Solutions Architect

Overview:

The Solution Architect is a senior technical professional responsible for the design of Alterman's network, cloud, and infrastructure solutions and serves as a liaison between business stakeholders and the Technology Department to ensure business requirements are incorporated into technical solutions. This role collaborates with Program Management, operations, and business leaders during the initial planning stages of technology initiatives, including the establishment of new offices and job sites, to identify requirements across Cybersecurity, Infrastructure, Service Desk, Business Applications, Software Development, and Business App Enablement.

Essential Functions:

1. Business Engagement & Requirements Discovery: 20%

• Represents the Technology Department in early planning with Program Management and business teams for new offices, job sites, projects, and business initiatives.
• Leads intake and discovery sessions to capture business, technical, security, and support requirements from the start.
• Develops cost estimates, lead times, and technology budgets for inclusion in project plans and job costing.
• Translates business objectives into clear technical requirements, defined scope, and a technology readiness timeline.

2. Network, Cloud & Infrastructure Architecture: 35%

• Designs LAN, WAN, wireless, and SD-WAN solutions, including ISP circuit selection, cellular and satellite backup, and temporary job site connectivity.
• Designs Microsoft Azure and hybrid cloud solutions, including networking, hosting, identity integration, and cost management.
• Designs server, virtualization (Nutanix AHV, VMware, Hyper-V), storage, and backup and disaster recovery solutions.
• Designs endpoint, VoIP and Teams telephony, print, and physical security infrastructure (cameras, access control) for offices and job sites.
• Maintains reference architectures for repeatable builds such as permanent offices, field offices, job site trailers, and data center expansion.
• Develops and maintains technical documentation, including requirements, solution designs, network and architecture diagrams, bills of materials, implementation plans, and handoff packages to support execution by the appropriate Technology teams; serves as an escalation point for complex design decisions.

3. Technology Department Needs Assessment: 25%

• Identifies identity and access requirements, determines security monitoring and vulnerability management needs, and verifies compliance with applicable customer and contractual requirements.
• Determines network hardware, connectivity, wireless coverage, hosting, backup, endpoint management, and physical security requirements.
• Identifies device procurement, user onboarding, equipment, ITSM configuration, and field support requirements.
• Assesses application access, system integration, licensing, contractual impacts, and configuration management requirements.
• Identifies system integration, data, reporting, and automation needs and documents requirements for the development team.
• Assesses user training and adoption needs and identifies necessary business process changes.

4. Delivery Coordination & Standards: 15%

• Hands off approved designs to each Technology team with defined tasks, owners, and dates; tracks readiness against project milestones.
• Submits and coordinates changes through the Change Management process and escalates risks, dependencies, and gaps.
• Ensures solutions meet Cybersecurity standards, are documented, and are transitioned to the Service Desk before go-live.
• Maintains the technology intake process and readiness checklist; conducts post-implementation reviews and updates standards.
• Participates in vendor evaluation, hardware/software purchases, contract review, and technology roadmaps.

5. 5%

Performs other duties as assigned.

Education and Experience:

• Minimum of 7 years of progressive IT experience, including at least 5 years in network, cloud, or infrastructure engineering and at least 2 years in solution design or architecture.
• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Information Systems, or related field preferred; equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered.
• Microsoft Azure Solutions Architect Expert or Azure Network Engineer Associate preferred.
• Cisco CCNP, Cisco Meraki CMNA, or equivalent networking certification preferred.
• Nutanix, VMware VCP, or equivalent virtualization certification preferred.
• TOGAF or ITIL Foundation certification preferred.
• Experience supporting multi-site, construction, or field-based operations preferred.

Skills/Abilities:

• Expert communication skills with the ability to translate between business and technical audiences and present to leadership.
• Deep expertise in enterprise networking, cloud, and infrastructure.
• Proven ability to lead and influence cross-functional teams without direct authority.
• Advanced knowledge of routing, switching, firewalls, VPN, SD-WAN, and wireless design.
• Advanced knowledge of Azure networking, hybrid identity, and cloud cost management.
• Working knowledge of cybersecurity, end-user support, and enterprise applications.
• Working knowledge of security principles, Zero Trust, and compliance frameworks such as NIST.
• Strong requirements gathering, scoping, and cost estimating skills.
• Strong documentation and diagramming skills (e.g., Visio or equivalent).
• PowerShell or other scripting proficiency for automation and infrastructure-as-code.
• Excellent time management skills with the ability to manage multiple concurrent initiatives.

Work Environment:

• Office environment with regular travel to offices and job sites.
• Job sites, server rooms, MDFs, and IDFs as needed.

Physical Demands:

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Manual dexterity associated with computer data entry required.
• Must be able to lift up to 40 lbs at times.