Integration Developer/Middleware Specialist

The Integration Developer / Middleware Specialist leads the design and implementation of all system integrations. This role is central to achieving the program's goal of end-to-end financial transparency -- ensuring seamless handshakes between contract writing, financial management, and Line of Accounting (LOA) data streams.

The Integration Developer architects and builds the middleware layer, API integrations, and data exchange mechanisms that enable the platform to interoperate with systems while maintaining auditability, security, and performance. This role partners closely with the Enterprise Architect, Data Engineers, and platform teams.

Requirements:

• 8+ years of software development experience with at least 5 years focused on enterprise system integration and middleware development.

• Demonstrated expertise in RESTful API design and development, including OpenAPI/Swagger specification.

• Experience with enterprise integration patterns including event-driven architectures, message queues, and ESB/iPaaS platforms.

• Proficiency in one or more integration-relevant programming languages (Java, Python, Node.js) and integration frameworks.

• Experience integrating COTS platforms with federal legacy systems in VA or comparable civilian agency environments.

• Working knowledge of federal security standards (NIST SP 800-53, TLS/mTLS, OAuth 2.0/OIDC) as applied to system integrations.

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or related technical field required.

• Active or ability to obtain government security clearance.

Qualifications:

• Direct experience building integrations on or with the Appian platform using Appian's Connected Systems and Web API capabilities.

• Familiarity with VA enterprise integration standards, MuleSoft, IBM MQ, or equivalent middleware platforms used in federal environments.

• Experience integrating federal financial management systems such as UFMS, IPPS, or equivalent LOA data sources.

• Knowledge of HL7 FHIR, EDI, or other federal data exchange standards as applicable to VA environments.

• Experience supporting FedRAMP High or VA ATO accreditation for integrated system components.

Responsibilities:

• Design and implement the full integration architecture for VAASM, including API specifications, data exchange contracts, and middleware patterns.

• Develop and maintain all system integration components connecting Appian, Palantir, VA legacy financial systems (OLCS, UFMS, IPPS), and enterprise services.

• Build and test automated funds check interfaces that validate funding availability and record legal obligations upon contract award.

• Implement real-time LOA data linkages connecting contract line items to financial management systems for end-to-end obligation traceability.

• Develop API gateway configurations, authentication/authorization flows, and integration security controls in alignment with VA OIT requirements.

• Maintain API documentation, integration runbooks, and system-to-system data dictionaries for all integration touchpoints.

• Collaborate with the Enterprise Architect to ensure all integration designs adhere to the program's architectural standards and VA technology guidelines.

• Support integration testing activities, including developing test cases for end-to-end data flow validation and regression testing.

• Participate in ATO support activities, providing integration-specific security documentation, data flow diagrams, and control evidence.

• Troubleshoot and resolve integration performance and reliability issues in test and production environments.

• Mentor junior developers and data engineers on integration best practices and API development standards.