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.