Lead Software Architect – Child Support Systems - columbia, SC

Lead Software Architect – Child Support Systems Location: Columbia, SC hybrid (3 days onsite per week)

Interview Process: 1 round, Virtual/Online Duration: 12 Months Employment Type: Contract Experience Required: 06+ Years

Candidate location: Candidate must be a CURRENT SC resident. No relocation allowed.

Project Scope:

We are seeking an experienced Lead Software Architect to support the development and maintenance of enterprise applications within the Child Support Services environment. The ideal candidate will have strong experience with child support systems, functional architecture, requirements management, and SDLC oversight.

The Lead Software Architect will work across PACSS, New Hire, and Client Portal applications, ensuring functional requirements are properly defined, validated, documented, and integrated across systems. The role will also provide leadership to business analysts, testers, and subject matter experts.

Key Responsibilities:

· Develop a thorough understanding of PACSS functional and technical requirements and architecture.

· Understand major functional areas including case initiation, case management, and financial processes and how they integrate.

· Identify functional requirements for New Hire and Client Portal applications and ensure effective integration with PACSS.

· Lead and coordinate business analysts, testers, and subject matter experts across multiple applications.

· Work with development contractors to plan and coordinate requirements validation, design, development, and system testing activities.

· Oversee contractor activities throughout the SDLC and ensure project deliverables meet established requirements.

· Review and approve applicable system development deliverables.

· Oversee requirements management and ensure requirements are properly controlled and traced throughout the SDLC.

· Maintain and manage Requirements Traceability Matrices.

· Work with development teams to validate requirements and oversee application design and testing.

· Collaborate with business stakeholders to understand application issues and identify appropriate solutions.

· Lead the development of user stories and use cases by analyzing business requirements and system capabilities.

· Develop workflow diagrams, specifications, technical reports, and supporting documentation.

· Assist with test case design, process change requests, and project scope management.

· Provide regular written and verbal status updates to project leadership.

· Support team collaboration and ensure project activities are completed efficiently.

Required Skills & Experience:

· 6+ years of overall relevant IT/software architecture experience.

· 5+ years of experience working with PACSS or similar child support enforcement applications.

· Strong experience with Child Support systems and processes.

· Experience with Federal Child Support regulations, including IV-D requirements.

· Experience working directly with developers and end users to define and validate functional requirements.

· Experience with New Hire applications.

· Strong understanding of requirements management and SDLC processes.

· Experience with system architecture, functional design, and requirements traceability.

· Strong leadership and team coordination skills.

Preferred Skills:

· SharePoint

· Team Foundation Server (TFS)

· SQL Server

· Microsoft Visio

· Experience with government or enterprise application environments.

· Experience with child support enforcement system development and integration.

Education Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Engineering, or a related field.