Solutions Architect

Job DetailsJob Location: Lansing, MI 48910Position Type: Full TimeSalary Range: $66,000.00 - $96,000.00 Salary/yearJob Category: Information TechnologySOLUTIONS ARCHITECT

Convergence Networks is one of North America’s leading managed service and managed security providers. We are a service company focused on helping clients leverage technology as a strategic tool and proactively protecting their business. We are fueled by providing outstanding service and sharing our passion for innovative technology as part of our integrated solutions.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Solutions Architect is responsible for providing project proposals and architectural consulting expertise. The Solutions Architect works with and supports our Professional Services and Business Services Teams. This role requires an organized individual with a drive to learn, the ability to manage multiple priorities, and excellent customer service skills. This role will be required to work closely with our vCIOs by participating in Client-facing meetings to support the vCIO as a technical Subject Matter Expert.

WHAT DOES OUR SOLUTIONS ARCHITECT DO?

• Analyze, validate and establish business requirements.
• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to ensure the proposed solution meets established Convergence standards and will meet the Client’s stated objectives.
• Design solution(s) that are aligned with Convergence Network’s standard stack and that meet the Client’s requirements.
• Identify functional and non-functional requirements related to integrations, scalability and security.
• Conduct comprehensive research to identify the solution, including the technologies, platforms and/or vendors that most effectively meet the business goals.
• Identify, prioritize and manage architectural constraints and adapt solutions to reduce risk, work within budget and ensure alignment with the Convergence stack.
• Prepare budgets with a +/-% level of confidence.
• Upon approval of the budget, prepare a detailed quote that includes all elements of the solution (e.g. consulting, hardware, software, Professional Services resources, etc.)
• Assist in continued development of Convergence’s technology standards and continuous improvement.
• Provide guidance, mentorship, and support to team members (combination of on-site and remote team).
• Provide escalation guidance/mentoring when required.
• Design, development and/or implementation of new products from design to production.

WHAT DO I NEED TO BE A SUCCESSFUL?

Personal skills and abilities:

• Dedication to exceptional, professional service through patience, empathy, solution orientation, follow-up, and effective communication.
• Excellent communication skills (verbal and written in English; feedback, active listening and comprehension).
• Exceptional documentation skills, particularly the ability to position highly technical information for a business audience.
• Build rapport and work productively with others (Clients, teammates and cross-functional teams).
• Ability to work independently.
• Ability to manage conflict and stressful situations.
• Strong sense of initiative, ownership and accountability of your work

Provide an exceptional Client experience. Experience, knowledge and/or advanced skills in:

• On-premises and cloud-native networking
• On-premises to cloud migrations
• Azure AD, Azure Backup Tools and Microsoft 365 stack
• Network, remote and onsite support; troubleshooting
• Cisco/Meraki hardware
• Folder redirection and how to safely dismantle
• MFA and Conditional Access policies

WHAT ARE THE QUALIFICATIONS I NEED TO HAVE?

• Bachelors/university degree or equivalent relevant work experience.
• 5+ years of MSP project/solution design experience.

Previous solution architecting experience:

• Writing proposals
• Developing standard solutions
• Performing Client demos
• Supporting sales resources in Client calls
• Research new products and technology

WHAT QUALIFICATIONS WOULD REALLY HELP SET ME APART FROM OTHER APPLICANTS?

• AZ-104 and AZ-305 certifications
• CCDE, CCIE Enterprise Infrastructure, 500-220 ECMS Cisco Certifications
• Experience creating proposals/quotes and working with internal team to develop solutions
• Experience with cloud solutions, Microsoft technology stack
• Understanding of, and a background in, working within the IT Managed Services Provider business model, particularly in a support role.
• Experience with ConnectWise, Kaseya, or other similar MSP tools and software.

WHAT IS THE WORK ENVIRONMENT LIKE?

• Normal office working conditions. Work requires regular sitting/standing at a desk and working with a computer.
• This position requires standing, walking, sitting, using hands, seeing, reaching, talking, writing, and hearing; it may require occasionally carrying or lifting equipment (10-50 pounds) if working on-site.
• Position requires contact with others - in meetings, by phone or by email.
• Interactions focus on data collection, problem solving, needs analysis and technical work.
• Interactions are initiated in person or electronically.
• Position may require some travel to customer sites and/or other Convergence office locations.
• Required to submit daily time sheets that identify work completed each day.

WHY SHOULD YOU WORK HERE?

• Culture of unity, transparency, and trust. Our leadership team wants you to be successful at Convergence, and we will do anything we can to support your personal and professional growth.
• Group benefits plans, including medical, dental, vision in US and health savings and supplement insurance (including dental) in Canada, including retirement plans (401k and RRSP).
• Education and certification reimbursement is also available so we can help you grow.
• We believe feedback makes us better. You can expect regular meetings with your manager and quarterly conversations about your performance and growth.
• Outstanding teammates. We’re very selective to make sure we have the best staff available for you to work alongside!
• Teambuilding and company events throughout the year so you can get to know your teammates on a more personal level, as well as have some fun (families are often included as well).
• We believe in personal and professional growth. We offer regular internal training opportunities, as well as training and certification reimbursement so we can help you grow.
• We believe feedback makes us better. You can expect regular meetings with your manager and quarterly conversations about your performance and growth.

PERFECT FIT…

We are an equal opportunity employer and invite diversity in our applicants; our differences make us stronger! We welcome and encourage applications from qualified candidates of all races, sexes, colors, religions, sexual orientations, disabilities, ages, and gender identities. Accommodation is available upon request for candidates taking part in all stages of the selection process.

The compensation range for this position is determined by a combination of factors including skills, experience, qualifications, and geographic location. In addition to base salary, eligible employees may have opportunities to participate in variable incentive programs designed to reward individual and organizational performance. We are committed to pay transparency and comply with all applicable pay transparency legislation