Application Architect - Drupal (Hybrid)

Job Title: Application Architect - Drupal (Hybrid)

Location: Arlington, VA or Sterling, VA

Duration: 12 Months

Job Description:

We are seeking a motivated Application Architect expert to lead the migration of our multisite Drupal platform off Acquia BLT and to design Kubernetes-based architecture patterns on AWS to support hosting, scaling and reliability for custom Drupal applications. The ideal candidate is an expert web developer with deep experience in Drupal and PHP frameworks such as Symfony, custom module development, and modern JavaScript frameworks (Angular, Node.js), along with CSS preprocessors and build-tools like Sass, Gulp, Grunt, and Webpack. The role requires hands-on experience with Acquia environments, Drupal VM, multisite architecture, and third-party API integration, as well as strength in performance and scalability benchmarking, regulatory compliance, and policy development. Exceptional leadership and communication skills are essential to guide teams through the transition to future-state architectures, partner with business stakeholders, and present technical concepts to executive leadership in clear business terms.

Tasks / Performance Requirements:

• Lead the effort to decouple the Drupal application from Acquia BLT (Build and Launch Tool) and migrate to a more sustainable, scalable build and deployment approach for a multisite environment.
• Design and implement Kubernetes architecture patterns on AWS infrastructure to support the hosting, scaling and reliability of Drupal-based web applications.
• Provides expert-level technical support in the development of web solutions using a range of technologies and database tools, such as Hypertext Preprocessor (PHP), Drupal Content Management System, client-side application interfaces, Node.js, Cloud computing, Open-source technology, and Distributed System Architecture.
• Expert knowledge of and skill with web technologies used to integrate and develop solutions across different technology platforms.
• Firsthand experience in web application development using Drupal and PHP frameworks like Symfony.
• Expertise in Web application standards and compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Seasoned conducting performance and scalability benchmarking and profiling of web solutions.
• Experience with custom module development and site building that follows industry standards.
• Seasoned reviewing and developing policy.
• Proficiency in managing organizational change and transitioning from current to future state architectures.
• Knowledge on client-side application interfaces and ability to apply it to design user interfaces for web and intranet apps by establishing detailed program specifications using SDLC methodologies and tools.
• Must have skills with a modern MVC based JS Framework like AngularJS, Angular 2 and Node JS.
• Must have skills using SASS or other CSS processors (JS Preprocessors – Gulp, Grunt, Webpack, etc.)
• Must have experience with Acquia environment and Drupal VM, including multi-site environment and ability to integrate third party APIs.
• Fluent preparing written materials and facilitating presentations and formal briefings to leadership.
• Exceptional leadership and communication skills to interact effectively with business stakeholders, technical teams, and executive leadership and the ability to translate technical concepts into business language and vice versa.
• Performs Other Duties as Assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

The Contractor shall provide personnel meeting the following minimum qualifications.

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science, Information Systems, or a related field of study.
• Minimum 10 years of first-hand experience in web app development, including significant hand-on experience with Drupal, PHP, Kubernetes, AWS and other cloud technologies.
• Experience with Acquia environments, docker-based Drupal VM’s, and multisite architecture.
• Experience with SASS or other CSS preprocessors and build tools such a Gulp, Grunt or Webpack.
• Experience with a modern JavaScript framework such as Angular, React, Nextjs or Node.js.
• Strong understanding of REST APIs, web services, data mapping, data synchronization, system interfaces.
• Ability to define data flows, system dependencies, technical approaches, risks, and implementation requirements while working with DevOps and other IT teams.
• Ability to speak and write effectively, with emphasis on communicating technical issues to nontechnical audiences.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Certifications and experience with Drupal and AWS.
• Expert-level knowledge of Drupal and PHP frameworks such as Symfony.
• Experience designing and implementing Kubernetes architecture on AWS to host and scale web applications.
• Experience migrating Drupal applications off Acquia BLT or similar build and deployment tools to a sustainable multisite approach.
• Proven experience conducting performance and scalability benchmarking and profiling of web solutions.
• Knowledge of web application standards and compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Experience managing organizational change and transitioning from current to future-state architectures.
• Experience applying SDLC methodologies to design user interfaces for web and intranet applications.
• Experience with cloud computing, open-source technology, and distributed system architecture.
• Ability to prepare written materials and deliver presentations and formal briefings to executive leadership.