Principal Technical Architect

Lead Systems Architect

As a Lead Systems Architect, you will play a crucial role in ensuring the smooth operation of our systems and devices. You will work closely with colleagues and customers to identify and resolve technical issues, develop strategies for application deployment, and manage application installations and configurations.

You will also be responsible for assisting other engineering teams with system architectures, design, development, and integration. This includes ensuring that all applications are well-behaved and that all platforms, operating systems (Windows, AIX, UNIX, LINUX, etc.), and networks are properly configured to support production, test, and development environments effectively and efficiently.

Additionally, you will ensure that all application migrations, upgrades, and installations are well-rehearsed and documented prior to conducting official installations. This effort requires close coordination with other engineering groups.

1. Perform in-depth technical triage to ensure timely resolution of back-office issues.
2. Collaborate with IT Management to prioritize tasks and allocate resources effectively.
3. Ensure monitoring and managing controls are deployed and updated as system configuration changes occur.
4. Liaise with IT Architecture/Management to ensure systems are architected for optimal performance and availability.
5. Develop and document systems design, policies, and procedures, including system-level interdependencies.
6. Champion the deployment of software automation pipelines, partnering with DevOps to achieve 100% automated, rapid best-in-breed software deployments.
7. Partner with Information Security, IT Architecture, and DevOps to ensure compliance standards are maintained and integrated into automation scripts.
8. Articulate, escalate, and troubleshoot advanced technical issues, collaborating with program engineering and product development.
9. Provide assistance with Windows, UNIX, LINUX, AIX, and HP-UX based platforms related to application function and performance.
10. Demonstrate a detailed understanding of log analysis and problem recognition, particularly with Unix operating systems.
11. Utilize experience with both cloud and on-premises infrastructure.
12. Apply high-level knowledge of core networking competencies and their impact on customer delivery.
13. Maintain composure during high-stress intervals.
14. Mentor staff and serve as a key liaison to peers and other system analysts, providing expertise and problem-solving skills.
15. Participate in the 24x7 on-call support rotation as a primary contact.
16. Interact professionally with application and infrastructure vendors and distributors.
17. Validate understanding of Level 3 OS monitoring, Client Software, Backup and Recovery client, Client Software, automated Security, health checking client, and OS monitoring.
18. Work directly with external customers to translate requirements into technical solutions.

Skills/Experience/Knowledge

• Deep understanding of System Administration/Analyst methodology and principles.
• Proficiency with complex on-premises and cloud infrastructure environments (AWS, Azure, GCP, etc.).
• Experience with infrastructure automation tools and technologies (Ansible, Terraform, CloudFormation, Kubernetes).
• Version control system proficiency (e.g., Git).
• CI/CD tool experience (e.g., Jenkins, GitHub, Azure DevOps CI/CD, Docker, Kubernetes).
• Build tool experience (e.g., Visual Studio, Gradle, Maven, Artifactory).
• Deep understanding of networking concepts, protocols, systems, firewalls, and network security.
• Containerization technology experience (Docker, Kubernetes) and IaC practices.
• Effective written and oral communication skills.
• Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
• Knowledge of customer needs and competing products is desirable. Ability to analyze and solve complex software engineering problems.
• Share knowledge and expertise with colleagues, assist with hiring, and contribute regularly to our engineering culture and internal communities.
• Experience with monitoring and APM tools (SolarWinds, Nagios, AppDynamics).
• Ability to adapt to a changing and dynamic environment.
• Knowledge of databases, including SQL Server and Oracle.

Desirable

• Four-year college degree in computer science or related technical field.
• Eight plus years of systems administration/analyst experience.
• Professional certification in a related discipline is a plus.
• Extensive knowledge and experience in maintaining applications.
• Deep understanding of Unix-based applications and interdependencies.
• Knowledge and experience managing networks.
• ITIL experience.
• Excellent communications skills, both verbal and written.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office applications.