Solutions Architect

If you're passionate about building a better future for individuals, communities, and our country-and you're committed to working hard to play your part in building that future-consider WGU as the next step in your career. Driven by a mission to expand access to higher education through online, competency-based degree programs, WGU is also committed to being a great place to work for a diverse workforce of student-focused professionals. The university has pioneered a new way to learn in the 21st century, one that has received praise from academic, industry, government, and media leaders. Whatever your role, working for WGU gives you a part to play in helping students graduate, creating a better tomorrow for themselves and their families. The salary range for this position takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to skill sets; experience and training; licensure and certifications; and other business and organizational needs. At WGU, it is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top of the range for their position, and compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case. A reasonable estimate of the current range is: Grade: Technical 410 Pay Range: $140,200.00 - $217,200.00 Job Description Solutions Architect Location: Salt Lake City, UT (Hybrid: 4 days onsite / 1 day remote) Compensation Range: $140,200 - $217,200 Are you ready to architect change at scale? At Western Governors University (WGU), we're transforming higher education with accessible, affordable, and high-quality online learning-and technology is at the heart of that mission. As a Solutions Architect, you'll help build modern, scalable systems that power the student journey for over 150,000 learners nationwide. You'll collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver future-proof, API-first solutions that support innovation across enrollment, student services, and beyond. This is a rare opportunity to shape next-gen platforms in a tech-forward, mission-driven environment-while staying at the forefront of cloud, microservices, AI, and modern architecture. What You'll Do Architect scalable, resilient, and maintainable systems across multiple product domains. Guide early-stage planning and requirement definition by partnering with product and engineering teams. Influence technical decisions and align solutions with enterprise architecture standards. Collaborate with engineering to ensure smooth implementation and delivery of your designs. Stay up to date on industry trends, emerging tools, and best practices-bringing fresh innovation to WGU's evolving tech stack. Communicate architectural direction clearly to both technical and non-technical stakeholders. What You Bring 5+ years of software engineering experience (Java preferred, but open to other languages). 2-3 years of experience in architecture or solution design. Strong background in API-first design, microservices, event-driven architecture, and cloud technologies (AWS preferred). Familiarity with TOGAF architectural frameworks (certification is a plus). Proficiency with Lucidchart, LeanIX, Jira, and Confluence. A collaborative mindset with the ability to ask bold questions, influence direction, and lead solutioning conversations. Bachelors in Computer Science 3 years as Solutions Architect plus 5 years Software Development or 8 years in a technical leadership role (e.g., technical lead, principal engineer). Position & Application Details Full-Time Regular Positions (classified as regular and working 40 standard weekly hours): This is a full-time, regular position (classified for 40 standard weekly hours) that is eligible for bonuses; medical, dental, vision, telehealth and mental healthcare; health savings account and flexible spending account; basic and voluntary life insurance; disability coverage; accident, critical illness and hospital indemnity supplemental coverages; legal and identity theft coverage; retirement savings plan; wellbeing program; discounted WGU tuition; and flexible paid time off for rest and relaxation with no need for accrual, flexible paid sick time with no need for accrual, 11 paid holidays, and other paid leaves, including up to 12 weeks of parental leave. How to Apply: If interested, an application will need to be submitted online. Internal WGU employees will need to apply through the internal job board in Workday. Additional Information Disclaimer: The job posting highlights the most critical responsibilities and requirements of the job. It's not all-inclusive. Accommodations: Applicants with disabilities who require assistance or accommodation during the application or interview process should contact our Talent Acquisition team at recruiting@wgu.edu. Equal Employment Opportunity: All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to any protected characteristic as required by law.