Principal Solutions Architect

Job Overview We are looking for a highly skilled Mainframe Modernization Solutions Architect to analyze, design, architect, and implement solutions that support our customers’ Digital Transformation journeys. In this hands‑on role, you will be responsible for solving complex technical issues, establishing patterns and practices, and setting standards for the modernization of mainframe legacy environments. Technical Focus Areas Infrastructure modernization: Deploy fit‑for‑purpose workload in a hybrid cloud infrastructure Application modernization: Evolve from monolithic application to cloud‑native API Microservices process modernization: Embrace an enterprise‑wide DevOps discipline to deliver applications faster Key Responsibilities Helping customers and systems integrators design scalable, high‑availability application solutions built on the Rocket Enterprise Portfolio/Enterprise Server solution. Working as a technical leader alongside customer business, development, and infrastructure teams. Create and conduct proof‑of‑concept technology analysis and pilots. Conduct customer presentations and internal presentations/trainings to peer groups. Enable and align consulting partners with Rocket Enterprise Portfolio (Enterprise Server/Enterprise Developer/Enterprise Analyzer) mainframe modernization approach and methodology. Provide architectural guidance and recommendations necessary to promote successful customer engagements worldwide. Compose and deliver technical content such as blogs, whitepapers, and technical presentations at major conferences. Qualifications Advanced technical degree in Computer Science or a related field. At least 4 to 10 years of experience leading customers with mainframe and legacy modernization initiatives. Knowledge of major cloud provider infrastructure and technologies, such as AWS, Azure, GCP, Cloud Foundry, Docker, and Kubernetes. Experience analyzing on‑premises mainframe environment applications and processes to formulate plans for modernizing workloads that achieve customer‑desired business outcomes. Relevant business and IT architecture certifications, such as AWS Solution Architect Professional, Microsoft Azure Solution Architect, Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe), etc. Fluent in written and verbal English. Prior experience leading customer migrations from mainframe to Rocket Enterprise Server platform. Technical experience in at least one of the following areas: Infrastructure modernization: Tools and methodologies used to migrate mainframe workloads via hardware/middleware emulation, automated code conversion, and re‑platforming. COBOL modernization and porting application code across platforms. Hands‑on technical experience with mainframe, non‑x86 legacy systems and technologies such as COBOL, JCL, CICS, DB2 for z/OS, IMS DB/DC, assembler, PL/I, REXX, flat/sequential files, GDGs, and VSAM. Analytical mindset to analyze test results and facilitate defect resolution. Experience designing/architecting distributed and cloud environments (target environments), including OpenShift, Kubernetes, and containers. Application modernization: Strong analysis skills with solid concepts in architecture and design, experience refactoring complex business applications, knowledge of cloud computing, containers, microservices, and serverless technology, business rules extraction from COBOL/PL/I, and architecting high‑availability, resilient, fault‑tolerant systems that utilize load balancing and horizontal/vertical scaling. Process modernization: Complete understanding of the software development lifecycle, DevOps toolchains, configuring automation pipelines in GitHub, Azure DevOps, AWS CodePipeline, Jenkins or similar tools, familiarity with agile engineering practices such as test automation, test‑driven development, continuous integration, continuous delivery, and test data management. Ability and interest in traveling to customers around the world, as needed. Commitment to Rocket core values of empathy, humanity, trust, and love. Compensation & Benefits Base salary range: $154,575.00 – $194,650.00 per year. Compensation may vary based on skills, experience, and location. Unlimited vacation time, paid holidays, and sick time. Health and wellness coverage options for employees and dependents. Life and disability coverage. 401(k) with Roth and employer matching contributions. Monthly student debt benefit program. Tuition reimbursement and certificate reimbursement program opportunities. Leadership and skills training opportunities. Equal Employment Opportunity EEO M/F/Vet/Disability. Rocket Software Inc. is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status. Rocket Software Inc. is also committed to compliance with all fair employment practices regarding citizenship and immigration status. Rocket is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with physical and mental disabilities. If you need special assistance or an accommodation while seeking employment, please call View phone number on click.appcast.io or send an email to View email address on click.appcast.io. We will make a determination on your request for reasonable accommodation on a case‑by‑case basis. As part of our commitment to a safe and trustworthy workplace, we include background and reference checks in our hiring process. #J-18808-Ljbffr