Solution Architect

Summary: The Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA) is seeking a highly technical, hands-on Solution Architect to help shape the future of our technology solutions. This role is ideal for an experienced software developer who has transitioned into solution architecture and enjoys balancing big-picture technical strategy with hands-on development and problem-solving.

The Solution Architect will lead the design and implementation of secure, scalable enterprise applications while remaining actively involved in coding, troubleshooting, code reviews, and proofs of concept. Working closely with development teams, business stakeholders, and IT operations, this individual will establish architectural standards, evaluate emerging technologies, and turn innovative ideas into practical solutions.

The ideal candidate brings a strong background in C#, .NET, Microsoft Azure, and enterprise application development, along with the ability to think strategically, solve complex technical challenges, and provide technical leadership. This position also offers opportunities to explore emerging technologies, including AI-driven applications and solutions.

This is not a traditional, hands-off architecture role. Approximately 30-50% of the position involves hands-on coding, making it an excellent opportunity for someone who wants to influence technical direction while continuing to build and innovate.

What You’ll Do:

As a Solution Architect, you’ll play a key role in shaping IHDA’s technology solutions, combining strategic thinking with hands-on development. You’ll work across teams to design, build, and improve applications while exploring new technologies and solving complex technical challenges.

• Design and deliver technology solutions: Lead the design and implementation of secure, scalable, and high-performing applications that support business needs and long-term technology goals.
• Stay hands-on with development: Spend approximately 30-50% of your time writing code, developing proofs of concept, troubleshooting complex issues, and bringing technical solutions to life.
• Drive innovation: Explore emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI), test new ideas, and recommend practical improvements to IHDA’s technology environment.
• Set technical standards: Establish and maintain best practices for application architecture, coding, system integration, security, and performance.
• Provide technical leadership: Guide developers through complex technical challenges, conduct code and design reviews, and share expertise to strengthen development practices.
• Connect technology and business needs: Partner with business stakeholders, developers, IT operations, vendors, and project managers to turn requirements into effective technology solutions.
• Shape the technology roadmap: Create architectural designs, technical documentation, and implementation plans that support current projects and future technology initiatives.
• Solve complex technical problems: Identify system risks, performance issues, and opportunities for improvement, developing solutions that address immediate challenges and prevent future problems.
• Support successful deployments: Collaborate with development and operations teams to improve CI/CD pipelines, release processes, and the delivery of reliable applications.
• Continuously improve: Identify opportunities to modernize applications, streamline development processes, and introduce tools and practices that improve efficiency, quality, and scalability.

· 7-10 years of hands-on software development experience, with a strong background in C#, .NET, ASP.NET, and Microsoft technologies.

· Experience designing and implementing secure, scalable enterprise applications and cloud-based solutions using Microsoft Azure and Azure App Services.

· Strong SQL Server development experience, including database design, performance tuning, indexing, and optimization.

· Experience developing APIs, web applications, and system integrations using modern development technologies and frameworks.

· Proficiency with Azure DevOps, Git, CI/CD pipelines, source control, and software development best practices.

· Experience developing and supporting SharePoint applications, including SharePoint Online or SharePoint 2016 and later.

· Demonstrated experience establishing architectural standards, conducting code reviews, and providing technical guidance throughout the software development lifecycle.

· Experience evaluating emerging technologies, developing proofs of concept, and translating technical concepts into practical solutions.

· Experience with AI agent development and emerging AI development practices.

· Strong problem-solving, troubleshooting, communication, and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively across technical and business teams.

Preferred Qualifications

· Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Information Technology, or a related technical field.

· Experience with Power BI, SSIS, data warehousing, and advanced reporting solutions.

· Familiarity with Crystal Reports and SQL Server Reporting Services (SSRS).

· Experience using project management and collaboration tools such as Jira or Monday.com.

· Previous experience as a senior or lead software developer with increasing responsibilities in solution architecture and technical design.

Physical Requirements: Alternating between sitting, standing, and walking. Ascending and descending stairs. Crouching and stooping. Pushing and pulling. Reaching overhead or below. Repetitive task movements (filing, keyboarding, copying). Lifting, carrying, and moving objects of up to 10 -15 pounds.

At IHDA, we recognize that our employees are essential to advancing our mission. We offer a competitive benefits package designed to support your health, financial well-being, professional growth, and work-life balance.

· Work-Life Balance: Paid time off, paid holidays, and a hybrid work arrangement.

· Comprehensive Benefits: Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance plans, along with short- and long-term disability coverage.

· Retirement Savings: 401(k) retirement plan with immediate vesting.

· Professional Growth: Tuition reimbursement to support continued education and career development.

· Additional Benefits: Flexible spending accounts and potential eligibility for federal student loan forgiveness programs.

· Salary range: $111,503 - $139,379

Must be a resident of Illinois or willing to relocate. Flexible scheduling is available, upon completion of a six-month probationary period., * Dental insurance

• Employee assistance program
• Flexible schedule
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Referral program
• Vision insurance

Who we are: The Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA) is one of the Nation’s preeminent Housing Finance Agencies and one of the State’s ten largest financial institutions. Our mission is to finance the creation and preservation of affordable housing across the state. IHDA oversees more than 20 federal and state programs on behalf of the state of Illinois and serves as one of the state’s primary resources for housing policy and program administration. For over 50 years, IHDA has led the state in financing and supporting affordable housing.