Software Solutions Architect (157857) MI LOCAL ONLY

* Candidates must be local to the Lansing, Michigan area (within 90 miles) at time of submission. This requirement is non-negotiableMANDATORY REQUIREMENTS:10+ years of experience in software engineering and solution architecture roles 7+ years of demonstrated experience designing and implementing microservices and event driven architectures 7+ years of strong expertise with Java and Spring Boot (or similar frameworks), RESTful APIs, and distributed systems 7+ years of hands on experience working with cloud platforms such as AWS and/or Azure, including Docker and Kubernetes Proven experience with Kafka or other messaging platforms, including enterprise integration patterns Solid understanding and practical application of DDD, CQRS, Saga patterns, and API design best practicesExperience with Kafka / messaging systems and integration patternsSolid understanding of DDD, CQRS, Saga, and API designPREFERRED QUALIFICATIONSExperience supporting large scale enterprise or government environmentsAWS Certified Solutions Architect and/or Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect Expert Experience working with data platforms and ETL/ELT pipelinesHands on development experience is a plus to support technical decision making and solution guidanceWe are seeking an experienced Solution Architect to design and deliver scalable, cloud-native solutions using microservices and event-driven architectures. The role focuses on building resilient distributed systems, enabling enterprise modernization, and driving high-quality technical delivery across platforms.Job Responsibilities:Design end-to-end architecture for scalable microservices and distributed systemsDrive monolith to microservices modernization using DDD and API-first principlesArchitect event-driven systems using platforms like Apache Kafka, RabbitMQ, and IBM MQDefine and govern API contracts (REST, OpenAPI, gRPC) and integration patternsImplement resilience patterns (circuit breaker, retries, DLQ, saga orchestration)Design cloud-native solutions on Microsoft Azure and Amazon Web ServicesLead containerization using Docker and orchestration with Kubernetes / Red Hat OpenShiftEstablish CI/CD pipelines and DevOps practices (Azure DevOps, Jenkins, GitHub)Design data pipelines, migration, and real-time integration solutionsEnsure NFRs - Scalability, performance, security (OAuth2, mTLS), and reliabilityImplement observability (logging, monitoring, tracing – Splunk, Dynatrace, AppDynamics)Provide technical leadership, architecture governance, and design reviewsAdditional Notes:Program Oversight: Provide oversight and coordination across the Child Support program, ensuring alignment across initiatives and project effortsInitial Ramp‑Up: Participate in shadowing and knowledge transfer during the first few weeks to gain familiarity with systems, processes, and stakeholdersCross‑Project Support: Work within a large team of 100+ employees, with flexibility to support and move between multiple projects as neededAssignment duration: Initial 1-year contract with a possibility of extension based on performance and business needed.Position location: Lansing, MI (Hybrid Work Schedule (Non-Negotiable): Required onsite days- Wednesdays and Thursdays; Remote eligible days- Mondays, Tuesdays, and Fridays. NO REMOTE ONLY OPTION. Will need to be onsite from day 1)* Candidates must be local to the Lansing, Michigan area (within 90 miles) at time of submission. This requirement is non-negotiableInterview process: 60-minute Virtual Interview via MS Teams (video required). Candidates should join from a laptop and be prepared to share their screen if requested. A screenshot photo of candidate will be required for any interviews as well as a vendor present at beginning of virtual interview to validate candidate. Planning to schedule interviews the week of 4/27