Systems Architect II

Job Summary:The Systems Architect II – Data Streaming Platforms is a senior technical leader responsible for designing and guiding the evolution of streaming and integration solutions across CSX.This role serves as a design authority for data streaming platforms, defining architecture patterns, integration approaches, and system designs that enable reliable, scalable data movement across applications, platforms, and infrastructure.The Systems Architect II leads the design of complex, cross-domain streaming solutions leveraging platforms such as Kafka, Palantir Foundry, and Microsoft Fabric Real-Time Intelligence, ensuring alignment between platform capabilities, engineering delivery, and business outcomes.The role owns architectural direction, trade-off decisions, and total cost of ownership (TCO) for streaming and integration solutions while advancing AI-enabled patterns across streaming and integration workflows.Primary Responsibilities:Streaming Architecture & Design LeadershipDesign and guide end-to-end data streaming architectures across applications, platforms, and infrastructureDefine and evolve event-driven, messaging, and integration patterns, including: Kafka-based architecturesEvent pipelines into Palantir FoundryReal-time ingestion and processing patterns within Microsoft Fabric Real-Time IntelligenceLead architectural decisions for complex, high-scale streaming use cases across multiple domainsEnsure designs meet requirements for scalability, resiliency, performance, and securityPlatform Alignment & Integration StrategyAlign solution designs with data streaming platform capabilities and constraints across: Kafka (event backbone)Palantir Foundry (data modeling and operational analytics)Microsoft Fabric Real-Time Intelligence (real-time reporting and analytics)Guide integration between: Data producers and consumersStreaming platforms and downstream systemsOperational and analytical platformsGuide consistent adoption of approved platform patterns across engineering teamsStandards, Patterns, and ReusabilityDefine standard patterns for streaming integration, including: Topic design and partitioning strategiesSchema management and data contractsEvent design for cross-platform interoperabilityEstablish reusable reference architectures and implementation patterns for engineering teamsPromote platform-first design over one-off custom solutionsInfrastructure as Code & Platform AutomationDefine and standardize Infrastructure as Code patterns for provisioning and managing:Streaming infrastructure (Kafka clusters, topics, and supporting services)Platform integrations with Palantir Foundry and Microsoft FabricGuide the use of Terraform and ArgoCD (or equivalent tooling) for consistent, declarative, and repeatable deploymentsEnsure infrastructure is: Version-controlled (source of truth in Git)Environment-consistent (dev/test/prod)Auditable and reproduciblePromote automated environment provisioning over manual configurationCI/CD & Deployment ArchitectureDefine CI/CD and deployment patterns for streaming and platform solutions, including:Release orchestration, validation, and rollbackCode deployment (applications, stream processing logic)Infrastructure deployment (IaC pipelines managed via Git workflows)Configuration and schema promotion across environmentsEstablish standards for: Build, test, and release automationEnvironment promotion strategiesRelease governance, validation, and rollback strategiesEnsure integration of CI/CD pipelines with platform workflows across: Kafka ecosystemsFoundry data pipelinesFabric real-time analytics componentsDrive adoption of automated testing, validation, and continuous delivery practicesAI Architecture & Team EnablementDefine and promote AI-enabled patterns across data streaming platforms that create measurable value in architecture and operations, including:Real-time data enrichment and intelligent processing of event streamsIntegration of streaming data with AI/ML and agent-based workflowsEvent-driven triggers for AI-driven decisioning and automationGuide integration of streaming platforms with AI capabilities within Foundry and Fabric, establishing scalable, reusable, and cost-conscious architecture patternsIdentify opportunities to leverage AI to improve data quality, anomaly detection, operational automation, and real-time decision supportEnable engineering teams to apply AI effectively in daily work through practical guidance in two areas:AI in the architecture — designing systems that are AI-ready, extensible, and aligned to performance, cost, and operational constraintsAI in the team's practices — applying AI-assisted development, analysis, and operational tooling in practical, responsible waysFinancial & Operational AccountabilityOwn architectural trade-offs including: Performance vs costBuild vs buyPlatform utilization efficiencyEvaluate run cost, compute usage, and platform economics, including impacts from streaming volume, processing patterns, and AI usage Ensure solutions are operationally sustainable and cost-effectiveTechnical Leadership & InfluenceProvide architectural guidance to engineers, platform teams, and product partnersLead design and architecture reviews for streaming and integration solutionsMentor engineers in event-driven architecture, platform usage (Kafka, Foundry, Fabric), Infrastructure as Code, CI/CD, and practical use of AI tools in engineering and system designInfluence direction through technical expertise and clarity of designMinimum QualificationsBachelor’s degree from an accredited institution required in Computer Science, Information Systems/Technology or related major field of study.7 or more years of experience required in engineering/administration.Equivalent Minimum QualificationsHigh School diploma / GED.9 or more years of experience in Information Systems.Preferred QualificationsMaster's degree from an accredited institution required in Computer Science, Information Technology, or related major field of study.5 or more years of experience in systems engineering/administration.10 or more years of experience in Transportation/Intermodal Operations, Information Systems, or LogisticsKnowledge and SkillsAdvanced knowledge of event-driven architecture, data streaming patterns, message broker design, and real-time integration concepts.Strong understanding of Kafka-based architectures, including topic design, partitioning strategies, schema management, producers, consumers, and operational considerations.Experience designing integrations across enterprise platforms, including Palantir Foundry, Microsoft Fabric Real-Time Intelligence, cloud services, application systems, and analytical environments.Knowledge of Infrastructure as Code, GitOps, CI/CD, and automated deployment practices using tools such as Terraform, ArgoCD, Azure DevOps, GitHub, or equivalent technologies.Ability to design scalable, secure, resilient, and cost-effective streaming solutions aligned to enterprise architecture standards and operational requirements.Working knowledge of AI-enabled development, intelligent automation, real-time enrichment, anomaly detection, and AI/ML integration patterns within streaming and data platforms.Strong analytical and architectural decision-making skills, including the ability to evaluate trade-offs across performance, cost, complexity, reliability, and time to delivery. CSX is passionate about building a workforce that reflects the values and behaviors of ONE CSX. We are nationally recognized for our commitment to diversity and engagement, as well as our support for veterans and reservists. CSX, based in Jacksonville, Florida, is a premier transportation company. It provides rail, intermodal and rail-to-truck transload services and solutions to customers across a broad array of markets, including energy, industrial, construction, agricultural, and consumer products. For nearly 200 years, CSX has played a critical role in the nation's economic expansion and industrial development. Its network connects every major metropolitan area in the eastern United States, where nearly two-thirds of the nation's population resides. It also links more than 230 short-line railroads and more than 70 ocean, river and lake ports with major population centers and farming towns alike. More information about CSX Corporation and its subsidiaries is available at Connect with us on FacebookXLinkedInInstagramYouTubeClosing Statement At CSX, two of our six Guiding Principles are Valuing and Developing Employees as well as Operating Safely. We are committed to offering our team members the most competitive compensation and benefits package available, unlimited opportunities for development and growth throughout an exciting and rewarding career, and the safest work environment possible. CSX is an Equal Opportunity Employer Veterans/Disabled. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability. Click here to view the EEO is Law poster. CSX Transportation and its subsidiaries are not seeking outside assistance or accepting unsolicited resumes from staffing agencies or search firms for employment or contractor opportunities. Any resumes submitted by an outside vendor to any employee at CSX via e-mail, Internet, or directly to hiring managers without a valid written search agreement in place with the Talent Acquisition / HR department will be deemed the sole property of CSX. No placement fee will be paid in the event a candidate is hired as a result of the referral, or through other means. This role offers an annual salary range based on experience and qualifications. In addition to base salary we provide an annual bonus opportunity. At CSX, we prioritize valuing and developing employees, as well as operating safely. We are committed to offering our team members competitive compensation, a comprehensive benefits package, and unlimited growth opportunities. Our benefits support financial, physical, emotional, and social well-being, with health plans, wellness programs, and customizable coverage options. Learn more about our benefits here. Full timePosting Date: 2026-09-01