Solution Architect

Solution ArchitectCalSTRS is seeking an experienced Solution Architect with a strong background in enterprise architecture, cloud solutions, AI/ML, Generative AI, distributed systems, and large-scale technology implementations. The selected candidate will lead technical architecture and software implementation initiatives while collaborating with IT teams, business stakeholders, project teams, and enterprise leadership.The Solution Architect will design and implement scalable, secure, highly available, and cost-effective technology solutions across cloud and hybrid environments. The role requires hands-on experience with AI/ML and GenAI architecture, agentic workflows, cloud strategy, FinOps, microservices, event-driven architecture, APIs, and enterprise integration.Responsibilities:Define and lead enterprise and solution architecture for complex technology initiatives.Translate business and technical requirements into scalable, secure, and maintainable architecture solutions.Architect and implement AI/ML and Generative AI solutions across enterprise environments.Design GenAI applications using RAG, AI agents, orchestration, model integration, and enterprise AI platforms.Develop cloud architecture strategies across AWS, Azure, and/or GCP.Lead end-to-end cloud implementations, migrations, integrations, and modernization initiatives.Design highly available, fault-tolerant, scalable, and resilient systems.Develop cloud cost-optimization and FinOps strategies.Establish architecture standards for SaaS, PaaS, and IaaS environments.Design hybrid-cloud and multi-cloud solutions addressing security, governance, compliance, and operational requirements.Architect microservices, distributed systems, event-driven platforms, and API-based integrations.Evaluate technology platforms, frameworks, tools, and architectural patterns.Collaborate with business stakeholders, engineering teams, infrastructure teams, security teams, project managers, and enterprise architecture groups.Provide technical leadership and guidance throughout solution implementation and delivery.Ensure solutions comply with organizational standards, SDLC processes, security requirements, and industry best practices.Identify technical risks, dependencies, scalability concerns, and opportunities for modernization.Provide architectural recommendations, technical documentation, diagrams, standards, and implementation guidance.Mentor technical teams and guide implementation of complex architectural solutions.Support governance, architecture reviews, technical assessments, and strategic technology planning.Required Skills:15+ years of Information Technology experience, including experience as a Technical Developer/Lead, Software Engineer, Application Architect, Solution Architect, Enterprise Architect, or similar technical leadership role.10+ years of experience incorporating open, non-proprietary SDLC methodologies to lead and manage technical aspects of software/solution implementation projects.Demonstrated experience collaborating with IT divisions, business stakeholders, project teams, and technical leadership while following implementation standards, processes, procedures, and industry best practices.7+ years of experience architecting, designing, and implementing AI/ML use cases and/or Generative AI solutions.5+ years of experience leading cloud architecture across AWS, Azure, and/or GCP for large or complex environments.Experience with multi-tier applications, enterprise integrations, cloud migrations, end-to-end cloud solution delivery, cloud security, networking, scalability, and performance.3+ years of experience designing high-availability and fault-tolerant systems and implementing cost-optimization strategies across SaaS, PaaS, and IaaS.2+ years of experience with AI infrastructure, agentic workflows and orchestration, Generative AI design patterns, cloud strategy, FinOps, hybrid/multi-cloud environments, and AI security, compliance, and governance.2+ years of experience designing microservices architectures, distributed systems, event-driven architectures, API-based architectures, and enterprise integration solutions.Preferred / Desired Skills:Cloud architecture and/or GenAI/GenBI certifications, such as:Snowflake SnowPro Advanced – ArchitectAWS Solutions Architect – ProfessionalMicrosoft Azure Solutions Architect ExpertEquivalent cloud or AI architecture certifications2+ years of IT consulting experience supporting technical solution implementations within large public-sector or governmental agencies.Experience supervising and guiding technical implementations using recognized industry standards and best practices such as PMI, PMBOK, SAFe, IEEE, or other recognized architecture, engineering, or project delivery frameworks.Experience working in large enterprise or government environments.Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Information Technology, Software Engineering, or a related technical field.Core Technical Skills:Architecture: Solution Architecture, Enterprise Architecture, Application Architecture, Cloud ArchitectureAI/GenAI: AI/ML, Generative AI, AI Infrastructure, Agentic AI, AI Agents, AI Orchestration, RAG, GenAI Design Patterns, AI GovernanceCloud: AWS, Azure, GCP, Hybrid Cloud, Multi-Cloud, SaaS, PaaS, IaaS, FinOpsModern Architecture: Microservices, Distributed Systems, Event-Driven Architecture, API Architecture, Enterprise IntegrationEngineering: SDLC, Software Development, Application Modernization, Cloud Migration, High Availability, Fault Tolerance, ScalabilityGovernance: Security, Compliance, AI Governance, Architecture Standards, Technical Best PracticesEducation: Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Information Technology, Software Engineering, or a related field from an accredited or government-sanctioned college/university is preferred.Work Location: The selected candidate must be able to work in a hybrid model, with the ability to work onsite 2–3 business days per week at: CalSTRS Headquarters, West Sacramento, California