Solution Architect

Purpose: 

As a Solution Architect, you will play a pivotal role driving our technology strategy and designing scalable, reliable, and high-performance solutions that align to the overall Enterprise Architecture.  This position will work closely with internal and external strategic partners as well as our internal PMO, business, cyber and technology teams to understand their needs and translate them into technical requirements and a practical solution.  The role works with teams to define, design and document strategies and innovative solutions to meet or exceed business objectives and challenges.  Your expertise will be instrumental in ensuring the successful delivery of our technology initiatives.

Essential Functions:

• Technical Leadership: Provide technical leadership and guidance to cross-functional teams throughout the solution and project lifecycle, from conceptualization to implementation. Collaborate with the Enterprise Architect, contributing to the design of the solutions architecture in support of the overall Technology strategic plan
• Solution Design: Design and develop robust, scalable, and secure solutions that align with business objectives, functional and non-functional requirements, as well as cyber security and technology standards. Communicate to stakeholders 
• Architecture Review: Review and evaluate proposed and existing systems and architectures to identify opportunities for optimization and improvement. 
• Technology Evaluation: Research and evaluate new technologies and tools to identify potential solutions that meet business objectives.
• Stakeholder Management: Collaborate effectively with business stakeholders, engineering teams, and other business areas to help gather requirements, communicate technical concepts, and address concerns.
• Documentation: Create and maintain comprehensive technical and solution documentation, including architecture diagrams, design specifications and implementation plans.
• Demonstrate the standards and principles of the Five Star experience in every interaction with internal and external customers, associates, and stakeholders.  Incorporate the high-performance behaviors in every facet of work.

Job Related Qualifications:

Required: 

Education: Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science, Information Technology or a related field.

Experience: 5+ years of experience working in the Solutions Architecture, Systems and/or Network engineering field, System security experience and a strong knowledge of on-premises and Cloud-based solution delivery. Experience mentoring and guiding technical teams, providing technical guidance and direction.

Preferred (Certifications):

• ITIL certifications
• Certifications in Azure Solutions, AWS Solutions, or Equivalent
• IAT II/Security+ Certification
• TOGAF
• ArchiMate

Competencies:

• Ability to work with minimal guidance and across varying levels of technical competency
• Ability to effectively communicate across and within an organization as well as manage expectations of various stakeholders including both technical and non-technical teams
• Advanced experience delivering large, complex IT programs
• Experience with collaborating across many teams
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Proven ability to produce high-quality solution enterprise architecture artifacts
• Ability to work in a demanding, fast-paced environment, manage multiple priorities and change focus quickly to meet established deadlines
• Responds to requests for information in a timely and professional manner
• Ability to take initiative in problem solving and produces practical decisions and solutions
• Ability to prioritize, work, act and make decisions independently
• Ability to define, document, and review project requirements
• Strong understanding of IaaS, SaaS & PaaS, iPaaS solutions
• Knowledge of Technology Enterprise architectures that include multiple hardware and software environments including complex heterogeneous systems; Computer and Network system design

Physical Requirements:

• Able to travel occasionally across the company footprint
• Extensive computer usage is required
• May require working nights and weekends in support of project deliverables

Benefits:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Health Savings Account
• Flexible Spending Account(s)
• Company Paid Life Insurance, Long-Term Disability, and Short-Term Disability
• Voluntary Offerings: Life, Critical Illness/Specified Disease, Accident, Hospital Indemnity & Personal Accident
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Employee Referral Program
• Wellness Reimbursement Program
• Star Volunteer Program
• Employee Banking and Financial Perks
• Flexible Hybrid Work Schedule
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Company Paid Holidays

This job description is not exhaustive.  The Solution Architect may be required to perform other duties as assigned.  The expected rate of pay for this position is shown above.   Compensation offers are based on a wide range of factors including relevant skills, training, experience, education and, where applicable, licenses or certifications obtained.   Market and organizational factors are also considered.  In addition to your base rate of pay and a competitive benefits package, successful candidates may be eligible to receive cash or equity-based incentives based on the role and performance.