STEM OPT Senior IT Architect Jobs
Senior IT Architect roles qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension when your degree falls under an eligible CIP code in computer science, information technology, or a related engineering field. Your employer must be enrolled in E-Verify, and you'll need a signed I-983 training plan before your extension start date.
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Austin Energy is more than just a power company. We are 1,900 of your friends and neighbors with a mission to safely deliver clean, affordable, reliable energy and excellent customer service — 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Job Description:
Purpose:
This position proactively and holistically leads and supports architecture activities that guide the development and management of solutions, as well as provide the leadership, facilitation, analysis, and conceptual and logical design tasks required for the development of the domain area. Translating department and technical requirements into architectural blueprints and documenting all solution architecture design and analysis are critical to ensure City IT products and solutions meet the needs of constituents and align to a strategy that will prepare the city for future success.
Duties, Functions and Responsibilities:
Essential duties and functions, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following. Other related duties may be assigned.
- Develops the vision, strategy, conceptual and logical designs, roadmaps, and other architectural deliverables for the domain area (e.g., business, data, solutions, infrastructure, etc.)
- Defines the principles that guide technology decisions for the enterprise in their domain.
- Designs the implementation of a technical architecture based on business requirements and IT strategies, as well as rectify gaps and pain points within the current state.
- Works on high-level projects, ensuring processes align with the domain focused architectural strategy and business strategy.
- Guides project team members in the implementation of the architecture.
- Serves as the deepest technology expert in their respective domains and as such, are involved in or lead technology strategy, migration, integration and evolution of the technical infrastructure.
- Collaborates closely with other architects and engineers to ensure alignment of domain architectures and activities with the broader enterprise architecture and strategy.
- Leads and contributes to the domain technical and business discussions relative to future architecture direction.
- Analyzes the current technology environment to detect critical deficiencies and recommend solutions for improvement.
- Leads the evaluation and selection of technology and products, as well as the design of standard configurations for given domain.
- Leads and facilitates the domain’s architecture governance process based on Enterprise Architecture’s governance structure.
Responsibilities - Supervisor and/or Leadership Exercised:
May provide leadership, work assignments, evaluation, training, and guidance to others.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Must possess required knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience and be able to explain and demonstrate, with or without reasonable accommodations, that the essential functions of the job can be performed.
- Knowledge of leading architecture practices and critical architecture deliverables.
- Knowledge of system development life cycle (SDLC) methodologies (e.g., waterfall, spiral, agile software development, rapid prototyping, incremental).
- Knowledge and/or experience participating in architecture governance forums.
- Knowledge and/or exposure to how information and technology has been applied to create value for an organization (regardless of industry). Preferably different types of technologies.
- Knowledge of domain specific processes, procedures, critical supporting activities, and risks.
- Knowledge of computer science, information technology standards and controls, and technology frameworks and trends.
- Knowledge of architecture methodologies (e.g., SABSA, Zachman, TOGAF) and modeling languages (such as UML and ArchiMate).
- Knowledge and experience designing conceptual and logical design and translating work between different levels of abstraction.
- Knowledge of various development languages (e.g., Java, Go, Python, JavaScript, HTML, CSS).
- Knowledge of various database technologies (e.g., MySQL, MongoDB, Oracle).
- Ability to lead financial analysis, architecture evaluation, solutions delivery orchestration, project management, road mapping, risk management, interdependency management, agile methodologies, information security, cloud computing infrastructure, data architecture skills.
- Ability to apply multiple technical solutions to enable future-state business capabilities that, in turn, drive targeted business outcomes.
- Ability to quickly comprehend the functions, capabilities and financial impact of existing, new and emerging technologies that enable and drive new business designs and models.
- Ability to work effectively in a team environment and lead cross-functional teams, with the proven ability to work effectively with diverse stakeholders.
- Ability to work effectively with different types of scenarios and challenges and to adapt within a variety of changing situations, while working with individuals and groups.
- Ability to adjust approach based on internal and external dynamics, and an acute perception of the dimensions of business issues.
- Ability to synthesize facts, theories, trends, inferences and key issues and/or themes in complex and variable situations and to recognize abstract patterns and relationships among apparently unrelated entities and situations.
- Ability to leverage intellectual curiosity to inform solutions and innovate.
- Ability to take responsibility for personal growth and acquire strategies for gaining new knowledge, behaviors and skills.
- Ability to adhere to required compliance to all change management policies and procedures.
- Ability to adhere to required compliance to all information security policies and procedures.
Minimum Qualifications:
- Graduation with a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in a field related to the job, plus four (4) years of experience in a related field.
- Experience may substitute for education for up to four (4) years.
- Graduation with a Master's degree from an accredited college or university in a related field may substitute for two (2) years of experience.
Licenses and Certifications Required:
Valid Texas Driver License depending on assignment.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience administering, maintaining, and managing specific IBM products and tools for Identity Access Management, WebSphere Application Server and IBM WebSEAL.
- Experience configuring, installing, managing, and supporting Windows and Linux Server Operating Systems.
- Experience and proficiency in SQL for managing data within IBM tools.
- Experience understanding IT integrated hyperconverged (VMware) infrastructure technologies.
- Experience understanding complex Layer2/3 networks and emerging network technologies.
- Experience with effectively communicating and collaborating with positive outcomes with both IT employees and customers.
- Experience working in a public, government or similarly regulated organization.
- Ability to travel to more than one work location.
Notes to Candidate:
Austin Energy (AE) seeks an IT Infrastructure Architect to provide systems support for the Technology and Data (IT) Infrastructure team. This position provides 24/7 advanced technical support, management and implementation of both physical and virtualized server infrastructure with both Linux and Windows operating system, and enterprise business continuity solutions. As part of the regular job duties, this position requires on-call rotations and the ability to travel to more than one work location.
Position supports:
- IBM Products Linux/ Windows server
- WebSphere Application server
- Authentication protocols
- SQL data management
- NERC/CIP compliance activities
- Monitor infrastructure availability
- Application/System Integrations
- Scripting and XML
The IT Infrastructure Architect will review documents and translate business requirements into recommendations for improvements and enhancements to the client operating environment, develop complex configuration designs to address those requirements, and lead the implementation of solutions, including developing and reviewing test plans, post-implementation maintenance plans and knowledge transfer by creating detailed system policies and/or training documentation.
Additionally, the candidate must have a proven record of providing specific deliverables of complex solutions to customer needs and possess strong communications skills for collaborating within Austin Energy and other City Departments, able to develop strong working relationships with vendors, and present information on emerging technologies to management to meet business needs in compliance with NERC/CIP and other mandated standards.
Work Location:
System Control Center (SCC), 2500 Montopolis Dr., Austin, Texas 78741
Days and Hours:
- Monday through Friday. 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
- 40 Hour Work Week – Hybrid
Additional work hours may be required to support the 24-hour Utility operations, which may include evenings, weekends, holidays, inclement weather, and emergency closures.
Salary:
$89,880.00 - $115,100 annually, depending on qualifications and experience
Work Schedule:
This has been designated as a Critical Employee position. Critical Employees are considered necessary and vital and support activities that impact City or department operations. This work can be done while at a designated work site or while working at an alternate work location. Critical employees who are able to work at an alternative work location are required to do so. Schedules may be modified and employees may be reassigned to another area during extraordinary situations or emergency conditions to provide essential services.
Employment Application:
The City of Austin employment application is an official document; incomplete applications will not be considered. Please be sure to detail on the application all current and previous employment that you wish to be considered as part of your qualifications.
The Employment Record should be complete with job titles, employment dates, job duties, functions, and responsibilities for each position held. Starting salary will be based on overall relevant experience from your application.
Résumés will not be accepted and statements such as “see résumé” will not be accepted. You may use “N/A” for fields that are not applicable.
Please note that Austin Energy may close the job posting at any time after 7 days from the date of the initial advertisement. Once the job posting has closed, applications cannot be changed.
Assessments:
Your skill level in some of the competency areas for this job may be assessed through skills testing.
If you are selected as a top candidate, verification of your education (which may include high school graduation or GED, undergraduate and/or graduate degrees) will be required. You must provide proof of education from an accredited organization/institution.
Veteran Interview Preference:
If you are identified as a top candidate and are in the military or a veteran, you will need to provide a copy of your DD-214 prior to confirming a start date.
Travel:
If you are selected for this position and meet the City of Austin Driving Standards in the City of Austin Driver Safety Program, you may drive when necessary to multiple locations as part of your regular job duties. Otherwise, you are responsible for getting to and from these locations.
Criminal History Background Check:
This position requires a criminal background investigation and NERC clearance.
JOIN THE CITY OF AUSTIN TEAM
At the City of Austin, we are more than just an employer—we are a vibrant community dedicated to shaping one of the nation's most dynamic and innovative cities. As we strive to fulfill our commitment as public servants, it is important that we ground our efforts in a set of guiding principles – Empathy, Ethics, Excellence, Engagement, and Equity – that anchor our delivery of services that significantly impact the lives of Austinites. Joining the City of Austin means embarking on a purposeful career, contributing to the community, and being part of a forward-thinking organization that values every employee.
What Makes the City of Austin Special?
- Make a Difference: Join a team driving meaningful change in one of the fastest-growing cities in the nation.
- Value and Innovation: Work in an environment where employees are valued, and innovation thrives.
- Competitive Benefits: Enjoy a comprehensive compensation package that includes generous leave, work-life balance programs, and extensive benefits.
- Retirement Security: Plan for the future with the City of Austin Employees' Retirement System.
- Sustainable Transportation Options: Commute easily with access to public transit and bike-friendly infrastructure.
- Focus on Wellness: Stay healthy through wellness programs, on-site fitness centers, and mental health support.
- Career Growth: Advance your skills and expertise with professional development and leadership opportunities.
- Modern Workspaces: Work in innovative and sustainable environments that foster collaboration and inspiration.
By joining us, you become part of a community that values its people and is committed to making Austin the most thriving and resilient city in the country.
EEO Statement for City of Austin:
The City of Austin will not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, creed, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, age, religion, veteran status, disability, or sexual orientation. In addition, the City will not discriminate in employment decisions on the basis of an individual's AIDS, AIDS Related Complex, or HIV status; nor will the City discriminate against individuals who are perceived to be at risk of HIV infection, or who associate with individuals who are believed to be at risk.
City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you require reasonable accommodation during the application process or have a question regarding an essential job function, please call (512) 974-3210 or Texas Relay by dialing 7-1-1.
About This Position
Austin Energy is more than just a power company. We are 1,900 of your friends and neighbors with a mission to safely deliver clean, affordable, reliable energy and excellent customer service — 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Job Description:
Purpose:
This position proactively and holistically leads and supports architecture activities that guide the development and management of solutions, as well as provide the leadership, facilitation, analysis, and conceptual and logical design tasks required for the development of the domain area. Translating department and technical requirements into architectural blueprints and documenting all solution architecture design and analysis are critical to ensure City IT products and solutions meet the needs of constituents and align to a strategy that will prepare the city for future success.
Duties, Functions and Responsibilities:
Essential duties and functions, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following. Other related duties may be assigned.
- Develops the vision, strategy, conceptual and logical designs, roadmaps, and other architectural deliverables for the domain area (e.g., business, data, solutions, infrastructure, etc.)
- Defines the principles that guide technology decisions for the enterprise in their domain.
- Designs the implementation of a technical architecture based on business requirements and IT strategies, as well as rectify gaps and pain points within the current state.
- Works on high-level projects, ensuring processes align with the domain focused architectural strategy and business strategy.
- Guides project team members in the implementation of the architecture.
- Serves as the deepest technology expert in their respective domains and as such, are involved in or lead technology strategy, migration, integration and evolution of the technical infrastructure.
- Collaborates closely with other architects and engineers to ensure alignment of domain architectures and activities with the broader enterprise architecture and strategy.
- Leads and contributes to the domain technical and business discussions relative to future architecture direction.
- Analyzes the current technology environment to detect critical deficiencies and recommend solutions for improvement.
- Leads the evaluation and selection of technology and products, as well as the design of standard configurations for given domain.
- Leads and facilitates the domain’s architecture governance process based on Enterprise Architecture’s governance structure.
Responsibilities - Supervisor and/or Leadership Exercised:
May provide leadership, work assignments, evaluation, training, and guidance to others.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Must possess required knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience and be able to explain and demonstrate, with or without reasonable accommodations, that the essential functions of the job can be performed.
- Knowledge of leading architecture practices and critical architecture deliverables.
- Knowledge of system development life cycle (SDLC) methodologies (e.g., waterfall, spiral, agile software development, rapid prototyping, incremental).
- Knowledge and/or experience participating in architecture governance forums.
- Knowledge and/or exposure to how information and technology has been applied to create value for an organization (regardless of industry). Preferably different types of technologies.
- Knowledge of domain specific processes, procedures, critical supporting activities, and risks.
- Knowledge of computer science, information technology standards and controls, and technology frameworks and trends.
- Knowledge of architecture methodologies (e.g., SABSA, Zachman, TOGAF) and modeling languages (such as UML and ArchiMate).
- Knowledge and experience designing conceptual and logical design and translating work between different levels of abstraction.
- Knowledge of various development languages (e.g., Java, Go, Python, JavaScript, HTML, CSS).
- Knowledge of various database technologies (e.g., MySQL, MongoDB, Oracle).
- Ability to lead financial analysis, architecture evaluation, solutions delivery orchestration, project management, road mapping, risk management, interdependency management, agile methodologies, information security, cloud computing infrastructure, data architecture skills.
- Ability to apply multiple technical solutions to enable future-state business capabilities that, in turn, drive targeted business outcomes.
- Ability to quickly comprehend the functions, capabilities and financial impact of existing, new and emerging technologies that enable and drive new business designs and models.
- Ability to work effectively in a team environment and lead cross-functional teams, with the proven ability to work effectively with diverse stakeholders.
- Ability to work effectively with different types of scenarios and challenges and to adapt within a variety of changing situations, while working with individuals and groups.
- Ability to adjust approach based on internal and external dynamics, and an acute perception of the dimensions of business issues.
- Ability to synthesize facts, theories, trends, inferences and key issues and/or themes in complex and variable situations and to recognize abstract patterns and relationships among apparently unrelated entities and situations.
- Ability to leverage intellectual curiosity to inform solutions and innovate.
- Ability to take responsibility for personal growth and acquire strategies for gaining new knowledge, behaviors and skills.
- Ability to adhere to required compliance to all change management policies and procedures.
- Ability to adhere to required compliance to all information security policies and procedures.
Minimum Qualifications:
- Graduation with a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in a field related to the job, plus four (4) years of experience in a related field.
- Experience may substitute for education for up to four (4) years.
- Graduation with a Master's degree from an accredited college or university in a related field may substitute for two (2) years of experience.
Licenses and Certifications Required:
Valid Texas Driver License depending on assignment.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience administering, maintaining, and managing specific IBM products and tools for Identity Access Management, WebSphere Application Server and IBM WebSEAL.
- Experience configuring, installing, managing, and supporting Windows and Linux Server Operating Systems.
- Experience and proficiency in SQL for managing data within IBM tools.
- Experience understanding IT integrated hyperconverged (VMware) infrastructure technologies.
- Experience understanding complex Layer2/3 networks and emerging network technologies.
- Experience with effectively communicating and collaborating with positive outcomes with both IT employees and customers.
- Experience working in a public, government or similarly regulated organization.
- Ability to travel to more than one work location.
Notes to Candidate:
Austin Energy (AE) seeks an IT Infrastructure Architect to provide systems support for the Technology and Data (IT) Infrastructure team. This position provides 24/7 advanced technical support, management and implementation of both physical and virtualized server infrastructure with both Linux and Windows operating system, and enterprise business continuity solutions. As part of the regular job duties, this position requires on-call rotations and the ability to travel to more than one work location.
Position supports:
- IBM Products Linux/ Windows server
- WebSphere Application server
- Authentication protocols
- SQL data management
- NERC/CIP compliance activities
- Monitor infrastructure availability
- Application/System Integrations
- Scripting and XML
The IT Infrastructure Architect will review documents and translate business requirements into recommendations for improvements and enhancements to the client operating environment, develop complex configuration designs to address those requirements, and lead the implementation of solutions, including developing and reviewing test plans, post-implementation maintenance plans and knowledge transfer by creating detailed system policies and/or training documentation.
Additionally, the candidate must have a proven record of providing specific deliverables of complex solutions to customer needs and possess strong communications skills for collaborating within Austin Energy and other City Departments, able to develop strong working relationships with vendors, and present information on emerging technologies to management to meet business needs in compliance with NERC/CIP and other mandated standards.
Work Location:
System Control Center (SCC), 2500 Montopolis Dr., Austin, Texas 78741
Days and Hours:
- Monday through Friday. 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
- 40 Hour Work Week – Hybrid
Additional work hours may be required to support the 24-hour Utility operations, which may include evenings, weekends, holidays, inclement weather, and emergency closures.
Salary:
$89,880.00 - $115,100 annually, depending on qualifications and experience
Work Schedule:
This has been designated as a Critical Employee position. Critical Employees are considered necessary and vital and support activities that impact City or department operations. This work can be done while at a designated work site or while working at an alternate work location. Critical employees who are able to work at an alternative work location are required to do so. Schedules may be modified and employees may be reassigned to another area during extraordinary situations or emergency conditions to provide essential services.
Employment Application:
The City of Austin employment application is an official document; incomplete applications will not be considered. Please be sure to detail on the application all current and previous employment that you wish to be considered as part of your qualifications.
The Employment Record should be complete with job titles, employment dates, job duties, functions, and responsibilities for each position held. Starting salary will be based on overall relevant experience from your application.
Résumés will not be accepted and statements such as “see résumé” will not be accepted. You may use “N/A” for fields that are not applicable.
Please note that Austin Energy may close the job posting at any time after 7 days from the date of the initial advertisement. Once the job posting has closed, applications cannot be changed.
Assessments:
Your skill level in some of the competency areas for this job may be assessed through skills testing.
If you are selected as a top candidate, verification of your education (which may include high school graduation or GED, undergraduate and/or graduate degrees) will be required. You must provide proof of education from an accredited organization/institution.
Veteran Interview Preference:
If you are identified as a top candidate and are in the military or a veteran, you will need to provide a copy of your DD-214 prior to confirming a start date.
Travel:
If you are selected for this position and meet the City of Austin Driving Standards in the City of Austin Driver Safety Program, you may drive when necessary to multiple locations as part of your regular job duties. Otherwise, you are responsible for getting to and from these locations.
Criminal History Background Check:
This position requires a criminal background investigation and NERC clearance.
JOIN THE CITY OF AUSTIN TEAM
At the City of Austin, we are more than just an employer—we are a vibrant community dedicated to shaping one of the nation's most dynamic and innovative cities. As we strive to fulfill our commitment as public servants, it is important that we ground our efforts in a set of guiding principles – Empathy, Ethics, Excellence, Engagement, and Equity – that anchor our delivery of services that significantly impact the lives of Austinites. Joining the City of Austin means embarking on a purposeful career, contributing to the community, and being part of a forward-thinking organization that values every employee.
What Makes the City of Austin Special?
- Make a Difference: Join a team driving meaningful change in one of the fastest-growing cities in the nation.
- Value and Innovation: Work in an environment where employees are valued, and innovation thrives.
- Competitive Benefits: Enjoy a comprehensive compensation package that includes generous leave, work-life balance programs, and extensive benefits.
- Retirement Security: Plan for the future with the City of Austin Employees' Retirement System.
- Sustainable Transportation Options: Commute easily with access to public transit and bike-friendly infrastructure.
- Focus on Wellness: Stay healthy through wellness programs, on-site fitness centers, and mental health support.
- Career Growth: Advance your skills and expertise with professional development and leadership opportunities.
- Modern Workspaces: Work in innovative and sustainable environments that foster collaboration and inspiration.
By joining us, you become part of a community that values its people and is committed to making Austin the most thriving and resilient city in the country.
EEO Statement for City of Austin:
The City of Austin will not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, creed, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, age, religion, veteran status, disability, or sexual orientation. In addition, the City will not discriminate in employment decisions on the basis of an individual's AIDS, AIDS Related Complex, or HIV status; nor will the City discriminate against individuals who are perceived to be at risk of HIV infection, or who associate with individuals who are believed to be at risk.
City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you require reasonable accommodation during the application process or have a question regarding an essential job function, please call (512) 974-3210 or Texas Relay by dialing 7-1-1.
See all 52+ STEM OPT Senior IT Architect Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new STEM OPT Senior IT Architect Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding STEM OPT Authorization in Senior IT Architect
Verify your CIP code before applying
Check that your STEM degree maps to an approved CIP code on the Department of Homeland Security STEM Designated Degree Program List. Architecture-adjacent IT degrees sometimes fall outside the list, so confirm with your DSO before targeting roles requiring the full 36-month authorization window.
Confirm E-Verify status before accepting offers
Ask HR to share the company's E-Verify Company ID during the offer stage, not after signing. Employers can look enrolled but have let their certification lapse. Cross-check enrollment status through the E-Verify employer search before committing to a start date.
Structure your I-983 training plan around architecture deliverables
Generic training plans get rejected. Tie each learning objective to a concrete Senior IT Architect deliverable, such as designing cloud migration frameworks or leading enterprise security architecture reviews. Your DSO and manager must both sign the plan before your extension activates.
Target enterprise employers with active LCA filings
Use Migrate Mate to filter Senior IT Architect roles by employers with verified DOL Labor Condition Application filing history, so you're applying to companies that have already navigated STEM OPT onboarding and understand the E-Verify requirement without needing to be educated on it.
Use OFLC Wage Search to negotiate from a defensible baseline
Senior IT Architect prevailing wages vary significantly by metropolitan area and experience level. Pull the Level III and Level IV wage data from OFLC Wage Search for your target city before your offer call so you're negotiating from DOL-defined benchmarks, not anecdotal ranges.
Align your cap-gap window with your H-1B petition timeline
If your OPT expires before October 1 and your employer files an H-1B visa petition during the registration window, cap-gap protection extends your work authorization through September 30. Coordinate your Senior IT Architect start date and project commitments around this window so there's no gap in your ability to work.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Senior IT Architect role qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
Yes, if your degree is in a DHS-designated STEM field such as computer science, information systems, or electrical engineering, and the role maps to that field. The job title alone doesn't determine eligibility. Your DSO will evaluate whether the Senior IT Architect position constitutes practical training directly related to your degree program before approving the extension through SEVIS.
What does the I-983 training plan need to include for a Senior IT Architect position?
The I-983 must identify specific learning objectives tied to your degree field, the skills you'll develop, and how the employer will evaluate your progress. For a Senior IT Architect, this typically means documenting architecture design responsibilities, technology governance activities, and project leadership scope. Both you and an authorized company representative must sign the plan, and it must be in place before your STEM OPT extension start date.
How do I verify that a Senior IT Architect employer is enrolled in E-Verify?
Ask the recruiter or HR contact for the company's E-Verify Company ID and verify it through the E-Verify employer search tool. Enrollment status can lapse if a company doesn't renew, so don't rely on a job posting that says 'E-Verify employer' without independently confirming active status. This step is required by USCIS before your STEM OPT extension can be authorized.
How do I find Senior IT Architect employers who are already familiar with STEM OPT requirements?
Migrate Mate filters Senior IT Architect listings by employers with verified DOL LCA filing history, which indicates prior experience sponsoring international candidates. Targeting these employers reduces the onboarding friction around E-Verify enrollment, I-983 training plan setup, and USCIS reporting obligations, since their HR teams have handled the process before.
What happens to my STEM OPT authorization if my H-1B is selected in the lottery but my OPT expires before October 1?
Cap-gap protection automatically extends your work authorization if your employer files a timely H-1B petition during the registration window and you're in a valid OPT period when your F-1 status would otherwise expire. Your EAD remains valid through September 30 of that year. Coordinate your Senior IT Architect project timeline with your employer so there's no interruption to billable work or client-facing responsibilities during this window.