Application Architect

Do you have experience developing and designing applications? Are you ready to take your career to the next level? If YES, then apply now for an opportunity to use your skills to make an impact in the lives of thousands of Wisconsin citizens!

What We're Looking For: The Development and Quality Management Section (DQMS) at ETF is seeking an experienced Application Architect to design enterprise tier applications, drive modernization efforts, and serve as the agency’s expert on application architecture and development activities. The ideal candidate is someone with architectural and design expertise who enjoys leading others and coming up with best practices for a development team.

What We Offer: This is an excellent opportunity to develop a meaningful and rewarding career with ETF. Our employees have access to an excellent comprehensive benefit and compensation package, including generous paid time off so you can truly have work/life balance! If you have student loans and work full time in a public service job (like this one!) you may be eligible for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Who We Are: The Department of Employee Trust Funds (ETF) manages retirement, insurance, and other benefit programs for 650,000+ state and local government employees and retirees of the WRS. Our members are at the center of everything we do, and we're committed to enhancing their well-being by delivering expert guidance, strong, sustainable benefit programs, and an exceptional customer experience. We're looking for talented people who are active learners that build strong collaborative customer relationships (whether internal or external) and recognize the value different perspectives and experiences bring to our organization.

Where We're Located: ETF is located in the award-winning city of Madison. Located just off University and Sheboygan Avenues, at 4822 Madison Yards Way, within walking distance to several parks, restaurants, and Hilldale Shopping Center.

As an Application Architect, you will be part of a dedicated team that plays a critical role in ETF’s modernization efforts. You will serve as a technical decision maker, ensuring all applications are architected and developed according to ETF, security, and industry standards. You will collaborate with cross-functional teams and provide technical expertise to our development team, other technical staff, business managers, and IT management. In addition, you will be involved with training and mentoring others in best practices for application architecture.

For more information, please review the full position description.

This position is in classification IS Systems Development Services Consultant/Administrator (pay schedule/range 07-32), with an annual salary of $108,160.00 - $127,192.00, plus excellent benefits.

Pay for current and new state employees will be set in accordance with the Wisconsin State Compensation Plan in effect at the time of hire.

To learn more about ETF’s total compensation package, please visit our Total Rewards Calculator!

ETF offers hybrid remote/office work. If interested in hybrid remote/office work, this can be discussed in more detail during the interview process. The selected employee(s) must report to ETF’s office on the first day of employment. In addition, the employee may need to report to ETF on short notice as operational needs require. All employees are expected to be headquartered and work within the state of Wisconsin.

ETF does not sponsor work visas. Any appointment made will be contingent on the applicant being able to prove valid status to work in the United States.

Prior to any appointments for position(s) filled from this announcement, candidates may be subject to a comprehensive criminal background check to determine whether the circumstances of any conviction may be related to the duties required of the position.

A 12-month probationary period may be required.

The results from this recruitment may be used to fill future vacancies if they become available.

Minimally Qualified candidates will have experience in all the following:

• Developing applications using Java
• Developing applications using a major JavaScript framework (e.g., React, Angular, etc.)

• Developing application architectures for enterprise tier applications/services

  • Examples include services that are: used throughout an agency/enterprise (verses a single business area), available to the public, impact a high volume of stakeholders, involve complex architectures, etc.

• Using Agile development methodologies and practices as a member of a development team

In addition, Highly Qualified candidates will also have experience with some of the following:

• Designing custom applications that integrate with vendor provided and/or Software as a Service (SaaS) Solutions

• Coordinating application development work across multiple technical teams (e.g., development teams, security teams, database teams, middleware teams, etc.)

To apply, click “Apply for Job” to start the application process. Follow the steps outlined in the application process and submit your application. To be considered for this position, you must attach a resume and letter of qualifications addressing your training and experience with the qualifications listed above.

Your letter of qualifications and resume are very important parts of your application and are used during our evaluation process to determine your eligibility for further consideration. For helpful tips, please review our instructions for developing your resume and letter of qualifications.

Online applications that do not include all requested materials may not be considered. Submitted materials will be evaluated by a panel of job experts and the most qualified applicants will be invited to participate in the next step of the selection process.

Permanent classified state employees who are eligible for transfer, voluntary demotion, or reinstatement should complete the application process described above by the stated deadline.

The State of Wisconsin offers a special program for qualified veterans with a 30% or greater service-connected disability. If you are a qualified veteran, please visit the Veterans Employment page for application instructions to be considered for the Veterans Non-Competitive Appointment program.

For applicant questions or employment inquiries contact ETF Human Resources: ETFJobs@etf.wi.gov, 608-266-5806. Please see the Frequently Asked Questions for general wisc.jobs user information and technical assistance.

ETF is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer seeking a diverse and talented workforce. Veterans, women, people of color, LGBTQIA+, and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply. We provide reasonable accommodations to qualified applicants and employees with disabilities.

Application materials are due by 11:59 pm on May 10, 2026.