IT ARCHITECT-APPLICATIONS

Job Description

Applications accepted from: ALL PERSONS INTERESTED

Department/ Division: Houston Information Technology Services / Enterprise Applications Services

Reporting Location: 500 Jefferson, Houston, TX 77002

Workdays & Hours: MONDAY - FRIDAY 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM*

* Subject to Change

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES / ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

The IT Architect - Fire Applications will serve as a technical leader responsible for designing, implementing, and transforming enterprise application architectures to meet the City of Houston and Houston Fire Department’s evolving technology landscape. This role requires strong expertise in modern application frameworks, integration strategies, and cloud-based solutions, while ensuring continuity and modernization of legacy systems. Key responsibilities include:

Application Architecture & Design

• Define and maintain enterprise application architecture standards, patterns, and best practices.
• Design scalable, secure, and high-performing application solutions aligned with business requirements.
• Evaluate emerging technologies and recommend adoption strategies to modernize application ecosystems.

Legacy System Support & Modernization

• Provide ongoing support for critical legacy applications to ensure stability and reliability.
• Develop and execute strategies to transform legacy architectures into modern, cloud-ready platforms.
• Lead migration efforts from monolithic systems to microservices or modular architectures.
• Implement modernization roadmaps that minimize operational disruption while improving performance and security.

Integration & Cloud Transformation

• Integrate legacy systems with modern platforms, APIs, and cloud services.
• Design and implement hybrid architectures that bridge on-premise and cloud environments.
• Optimize application architecture for scalability, performance, and compliance in cloud-native ecosystems.

Technical Leadership & Governance

• Provide architectural guidance to development teams throughout the software development lifecycle.
• Establish governance processes for application design, coding standards, and deployment practices.
• Conduct architecture reviews and ensure compliance with security and regulatory standards.

Collaboration & Solution Delivery

• Partner with business stakeholders, IT leadership, and cross-functional teams to translate requirements into technical solutions.
• Document architecture diagrams, technical specifications, and integration workflows.
• Mentor team members and promote knowledge sharing across the organization.

Performance & Security

• Optimize application performance through effective design and tuning.
• Implement robust security measures, including identity management, encryption, and compliance controls.
• Monitor and address architectural risks to ensure system reliability and resilience.

TECHNICAL EXPERTISE

• Strong proficiency in enterprise architecture frameworks (TOGAF, Zachman, etc.).
• Advanced knowledge of application development technologies (.NET, Java, microservices).
• Notable expertise in cloud platforms (Azure, AWS) and containerization (Docker, Kubernetes).
• Highly skilled in API design, integration patterns, and middleware technologies.
• Previous experience in legacy system modernization and migration strategies.
• Deep understanding of security standards, compliance, and data governance.

Compliance & Security Requirements:

• CJIS Certification (or ability to obtain within 90 days of hire) is mandatory.
• Must successfully pass a comprehensive background check, including criminal history, and fingerprinting per Houston Police Department and CJIS standards.
• Candidate must maintain eligibility for access to sensitive law enforcement systems and data.

WORKING CONDITIONS

There are no major sources of discomfort, i.e., essentially normal office environment with acceptable lighting, temperature, and air conditioning.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

EDUCATION:

Requires a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Management and Information Systems (MIS) or a closely related field.

Holds multiple applications-specific technical certifications; recognized as having mastery of a particular technical discipline.

A Master’s degree in Computer Science, Management and Information Systems (MIS) or a closely related field may be substituted for up to two (2) years of experience.

EXPERIENCE:

At least ten (10) years of specialized experience in application systems analysis and development.

LICENSE

None

PREFERENCES

**Preference shall be given to eligible veteran applicants provided such persons possess the qualifications necessary for competent discharge of the duties involved in the position applied for, such persons are among the most qualified candidates for the position, and all other factors in accordance with Executive Order 1-6. **

GENERAL INFORMATION

SELECTION / SKILLS TESTS REQUIRED

Department may administer skills assessment test

SAFETY IMPACT POSITION - NO

If yes, this position is subject to random drug testing and if a promotional position, candidate must pass an assignment drug test.

SALARY INFORMATION Factors used in determining the salary offered include the candidate’s qualifications as well as the pay rates of other employees in this classification.

PAY GRADE : 33

APPLICATION PROCEDURES

Thank you for your interest in a career with the City of Houston. We are committed to providing an accessible, transparent, and positive application experience for every candidate.

To be considered for this position, applications must be submitted online during the active posting period. We are unable to accept paper, emailed, mailed, or faxed applications. To apply, please visit the City of Houston Careers website at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/houston/

Stay Connected Throughout the Process

After submitting your application, you may view your application status at any time by logging into your online profile http://agency.governmentjobs.com/houston/default.cfm . If you have questions regarding your application status, please contact Human Resources at 832-393-0450.

Accessibility and Accommodations

The City of Houston is committed to ensuring equal access to employment opportunities. If you require reasonable accommodation or special assistance during the application or hiring process, please contact 832-393-0450 (TTY 7-1-1).

Technical Assistance

If you experience difficulties accessing your account, logging in, or completing your online application, technical support is available by calling 855-524-5627.

What to Expect Next

We carefully review each application received. Due to the high volume of applicants, only candidates selected to move forward in the recruitment process will be contacted directly by the hiring department.

Before You Begin Your Application

To help make your application process as smooth as possible, please gather your educational information and supporting documentation before you begin.

Depending on your qualifications, you may be asked to provide:

• High school diploma, GED, or equivalent credential from an accredited institution
• College, university, or technical school information
• Degrees earned, areas of study, and graduation dates
• Official transcripts or other educational documentation from accredited institutions
• Professional licenses, certifications, or other credentials relevant to the position

Having these materials ready in advance will help ensure your application is complete and can be reviewed without unnecessary delays. To learn more, we encourage you visit our How to Verify Education resource.

Please note: Applications requiring educational verification may be considered incomplete if the requested documentation is not submitted.

Pre-Employment Requirements

As part of the hiring process, all new hires and rehires must successfully complete a pre-employment drug screening. Final employment offers may also be contingent upon a physical examination and verification of information provided in the application and supporting documentation.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The City of Houston is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and values the unique perspectives, experiences, and talents of our workforce. We are committed to fostering an inclusive workplace where all employees are treated with dignity and respect.

Employment decisions are made without regard to any legally protected status or characteristic, including race, color, ethnicity, national origin, sex, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, veteran status, gender identity, pregnancy, or any other status protected by applicable law.

We encourage all qualified individuals to apply and look forward to learning more about you and the experience you can bring to our team.

Thank you for your interest in joining the City of Houston. We appreciate the time and effort you invest in the application process and look forward to reviewing your qualifications.

The city offers a competitive benefits program, including competitively priced health coverage and a defined contribution pension plan. Benefits include:

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• Wellness
• Supplemental Insurance
• Life insurance
• Long-term disability
• Retirement pension
• 457 deferred compensation plan
• Employee Assistance Program
• 10 days of vacation each year
• 13 city holidays, plus one floating holiday
• Compensable Sick Leave
• Personal Leave
• Flexible schedules
• Professional development opportunities
• Transportation/parking plan
• Section 125 pretax deductions
• Dependent Care Reimbursement Plan
• Paid Prenatal, Parental and Infant Wellness Leaves
• Healthcare Flexible Spending Account

Closing Date/Time: 11/19/2026 11:59 PM Central