, OSPF, MPLS) to support enterprise goals.
• * A bachelor's degree in computer science, engineering, information technology, or an equivalent discipline from an accredited college or university may substitute on a year-for-year basis for up to four years of the required experience.

Preference may be granted to applicants with the following:

• Master's degree in computer science, engineering, information technology, or an equivalent discipline from an accredited college or university.
• Applicants who possess the following desired certifications and training:
  • Cisco: Cisco Certified Entry Networking Technician (CCENT), associate-level certifications (CCNA).
  • Security: Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), Certified Information Security Manager (CISM), Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA).
  • CompTIA: Security+, Network+, Cybersecurity Analyst+, SecurityX (formerly CASP+).
  • Cloud: Azure Fundamentals, AWS Cloud Practitioner.
  • Architectural Framework (TOGAF, FEAF, DoDAF, Zachman)
• Experience using advanced routing protocols (BGP, OSPF), network architecture (client-server, peer-to-peer, SD-WAN), data-in-transit encryption methodologies (SSL/TLS, IPSec), and virtual architecture (VNETs, VPCs, VMs) to interconnect users with applications and data.

Desired Essential Knowledge, Skills, Abilities (KSA):

• Knowledge of making high-impact technical decisions confidently and justifies them with data and reasoning.
• Knowledge of hardware and software development life cycles (Agile, DevOps, CI/CD).
• Knowledge of data modeling, data flows, and information lifecycle management. - Knowledge of general state and federal government and educational institutions.
• Ability to collaborate across IT domains and service teams to resolve problems, develop solutions, and mentor others.
• Ability to identify emerging technologies and trends that could add value.
• Ability to translate business needs into technical solutions that drive strategic objectives.

Supplemental Information
We value diversity and different perspectives:

WaTech is committed to providing equal access and opportunities to all qualified applicants and employees. We seek to attract and retain a diverse staff and welcome your experiences, perspectives and unique identity. We invite you to include your preferred name and pronouns in your material to ensure we address you correctly throughout the application process.
What WaTech offers:

As an employee of WaTech, you'll have access to an outstanding that includes medical and dental plan options for you and your family, paid leave and holidays, retirement plan options and more.

While WaTech is headquartered in Olympia, Washington, which is near some of the country's most , we are able to offer many of our positions telework and flexible schedule options to help support a healthy work-life balance.

To learn more about WaTech and what our employees enjoy about working here, please .
Additional information about this role:

This position requires a background check. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability to perform in the position and is a continued condition of employment.
How to apply:

Applications for this recruitment will be accepted electronically. Please select the large "apply" button at the top of this announcement. In addition to completing your online application, please also include the following attachments:

• A current resume detailing your applicable experience, training and/or education.
• A letter of interest highlighting how your experiences align with the outlined job posting.

Top candidates will be asked to provide a list of their professional references with contact information.
Reminders:

• A real person is reviewing your application material. It is in your best interest to complete the application in its entirety and review thoroughly before submitting. You will not be eligible to re-apply to this posting for 30 days.
• Applications with missing or incomplete fields, or supplemental question responses such as "see resume" may be considered incomplete and removed from consideration.
• WaTech complies with the employment eligibility verification requirements of the federal Form I-9. The selected candidate must be able to provide proof of identity and eligibility to work in the United States. WaTech does not use the E-Verify system. We are not eligible to extend STEM Optional Practice Training (OPT) opportunities. For more information, please visit
• Applicants wishing to claim Veterans Preference should attach a copy of their DD-214 (Member 4 copy), NGB 22, or signed verification of service letter from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs to their application. (Please redact any personally identifiable data such as social security number and date of birth prior to submittal.)

By submitting your materials, you affirm that all information is true and correct. Any untruthful information is cause for removal from the applicant pool. If hired as a result of this recruitment, the discovery of incorrect or falsified information may lead to disciplinary action or dismissal.
Recruitment process:

The first round of application assessments will be conducted seven days after the initial job posting date. The hiring authority reserves the right to offer the position at any time after the initial seven-day job posting date. It is to the applicant's advantage to apply as early as possible. This recruitment may be used to fill multiple positions.

The salary range reflected above reflects the full potential for this position. The base pay offered to the selected candidate will consider the candidate's specific qualifying experience and internal equity of the existing team.
Contact us: For inquiries about this position, please contact Rebekah Wilkes at (360) 407-8646 or email to

If you'd like to request an accommodation for any part of the selection process, or to receive the application material in an alternative format, please contact Human Resources at (360) 407-8242 or .Persons of disability or those who are deaf or hard of hearing can call the Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6388.
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
01

Please select the option that best describes how you meet the required qualifications:

• I have 14 years of experience in networking and telecommunication infrastructure, technology, operations, and services.
• I have a bachelor's degree in computer science, engineering, information technology, or an equivalent discipline from an accredited college or university AND 10 years of experience in networking and telecommunication infrastructure, technology, operations, and services.
• I do not have the required experience and/or education, but I am willing to learn.

02

Please explain in detail how you gained the experience in question #1. If this does not apply, type N/A.
03

In which of the following do you have five years of experience? (Select all that apply.)

• Planning, managing, and overseeing IT projects
• Aligning architecture with enterprise strategy and roadmaps.
• Designing end-to-end solutions across multiple platforms.
• Leveraging an architectural framework to develop design solutions.
• I do not have experience with any of these, but I am willing to learn.

04

Please explain in detail how you gained experience in each of the areas you selected in question # 3. If this does not apply, type N/A.
05

In which of the following areas do you have experience? (Select all that apply)

• Translate complex business needs into integrated solutions by harmonizing requirements, technical constraints, skill gaps, and sponsor expectations.
• Lead cross-functional collaboration and mentor technical teams to ensure consistent, scalable, and strategic solution delivery.
• Develop and maintain solution roadmaps aligned with enterprise architecture frameworks (e.g., TOGAF, Zachman) and IT strategy.
• Design and integrate end-to-end systems across cloud (AWS, Azure, GCP), hybrid, and on-prem environments using best practices in architecture, interoperability, and data protection.
• Apply architectural patterns and integration techniques (e.g., microservices, APIs, middleware) to enable scalable, secure, and resilient systems.
• Assess emerging technologies and manage infrastructure across virtual/physical networks, cloud models (SaaS, PaaS, IaaS), and protocols (BGP, OSPF, MPLS) to support enterprise goals.
• I do not have experience with any of these, but I am willing to learn.

06

Please explain how you gained the experience for each of the area(s) you selected in question #5. If this does not apply, type N/A.
07

In which of the following do you have four years of experience? (Select all that apply)

• Cloud technology and enterprise architecture.
• Managing, supervising, or leading IT teams and resources.
• I do not have experience in either of these, but I am willing to learn.

08

Please explain how you gained the experience for each of the area(s) you selected in question #7. If this does not apply, type N/A.
09

Will you now or in the future require sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g. H-1B visa status or F1 OPT etc.)?

• Yes
• No

10

How did you learn about this WaTech opportunity? Select all that apply.

• Business Resource Group (BRG)
• Careers.wa.gov
• Governmentjobs.com
• Public job sites (e.g., Indeed, ZipRecruiter, Glassdoor, Monster, etc.)
• Job Fair
• LinkedIn
• WaTech employee
• WaTech website
• WorkSource
• Other

Required Question

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