Senior Solution Architect - GCP / GKE

Role Title: Senior Solution Architect – GCP / GKE

Level: Senior Architect / Senior Solution Architect

Location: Chicago, IL OR Nashville, TN or any location ready to relocate.

Work Authorization: Candidates must be authorized to work in the U.S. without current or future sponsorship requirements.

Role Overview

The Senior Solution Architect – GCP / GKE is responsible for end‑to‑end architecture ownership of cloud‑native application solutions on Google Cloud Platform , with a strong emphasis on application modernization, microservices architecture, and Kubernetes (GKE) .

This role goes beyond technical delivery to include architecture governance, client advisory, technology strategy, and team enablement , while remaining sufficiently hands‑on to validate designs and guide implementation.

Focus Mix

• GKE / Cloud Platform Architecture: ~30–35%

Key Responsibilities

• Own end‑to‑end solution architecture for GCP‑based engagements, from discovery through delivery.
• Define target architecture, reference patterns, and non‑functional requirements (scalability, security, resilience, observability).
• Lead architecture decisions across application, data, integration, and platform layers.
• Act as the final technical authority on solution choices and trade‑offs.

Application Architecture & Modernization (Primary Focus)

• Architect cloud‑native, microservices‑based applications using Java / Node.js / Python.
• Define service decomposition, API contracts, and event‑driven integration patterns.
• Lead application modernization and cloud migration initiatives (re‑platform, refactor, re‑architect).
• Design and review RESTful APIs , API governance models, and versioning strategies.
• Guide application data design leveraging BigQuery and Cloud SQL.

Cloud & GKE Architecture

• Define GKE‑based workload architecture , including multi‑cluster design, scaling, HA/DR, and security.
• Establish containerization standards , Kubernetes deployment patterns, and platform guardrails.
• Architect CI/CD and IaC strategies aligned to enterprise DevSecOps practices.
• Provide architectural oversight for integrations using Pub/Sub, messaging, and workflow orchestration.

Client Advisory & Stakeholder Engagement

• Act as trusted cloud architect for clients and internal account teams.
• Translate business requirements into architecture roadmaps and implementation blueprints.
• Lead architecture forums, design reviews, and solution walkthroughs with senior stakeholders.
• Support RFPs, proposals, and estimations with architecture input.

Technical Governance & Enablement

• Establish architecture standards, best practices, and reusable assets.
• Mentor architects, technical leads, and senior engineers across projects.
• Drive architectural consistency across programs while enabling innovation.
• Contribute to GCP practice growth , accelerators, and thought leadership.

This role is expected to:

• Own architecture outcomes , not just implementation.
• Influence multiple teams or workstreams.
• Engage directly with clients, leadership, and pre‑sales.
• Define standards and patterns , not just follow them.
• Mentor Tech Leads and senior engineers.

Required Skills & Experience:

• Strong hands‑on experience with Google Cloud Platform (GCP).
• Deep expertise in application and solution architecture.
• Working architect‑level knowledge of Google Kubernetes Engine (GKE).

Application & Integration

• Strong development background in Java / Node.js / Python.
• Extensive experience with RESTful API design and implementation.
• Experience with event‑driven architectures, Pub/Sub, and messaging systems.
• Hands‑on experience with BigQuery and Cloud SQL in application contexts.

Delivery & Leadership

• Proven experience leading application modernization and cloud migration programs.
• Experience functioning as Solution Architect or Senior Technical Lead.
• Ability to guide multiple teams and influence technical outcomes across programs.
• Strong communication skills for executive and client‑level interactions.

DevOps, Containerization & Certifications

• Strong experience with Docker and Kubernetes.
• Experience architecting CI/CD pipelines and Infrastructure as Code (Terraform preferred).
• Exposure to DevSecOps and compliance‑by‑design.
• GCP Certifications (Professional Cloud Architect / Associate Developer) strongly preferred.