Solutions Architect

Solutions ArchitectRemote (EST or CST time zone)9 Month Contract with extensionsCompany has an immediate need for a Solution Architect. Ideal candidates must have 10+ years of experience in IT Infrastructure, solution design and solution architecture. Strong experience in designing large scale solutions with proven cloud technologies (Azure) and using multiple SaaS based products.Responsibilities:Translate business requirements into well-architected solutions and review detailed designs in collaboration with the Business Systems teams to implement end-to-end integrated systems.Collaborate with key stakeholders to understand and accurately define complex problems, setting engagement objectives and scope.Develop work plans and coordinate activities across multiple project workstreams, ensuring comprehensive solutions are created.Assess technical needs and capabilities during implementation, using an analytical approach to understand all related technologies and topics.Evaluate new technologies and vendors in support of systems development efforts and recommend technologies that will increase effectiveness and systems flexibility. Ensure fit for purpose by conducting vendor evaluations, proofs-of-concept, and MVP definition.Regular communication with IT specialists and enterprise architects to develop and implement complex technology and business solutions that fits the enterprise architecture.Create a comprehensive architecture for application and software solutions, ensuring they fit into the existing enterprise architecture.Guide the organization to incorporate architecture design patterns, system best practices and standards in architecture, software, security, privacy, data cleanliness, and infrastructure.Cooperate with all development teams, understanding how every product and service works within the solution and enterprise architecture.Oversee the successful delivery of quality end solutions to end users.Analyze the business impact of technical choices on the client's business processes, providing strategic direction on the solution.Supervise and guide development teams ensuring the solution developed aligns to the solution design and fits with enterprise architecture.Continuously research emerging technologies, proposing changes to the existing enterprise and solution architecture to improve overall efficiency and effectiveness.Education:Degree in computer science, information systems, or computer engineering, system analysis or a related fieldCertification:Azure Solution Architect Expert or other cloud solution architect certification - PreferredRequirements:10+ years of progressive experience in IT infrastructure, solution design and solution architectureStrong experience in designing large scale solutions with proven cloud technologies and using multiple SaaS based productsExcellent understanding of typical multi-tier architectures: web servers, caching, application servers, load balancers, and storageUnderstanding of Relational Database Management System (RDBMS), SQL and NoSQLWorking experience with Mulesoft, IBM MQ and extensive knowledge of batch systems, and API first approachIn depth knowledge of solution architecture patterns, best practices, standards in various architectural domainsFamiliarity with loose coupling and stateless systems and working knowledge of large-scale distributed systemsKnowledge with core LAN/WAN network technologiesKnowledge of Web Services, XML, JSONFamiliarity with the software development lifecycleWork experience with information and application security concepts, mechanisms, and tools