Suggested rewrite: Led a cross-functional initiative that improved [business outcome] by [measurable result], demonstrating experience relevant to this role...
System Architect
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- Remote from
- USA
- Salary
- USD 120k–165k / yr
- Department
- Software Engineering
- Employment
- Full Time
- Experience
- Senior
- Published
- Apply before
- 26 Nov 2026
- Listing views
- 56
- Application actions
- 5
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The role, at a glance.
Oddball is seeking a System Architect to serve as the senior technical authority for FISS, a large Medicare Part A claims-processing platform running on a COBOL mainframe. The role governs architectural integrity, technical standards, modernization decisions, and safe changes across COBOL, CICS, and VSAM workloads. It requires designing integrations between legacy mainframe systems and AWS-hosted, API-based services while partnering with Java and modernization engineers. This is a contingent key-personnel position supporting a federal contract opportunity and may involve pre-award activities. Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States and may need to meet federal background investigation or clearance requirements.
Role DNA
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Pace & Pressure
4/5Autonomy Level
5/5Communication Load
5/5Salary analysis
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Core skills
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Sample interview questions
I would begin with dependency mapping, workload analysis, and identification of high-risk transaction paths. I would introduce incremental, well-tested interfaces around stable mainframe capabilities, use phased releases with rollback plans, and measure reliability throughout the modernization effort.
Key considerations include transaction integrity, latency, data consistency, security, error handling, and observability. I would use controlled integration layers, define clear contracts and idempotency behavior, and ensure API calls do not compromise core CICS transaction performance or recovery procedures.
I establish lightweight but enforceable standards for interfaces, security, data ownership, logging, resilience, testing, and change control. Standards should be documented, reviewed with delivery teams, and supported by architecture reviews that focus on risk reduction and delivery practicality.
I would first stabilize the service by following incident procedures, assessing impact, and rolling back or isolating the change when appropriate. I would coordinate technical responders, communicate status clearly, validate data integrity, and lead a blameless root-cause review that results in preventive controls.
I translate technical choices into outcomes such as claims-processing continuity, delivery risk, cost, compliance, and timeline impact. I present concise options with recommendations, assumptions, and mitigation plans so stakeholders can make informed decisions without needing implementation-level detail.
About this role.
Oddball believes that the best products are built when companies understand and value the things they are working on. We value learning and growth and the ability to make a big impact at a small company. We believe that we can make big changes happen and improve the daily lives of millions of people by bringing quality software to the federal space.
This position is contingent upon contract award. As a Key Personnel role, the selected candidate will be asked to sign a letter of intent and may be invited to participate in oral presentations or pre-award activities as part of the proposal process.
We’re looking for a System Architect to join our CMS team, serving as the senior technical authority for a Medicare Part A claims processing system built on a 3+ million line COBOL mainframe.
What you’ll be doing:
- Own the technical integrity of the FISS architecture across all changes, enhancements, and modernization efforts
- Guide how the mainframe integrates with cloud-hosted components and modern API-based services on AWS
- Define architectural standards and review all technical decisions that touch the core system
- Ensure COBOL, CICS, and VSAM changes are made safely without introducing risk to claims processing
- Collaborate with modernization engineers working in Java and API development to ensure clean integration patterns
- Serve as the technical escalation point for complex issues across the program
What you’ll bring:
- Deep hands-on experience with COBOL and IBM mainframe environments including CICS and VSAM
- Experience integrating mainframe systems with cloud-hosted or API-based components
- Familiarity with AWS and modern API development patterns
- Experience on Medicare or Medicaid claims processing systems is a strong plus
- Thrives in a remote, collaborative environment and communicates clearly across technical and non-technical audiences
- Performs other related duties as assigned.
Requirements:
- Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States. In alignment with federal contract requirements, certain roles may also require U.S. citizenship and the ability to obtain and maintain a federal background investigation and/or a security clearance.
Education:
- Bachelor’s degree
Benefits:
- Fully remote
- Yearly stipend
- Comprehensive Benefits Package
- Company Match 401(k) plan
- Flexible PTO, Paid Holidays
Oddball is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against applicants based on race, religion, color, disability, medical condition, legally protected genetic information, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, gender identity or expression, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions), age, veteran status or other legally protected characteristics. Any applicant with a mental or physical disability who requires an accommodation during the application process should contact an Oddball HR representative to request such an accommodation by emailing hello@Oddball.io
Compensation:
At Oddball, it’s important each employee is compensated competitively and fairly. In alignment with state legal requirements. A range for the included position is listed below. Be advised, actual offer details are determined by job category, job location, and candidate skill level.
United States Wage Range: $120,000 – $165,000
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