Principal Application Architect

Principal Applications Architect (Hands-On)

Good Sam is seeking a Principal Applications Architect (Hands-On). As a Principal IT Solutions Architect, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the technological landscape of Good Sam and driving strategic initiatives forward. In collaboration with the Enterprise Architecture team, leveraging your deep expertise in Applications Engineering and Solutions Architecture, you will lead the architecture, design, and implementation of cutting-edge solutions that address complex business challenges and support the Good Sam and Camping Worlds' growth and long-term success.

What You'll Do

Hands-on Applications Design

As a Solutions Architect, you will lead the design of scalable, modular systems that span both on-premises and cloud environments. You'll translate business requirements into resilient architectures that support growth, flexibility, and performance. Leveraging deep expertise in cloud-native technologies and hybrid infrastructure, you'll ensure that every solution is built for interoperability, maintainability, and long-term success.

Build

You'll take ownership of legacy codebases, applying expert-level troubleshooting and engineering skills to fix, refactor, and modernize critical systems. With a keen eye for stability and performance, you'll reverse-engineer undocumented applications, restore functionality, and implement sustainable improvements that align with current architectural standards. Your work will breathe new life into aging platforms while paving the way for future innovation.

Stakeholder Collaboration

Collaborate closely with senior leadership, business units, and technical teams to deeply understand requirements, gather insights, and develop detailed architectural roadmaps. Build strong partnerships with cross-functional teams to ensure solution architectures address both business and technical needs comprehensively and accurately.

Thought Leadership and Technical Expertise

Act as a leading authority in Solutions Architecture, providing expert guidance to cross-functional teams through the complexities of the architecture design process. Represent the Solutions Architecture function in high-level forums like the Architecture Review Board (ARB) and stay updated with industry trends, emerging technologies, and best practices. Propose innovative and strategic ways to integrate new technologies into the existing architectural landscape to enhance organizational capabilities.

System Assessment and Enhancement

Perform detailed evaluations of current systems—including legacy platforms—to identify potential areas for improvement. Propose innovative solutions that enhance performance, scalability, and security. Oversee the selection and integration of third-party solutions, ensuring they align with the company's strategic objectives and technical standards.

Lead

In this leadership role, you'll coach cross-functional teams, champion architectural best practices, and uphold technical excellence across all phases of solution delivery. You'll drive the adoption of standards, mentor engineers, and foster a culture of accountability and continuous improvement. Your influence will shape the technical direction of projects and ensure alignment with strategic business goals.

Risk Mitigation and Compliance Assurance

Collaborate with stakeholders to identify and mitigate risks associated with solution architectures, ensuring compliance with industry standards and regulatory requirements. Provide strategic advice on security and compliance throughout the solution lifecycle, ensuring the development of a resilient and secure architectural framework.

Continuous Improvement Advocacy

Drive continuous improvement in Solutions Architecture practices, processes, and methodologies. Lead initiatives aimed at optimizing existing architectures, improving workflow efficiencies, and enhancing overall effectiveness. Champion the creation and adoption of Enterprise Architecture Standards, including policies, guidelines, and best practices, ensuring their approval and implementation across the organization.

Effective Communication and Collaboration

Clearly and effectively communicate complex technical concepts to both technical and non-technical stakeholders, ensuring alignment and understanding across teams. Promote a collaborative culture across the organization, ensuring that solution architectures are consistently aligned with the broader organizational goals and priorities.

What You'll Need to Have for the Role

• Minimum of 10 years of progressive, hands-on experience in IT Applications Engineering and Solutions Architecture, with a demonstrated history of successful architecture designs and implementations of complex, enterprise-scale IT solutions.
• Proven ability to troubleshoot and stabilize undocumented legacy systems, using analytical skills and technical intuition to restore functionality and performance.
• Deep understanding of Architecture Domains including Business Architecture, Data and Information Architecture, Applications Architecture, Security and Identity Architecture, Integration Architecture, Infrastructure (in hybris Cloud environments), Services Architecture, Observability, Business Continuity, and Disaster Recovery Architecture.
• Exceptional analytical and problem-solving abilities, enabling assessment of complex technical challenges and the development of innovative solutions.
• In-depth knowledge of Cloud Computing Platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP), with hands-on experience in architecting cloud-native and multi-Cloud solutions.
• Outstanding leadership and team-building capabilities, with a proven track record of leading cross-functional programs/projects and driving strategic initiatives forward in both Agile and traditional Waterfall portfolio/project environments.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, capable of effectively engaging with technical and non-technical stakeholders. Demonstrated ability to collaborate and influence diverse teams and stakeholders.
• Working knowledge of ITIL, COBIT, SAFe (Scaled Agile Framework), DevOps (DevSecOps), Lean Architecture, Application and Technology Portfolio Management (APM, TPM), Agile methodologies, and best practices.
• Experience working with modern technologies like Java, Node, React, API design, microservices, .NET…
• A minimum of 8 years of experience in IT governance, risk management, and compliance, ensuring adherence to industry standards and regulatory requirements.
• Bachelor's or master's Degree in computer science, Information Technology, or a related field.

Pay Range:

$134,400.00-$206,100.00 Annual

In addition to competitive pay, we offer Paid Time Off, 401(k), an Employee Assistance Program, Good Sam Roadside Assistance, discounts, paid parental leave (if eligibility is met), Tuition Reimbursement (if eligibility is met), and on the job training opportunities. Full-time associates are offered a comprehensive benefit package including medical, dental, vision and more! Part-time associates are offered access to dental & vision coverage! For more information please visit:

We are an equal employment opportunity employer. The Company's policy is not to discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, age (40 and over), disability, veteran or uniformed service-member status, genetic information, or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.