Systems Architect Design Consultant - Epic

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Systems Architect Design Consultant - Epic

Company: Seattle Children's

Location: Seattle, WA (Remote eligible in WA, AK, MT, GA, FL)

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: Healthcare IT Operations / Systems Architecture

Date Posted: June 5, 2026

Experience Level: 10+ Years

Remote Status: Remote OK

🚀 Role Summary

• Design, implement, and manage complex Epic application suites and technical environments, ensuring optimal performance and alignment with hospital operations.

• Provide expert technical guidance and serve as a learned counsel to IS leadership on system design, architecture, and best practices within the healthcare IT landscape.

• Lead and mentor teams of senior architects, systems consultants, and analysts in the execution of application portfolios and technical solutions.

• Drive the resolution of complex technical issues related to Epic delivery, interfaces, batch jobs, and change management processes.

• Leverage deep knowledge of hospital operations, systems analysis methodologies, and business process design to develop cost-effective, integrated technology solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a senior technologist and technical leader within the IT department, focusing on the critical Epic Electronic Health Record (EHR) system. The "Consultant Architect" title implies a strategic advisory and hands-on design capacity, requiring a blend of deep technical expertise and an understanding of healthcare operational workflows. The remote eligibility across multiple states, with specific salary considerations for WA and AK, indicates a distributed team structure with a need for strong independent work habits and communication skills.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Oversee and guide the implementation and support of multifaceted Epic application portfolios, ensuring seamless integration with existing hospital systems and workflows.

• Lead technical tasks involving Epic interfaces, batch job scheduling and monitoring, change management processes, and system upgrades to minimize disruption to patient care.

• Develop and document technical architecture designs, standards, and best practices for the Epic environment and its surrounding integrations.

• Act as a primary technical resource and "go-to" expert for IS, user departments, and vendor personnel regarding Epic system capabilities and limitations.

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including clinical staff, IT infrastructure, and application support, to identify needs and translate them into robust technical solutions.

• Conduct in-depth analysis of business requirements and map them to the functionality of off-the-shelf software and related technology solutions, particularly within the Epic ecosystem.

• Manage technical risks and issues associated with Epic implementations and ongoing operations, developing mitigation strategies and ensuring timely resolution.

• Stay abreast of industry best practices, emerging technologies, and Epic system updates to recommend strategic improvements and enhancements.

• Guide and mentor other IT professionals on technical architecture principles, systems analysis, and healthcare IT best practices.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a senior-level engagement with the Epic EHR system, extending beyond basic administration to strategic design, implementation leadership, and technical problem-solving. The mention of "interfaces, batch jobs, change management" highlights critical operational aspects of EHR system management that require meticulous planning and execution.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Math, Business, or a related field, or equivalent work experience.

Experience:

• Minimum of seven (7) years of experience in software development and implementation life cycle processes within an enterprise IT environment.

• 3-5 years of experience in project management practices, including project planning, risk management, and issue management.

• Demonstrated experience in application integration technologies and methodologies.

• Proven experience with Electronic Health Record (EHR) systems, specifically Epic. Required Skills:

• Epic Certification: Must be Epic certified in supported modules or obtain certification within 6 months of employment.

• Systems Architecture: Deep understanding of technical architecture principles and their application in a complex healthcare IT environment.

• Hospital Operations Knowledge: Comprehensive understanding of hospital operations, clinical workflows, and healthcare industry best practices.

• Systems Analysis & Design: Proficiency in analyzing complex systems, designing solutions, and mapping business requirements to technical capabilities.

• Project Management: Strong skills in project planning, execution, risk assessment, and issue resolution within IT projects.

• Application Integration: Experience with various application integration technologies, protocols, and patterns relevant to healthcare systems.

• Technical Leadership: Ability to lead and mentor technical teams, provide expert guidance, and influence technical decision-making.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with specific Epic modules relevant to the role's focus (e.g., EpicCare, Epic Radiant, Epic Beacon).

• Familiarity with healthcare data standards (e.g., HL7, FHIR).

• Experience with cloud-based healthcare IT solutions.

• Advanced degree in a related field.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for Epic certification within six months is a critical qualification. The experience level (10+ years implied by the 7 years minimum + 3-5 years project management) and technical leadership aspect suggest this is a senior individual contributor or lead role, rather than a pure management position.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Epic System Design Case Studies: Demonstrations of complex Epic system configurations, integrations, or upgrade projects led or significantly contributed to.

• Process Optimization Examples: Documented instances where you identified inefficiencies in IT processes (e.g., change management, incident resolution, system deployment) and implemented solutions leading to measurable improvements.

• Integration Architecture Diagrams: Visual representations of system integrations, particularly those involving Epic with other healthcare applications or external systems, showcasing your understanding of data flow and middleware.

• Technical Solution Proposals: Examples of proposals or design documents outlining proposed solutions for complex technical challenges within an enterprise IT setting, demonstrating analytical rigor and strategic thinking.

• Risk & Issue Management Frameworks: Frameworks or examples of how you've managed technical risks and issues in past projects, including mitigation plans and resolution strategies.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design & Optimization: Evidence of designing or optimizing IT workflows, particularly related to application support, system maintenance, or deployment processes within a healthcare context.

• Implementation & Automation: Documentation of successful system implementations or automation initiatives that improved efficiency, reduced manual effort, or enhanced system reliability.

• Measurement & Performance Analysis: Examples of how you've established metrics, tracked performance, and analyzed data to demonstrate the effectiveness of implemented solutions or identify areas for further improvement.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Systems Architect role, a portfolio should showcase not just technical skills but the ability to design, implement, and optimize complex systems. Demonstrating experience with Epic, integration, and process improvement is crucial. The emphasis is on tangible results and strategic thinking applied to technical challenges in a healthcare setting.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $142,991.00 - $214,487.00 per year (for Washington and Alaska).

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance plans.

• 403(b) retirement savings plan.

• Life Insurance coverage.

• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) for work-life balance.

• Tuition Reimbursement program for professional development.

• Additional benefits detailed on the Seattle Children's careers website.

Working Hours: Standard full-time employment (40 hours per week). Flexibility may be expected for critical system maintenance, issue resolution, or project deadlines, which is common in enterprise IT roles, especially in healthcare.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided salary range is specific to Washington and Alaska. The disclaimer indicates that compensation for other eligible remote states (MT, GA, FL) may differ. The benefits package is standard for a large healthcare organization and is competitive. The mention of 40 hours per week is typical, but the nature of the role in a 24/7 healthcare environment implies potential for off-hours work for critical issues.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Healthcare (Pediatric Hospital and Research Center)

Company Size: Large Enterprise (Seattle Children's is a major regional healthcare provider)

Founded: Over a century ago (established with a founding promise to care for all children)

Team Structure:

• Operations Focus: The role sits within the Information Services (IS) department, specifically focusing on application architecture and management, with a specialization in the Epic EHR system.

• Reporting: Likely reports to an IT Director or Senior Manager overseeing application architecture or clinical systems.

• Collaboration: Works closely with other senior architects, systems consultants, systems analysts, IT leadership, clinical stakeholders, and potentially vendor technical teams.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Emphasis on leveraging data analysis to inform technical decisions and measure the impact of solutions.

• Process Optimization: A culture that values identifying and improving IT processes for greater efficiency and effectiveness.

• Innovation & Research: As an academic medical center, there's an underlying drive for innovation and advancing pediatric care through research and technology.

Company Website: https://www.seattlechildrens.org/

📝 Enhancement Note: Seattle Children's operates as a mission-driven organization focused on "Hope. Care. Cure." for children. This implies a culture that prioritizes patient well-being, quality of care, and ethical practices. The "Magnet designated institution" status suggests a strong focus on nursing excellence and professional development, which often translates to a supportive IT environment. The core values (Compassion, Excellence, Integrity, Collaboration, Equity, Innovation) are critical for understanding how decisions are made and how teams interact.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Senior Individual Contributor/Technical Lead. This role is for an established technologist with deep expertise in a critical enterprise system (Epic) and a strong understanding of healthcare operations. It's a position of influence and advisory capacity.

Reporting Structure: While the exact reporting line isn't specified, a Consultant Architect typically reports to a Director or Senior Manager of IT Architecture, Clinical Systems, or Application Services. They are expected to operate with a high degree of autonomy and provide leadership to other technical staff.

Operations Impact: This role has a direct and significant impact on the organization's ability to deliver patient care by ensuring the reliability, efficiency, and effectiveness of the Epic EHR system. Strategic architectural decisions influence patient safety, clinical workflow efficiency, data integrity, research capabilities, and overall operational costs.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific Epic modules or healthcare IT domains (e.g., data analytics, interoperability, cybersecurity within healthcare).

• Leadership: Transition into management roles (e.g., IT Manager, Director of Architecture) or take on broader program leadership responsibilities for major system initiatives.

• Strategic Planning: Contribute to the long-term IT strategy and roadmap for Seattle Children's, influencing technology investments and architectural direction.

• Industry Influence: Become a recognized expert within the healthcare IT community, potentially through speaking engagements or contributions to industry best practices.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Consultant Architect" title indicates a role focused on expertise and advisory capacity, often a career path for senior technical professionals who prefer deep technical work and strategic influence over direct people management. Growth typically involves increasing scope, complexity, and strategic impact.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is a remote position, eligible for candidates residing in WA, AK, MT, GA, & FL. While the primary work will be remote, occasional in-person meetings or site visits might be required, especially for critical implementations or strategic planning, though this is less common for fully remote roles.

Office Location(s): The primary office location for the organization is Seattle, WA. However, the role is specifically designated as remote with eligible states listed.

Workspace Context:

• Remote Autonomy: Requires a dedicated home office setup conducive to focused work, video conferencing, and secure access to company systems.

• Collaborative Tools: Heavy reliance on collaboration platforms (e.g., Microsoft Teams, Slack, Zoom) and project management tools for communication and task tracking.

• System Access: Secure remote access to Epic and other critical IT systems is paramount.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is 40 hours per week. However, given the critical nature of healthcare IT systems like Epic, flexibility is often required. This may include occasional on-call duties, responding to urgent system issues outside of standard business hours, or working extended hours during critical project phases or system maintenance windows.

📝 Enhancement Note: The remote nature of the role emphasizes the need for self-discipline, strong communication skills, and the ability to collaborate virtually. The "Consultant Architect" role in a hospital setting implies that while remote, there's an understanding of the 24/7 operational demands of healthcare IT.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A recruiter or HR representative will likely conduct a preliminary screening to assess basic qualifications, experience, and cultural fit.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A discussion with the hiring manager to delve deeper into technical expertise, experience with Epic, leadership style, and problem-solving capabilities. Expect questions about past projects and how you've handled complex technical challenges.

• Technical Panel/Team Interview: Interviews with peer architects, senior analysts, or other IT leaders. This stage will focus on technical depth, architectural design skills, and your approach to system integration and optimization. You may be asked to walk through a past project or discuss your approach to a hypothetical scenario.

• Case Study/Presentation (Potential): Candidates may be asked to present a case study from their portfolio or tackle a specific design challenge during the interview process. This assesses your ability to articulate complex technical concepts and demonstrate your problem-solving methodology.

• Final Interview/Offer: A final discussion, potentially with senior leadership, to confirm fit and extend an offer.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Highlight Epic Expertise: Ensure your portfolio clearly showcases your direct experience with Epic systems, including specific modules, implementations, upgrades, or integrations you've worked on.

• Quantify Impact: For each project or case study, provide quantifiable results. Use metrics to demonstrate how your architectural designs or process improvements led to cost savings, efficiency gains, improved patient safety, or enhanced system performance.

• Showcase Problem-Solving: Detail complex technical challenges you faced and the strategic, analytical approach you took to solve them. Explain your thought process, the alternatives considered, and the rationale behind your chosen solution.

• Visual Documentation: Include architectural diagrams, workflow charts, or system integration maps where appropriate to visually communicate your designs and understanding of complex systems.

• Tailor to Healthcare: Emphasize how your experience and solutions are relevant to the unique demands of a healthcare environment, such as patient privacy (HIPAA), data integrity, and clinical workflow support.

Challenge Preparation:

• System Design Scenarios: Be prepared to discuss how you would design or optimize a particular aspect of an EHR system, integrate a new application with Epic, or troubleshoot a performance issue.

• Epic Architecture Discussions: Familiarize yourself with common Epic architecture patterns, integration points, and best practices for managing its technical infrastructure.

• Process Improvement Frameworks: Be ready to discuss your methodology for identifying and implementing process improvements within IT operations.

• Stakeholder Communication: Practice articulating technical concepts clearly and concisely to both technical and non-technical audiences.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio is crucial for this role. It needs to demonstrate not just technical acumen but the ability to apply it strategically within a complex healthcare IT environment. Expect a rigorous technical evaluation.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Epic EHR System: Deep functional and technical knowledge of the Epic ecosystem.

• Systems Architecture Tools: Proficiency with diagramming tools (e.g., Visio, Lucidchart) for creating architecture diagrams, flowcharts, and system blueprints.

• Project Management Software: Experience with tools like Jira, Asana, or Microsoft Project for tracking tasks, timelines, and project progress.

• Configuration Management Tools: Familiarity with tools used for managing system configurations and changes.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Business Intelligence (BI) Tools: Experience with BI platforms (e.g., Tableau, Power BI, Qlik) for data analysis and creating performance dashboards is beneficial.

• Reporting Tools: Familiarity with reporting capabilities within Epic or other enterprise systems.

• SQL: Proficiency in SQL for data extraction and analysis is often required for understanding system performance and data integrity.

CRM & Automation:

• Integration Engines/Middleware: Experience with healthcare integration engines (e.g., Rhapsody, Cloverleaf) is highly valuable for managing Epic interfaces.

• Workflow Automation Tools: Understanding of how automation can be applied to IT processes such as batch job management, system monitoring, or deployment.

• Scripting Languages: Familiarity with scripting languages (e.g., PowerShell, Python) for automating IT tasks can be an advantage.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency with the Epic EHR system itself is paramount. Beyond that, expertise in tools that support system design, integration, project management, and data analysis within an enterprise IT context is expected. For healthcare, integration engines are particularly important.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Excellence: A commitment to high-quality, reliable, and efficient IT systems that support patient care.

• Collaboration: A strong emphasis on working effectively with diverse teams across IT and clinical departments to achieve common goals.

• Integrity: Upholding ethical standards, data privacy (HIPAA), and transparency in all technical and operational matters.

• Equity: Ensuring that technology solutions do not create or exacerbate disparities in care and that all patients and staff are served equitably.

• Innovation: A drive to explore and implement new technologies and approaches to improve healthcare delivery and outcomes.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Expect to work closely with clinical informaticists, application analysts, infrastructure teams, and potentially external vendors.

• Data-Driven Dialogue: Discussions and decision-making are often informed by data and evidence.

• Process Improvement Focus: A culture that encourages constructive feedback and continuous improvement of IT processes and system performance.

• Knowledge Sharing: An environment that values sharing expertise and best practices, particularly within technical teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's stated core values (Compassion, Excellence, Integrity, Collaboration, Equity, Innovation) are likely deeply embedded in the team's culture. For an operations role, demonstrating how you embody these values through your work (e.g., collaborative problem-solving, commitment to system reliability, ethical data handling) will be key.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Complex Interdependencies: Navigating the intricate web of integrations between Epic and numerous other healthcare systems, each with its own data structures and lifecycles.

• Evolving Healthcare Regulations & Technology: Staying current with rapidly changing healthcare regulations (e.g., HIPAA, Meaningful Use), cybersecurity threats, and the continuous evolution of Epic and related technologies.

• Balancing Innovation with Stability: Introducing new technologies or architectural changes while maintaining the high level of stability and reliability required for a critical patient care system.

• Remote Team Collaboration: Ensuring effective communication, coordination, and knowledge transfer within a distributed team environment.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Epic Module Specialization: Opportunities to gain advanced certification or expertise in specialized Epic modules.

• Healthcare IT Trends: Access to training and resources on emerging trends like AI in healthcare, advanced analytics, and interoperability standards (FHIR).

• Leadership Development: Potential pathways for developing leadership skills through mentoring, project leadership, or formal training programs.

• Industry Conferences: Opportunities to attend relevant healthcare IT conferences (e.g., HIMSS, CHIME) to learn from peers and industry leaders.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are typical for senior roles in complex, regulated industries like healthcare IT. The growth opportunities highlight a commitment to continuous learning and career progression within the specialized field of healthcare systems architecture.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to design a complex integration between a core EHR system and a third-party application. What were the key challenges, and how did you ensure data integrity and security?" (Focus on your process, problem-solving, and understanding of healthcare data.)

• "How do you approach balancing the need for system stability with the introduction of new technologies or architectural changes in a critical healthcare environment like Epic?" (Assess your risk management and strategic thinking.)

• "Walk us through your process for managing significant system upgrades or migrations. What are the critical phases, and how do you ensure minimal disruption to clinical operations?" (Demonstrate your project management and operational awareness.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "Based on our mission and values, how do you see your role as a Systems Architect contributing to Seattle Children's goals of 'Hope, Care, Cure'?" (Connect your technical role to the organization's mission.)

• "How do you foster collaboration and knowledge sharing within a remote technical team, especially when dealing with complex systems like Epic?" (Assess your communication and teamwork skills in a remote setting.)

• "Describe a situation where you had to influence stakeholders (clinical or IT leadership) to adopt a particular technical strategy or solution. What was your approach, and what was the outcome?" (Evaluate your influencing and communication skills.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Organize your portfolio by project type or by the core skills you want to highlight (e.g., Epic Architecture, Integration Design, Process Improvement).

• Storytelling: For each case study, clearly articulate the problem, your proposed solution, the implementation steps, and the measurable results. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result).

• Metrics Focus: Be prepared to discuss the quantitative impact of your work. Quantify improvements in system performance, efficiency gains, cost reductions, or adherence to compliance.

• Visual Aids: Use diagrams and flowcharts to illustrate complex technical designs and integrations. Ensure they are clear and easy to understand.

• Tailor to Seattle Children's: Briefly research Seattle Children's specific IT initiatives or challenges if publicly available, and frame your examples to show how your experience aligns with their needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating deep technical expertise with Epic, strong architectural design skills, robust problem-solving abilities, and an understanding of the unique demands of the healthcare industry. Articulating your impact through quantifiable results in your portfolio and interview responses is key.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the Seattle Children's careers portal (https://seattlechildrens.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/External/job/Seattle-WA/Systems-Architect-Design-Consultant---Epic_R262510).

• Optimize Your Resume: Tailor your resume to highlight your experience with Epic, systems architecture, application integration, hospital operations, and project management. Use keywords from the job description and ensure your achievements are quantified.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate a portfolio that showcases relevant projects, emphasizing your role, the technical challenges, your solutions, and the measurable outcomes. Focus on examples related to Epic, system design, and process improvements.

• Practice Interview Responses: Prepare to discuss your experience using the STAR method, focusing on technical challenges, problem-solving, and collaboration. Be ready to articulate your understanding of healthcare IT and your strategic approach to system architecture.

• Research Seattle Children's: Understand the organization's mission, values, and the critical role of IT in supporting pediatric healthcare. This will help you tailor your responses and demonstrate your alignment with their culture.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.