Principal Software Architect

At OAS, we're not just growing; we're soaring! As a dynamic professional services firm, we specialize in powering the aviation industry forward. Our expertise? Crafting tailored strategies that blend cutting-edge technical solutions with deep organizational insights, all aimed at elevating our civilian and military aviation partners. About the Role We are seeking a Principal Software Architect to lead the stabilization and modernization of a mission‑critical legacy application for a federal government agency. This position blends hands-on full stack engineering with enterprise-level architectural leadership, with a strong emphasis on database refactoring, system redesign, and incremental modernization strategies. You will assess a fragmented legacy environment, remediate technical debt, and define a scalable target architecture that balances immediate operational needs with long-term modernization goals. In addition to project delivery, you will serve as a corporate technical subject matter expert, shaping solution approaches for proposals and organizational growth initiatives. Key Responsibilities Legacy System Stabilization & Modernization Assess and stabilize existing application and database environments; resolve critical risks and technical debt. Analyze and refactor database structures to improve performance, integrity, and maintainability. Define and implement data migration strategies with minimal operational disruption. Establish baseline metrics for system performance, capacity, and data health. Develop a phased modernization roadmap using approaches such as refactor, replatform, or retire. Architecture Leadership Define target system and database architecture, including integration patterns and data access strategies. Establish data models, ownership boundaries, and interface contracts to support scalability. Document system constraints, risks, and architectural decisions. Define and enforce non-functional requirements (performance, security, reliability, compliance). Lead architecture reviews and ensure implementation aligns with target design. Prioritize immediate fixes versus long-term architectural improvements. Collaboration & Stakeholder Engagement Work closely with program, development, and security teams to align execution with mission needs. Communicate technical risks, trade-offs, and recommendations to technical and non-technical stakeholders. Identify risks and dependencies and drive mitigation strategies. Corporate Technical Leadership Serve as the company's enterprise technical lead, providing insights and recommendations to support business development and proposal efforts. Contribute architectural guidance and best practices across internal teams. Required Qualifications Bachelor's degree in a relevant field 10+ years of full stack development experience Strong server-side development experience, including APIs and database integration (MySQL, Oracle, SQL Server) Experience developing modern web applications using HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and frameworks such as React, Angular, or Vue.js Demonstrated ability to ensure performance, scalability, and secure application development Familiarity with system architecture principles, version control, and full application lifecycle support Ability to pass a Public Trust background investigation Desired Qualifications Experience modernizing legacy systems within federal government environments Strong background in database redesign and data migration Proven ability to operate as both a hands-on engineer and architectural leader Experience implementing incremental modernization strategies (not just full rewrites) Comfort working in ambiguous, evolving environments with high ownership Certifications (desired, not required): AWS Database Specialty Microsoft Certified: Azure Database Administrator Associate Oracle Database Architect Certified Professional Oracle Certified Professional: Java SE Developer Master's degree in a related field Ideal Candidate Profile You thrive in complex environments where modernization must be balanced with operational continuity. You can dissect a legacy system, chart a path forward, and lead teams through incremental transformation. You understand the realities of government environments and can communicate clearly with both technical teams and mission stakeholders. You bring architectural vision, hands-on capability, and a mindset that connects project success with broader organizational growth. Location: Fully remote within the United States Clearance : Ability to obtain and maintain a Public Trust Education : Bachelor's degree required; Master's preferred Experience : 10+ years EEO Statement: Objective Area Solutions LLC is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer. We are committed to attracting, engaging, and building a workplace where everyone feels empowered to bring their full, authentic selves to work. OAS does not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived race, color, creed, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, or any other characteristics protected by law. Objective Area Solutions LLC is committed to complying with applicable federal, state, and local laws governing reasonable accommodations of individuals, including not limited to, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Applicants who wish to request accommodations for disabilities we will adhere to such accommodations. If you are a disabled individual or disabled Veteran and require a reasonable accommodation in applying for any posted position, please speak with your recruiter.