Data Solution Architect

About the position

The Data Solution Architect is a strategic role within the organization, responsible for designing technology solutions that meet business requirements while adhering to best practices and aligning with enterprise architecture. The Solution Architect bridges business objectives and technology solutions, ensuring that the systems and applications created are robust, scalable, and secure. This position requires a comprehensive understanding of business processes and modern data capabilities.

Responsibilities

• Analyze Business Requirements: Work closely with stakeholders to understand functional and non-functional requirements for the solution.
• Define Architecture Components: Identify and design system components, including data flow, integration points, interfaces, and overall architecture.
• Create Architecture Diagrams: Develop high-level and detailed diagrams (e.g., flowcharts, sequence diagrams, system interaction models) to represent the solution architecture.
• Select Appropriate Technologies: Choose frameworks, languages, and tools that align with the architecture, ensuring they meet both current needs and scalability requirements.
• Ensure Scalability and Security: Design the solution to be scalable, reliable, and secure, incorporating security standards and performance considerations.
• Assess the Impact of Architectural Decisions: Evaluate how design choices impact current and future systems, ensuring they fit within the broader enterprise architecture.
• Gather Requirements with Stakeholders: Facilitate workshops and meetings with business analysts, project managers, developers, and other stakeholders to understand project needs.
• Communicate Design Decisions: Explain architectural decisions and solution designs to non-technical stakeholders in an understandable way, including how the design aligns with business goals.
• Coordinate with Development Teams: Work with development leads to align project timelines, resource allocation, and technical requirements.
• Participate in Project Meetings: Attend regular project updates and stand-ups to align with project status and provide architecture-related guidance.
• Resolve Conflicts: Address and resolve any misunderstandings or misalignments between technical and business stakeholders regarding project scope and design.
• Provide Technical Guidance: Offer ongoing guidance to the development team, helping them align with the solution architecture.
• Code Reviews and Quality Assurance: Review code and design work to ensure compliance with architectural standards and best practices.
• Assist in Troubleshooting and Debugging: Help resolve any technical challenges, especially those related to architectural constraints or requirements.
• Enforce Best Practices: Ensure the use of best practices in areas like coding standards, API design, integration methods, and performance optimization.
• Evaluate Technical Debt: Identify and address technical debt areas to ensure the maintainability and scalability of the solution.
• Prepare Architecture Documentation: Create and maintain detailed documentation that outlines the architecture, including design specifications and component details.
• Maintain Technical Roadmaps: Develop roadmaps for technical implementation and deployment and update these based on project evolution.
• Document Key Decisions and Assumptions: Record major architectural decisions, assumptions, and rationales to provide context for future reference.
• Create User Guides and Training Materials: As necessary, prepare materials to help other teams understand and use the architecture effectively.
• Update and Archive Documentation: Ensure all documentation is current and accessible, archiving outdated materials as the project progresses.
• Research New Tools and Frameworks: Continuously research emerging tools, libraries, and frameworks that could improve the solution architecture.
• Develop Proof of Concepts (POCs): Create small-scale prototypes to test and validate new technologies or architecture approaches.
• Evaluate Technology Fit: Assess whether new technologies fit within the existing environment and can meet the organization's needs.
• Identify Potential Use Cases: Determine how new technologies could enhance current or future solutions.
• Collaborate on Tool Selection: Work with procurement or technical teams to select and adopt new tools or platforms.
• Stay Updated on Industry Trends: Keep up with industry news, emerging technologies, and architecture best practices through conferences, courses, or professional networks.
• Conduct Knowledge Sharing Sessions: Organize workshops or training sessions to share architectural insights with other teams.
• Contribute to Internal Standards and Best Practices: Help develop and refine internal standards and best practices, ensuring they are aligned with current industry standards.
• Identify Architectural Risks Early: Analyze and highlight potential risks, including security, scalability, and performance risks, that may impact the project's success.
• Develop Mitigation Strategies: Propose and implement solutions to mitigate risks, including alternative designs or contingency plans.
• Troubleshoot Architectural Issues: Address and resolve technical challenges that impact architecture, including integration problems or performance bottlenecks.
• Monitor Project Progress for Risks: Regularly review project progress to identify and address emerging risks proactively.
• Maintain Compliance with Standards: Ensure the architecture adheres to industry standards, legal regulations, and internal governance requirements.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in computer science, Information Technology, or a related field or equivalent work experience.
• 7+ years of experience in IT, with at least 2+ years in an architecture role.
• Proven track record of designing, implementing, and managing complex software systems and solutions.
• Proficiency in architecture frameworks such as TOGAF, Zachman, or similar.
• Deep knowledge of cloud platforms (e.g., AWS, Azure, GCP) and cloud-native solutions.
• Strong experience with microservices architecture, APIs, integration patterns, and enterprise software.
• Knowledge of various development technologies, such as Java, C#, Python, or JavaScript frameworks (e.g., React, Angular, Node.js).
• Familiarity with databases (SQL and NoSQL), DevOps tools, CI/CD pipelines, and containerization technologies like Docker and Kubernetes.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills for working with diverse stakeholders.
• Ability to explain complex technical concepts to non-technical audiences.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.

Nice-to-haves

• Relevant certifications such as AWS Certified Solutions Architect, Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect Expert, or similar credentials are preferred but not required.

Benefits

• medical, dental and vision insurance coverage
• 100% company-paid life and disability coverage
• 401k options with company match
• three weeks PTO by the end of the first year
• career growth opportunities