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Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md). --- # Solution Architect - Columbia, MD - **Company:** INDUSTRIAL RESEARCH INSTITUTE RESEARCH CORPORATION - **Location:** Columbia, MD, United States - **Experience:** Expert - **Salary:** $131,186 - $180,381 - **Contract:** Permanent contract - **Skills:** Application Programming Interfaces (APIs), Agile Methodology, Amazon Web Services, Applications Architecture, Microsoft Azure, Software as a Service, Cloud Computing, Collaborative Software, Continuous Integration, Custom Software, DevOps, Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), Interoperability, Knowledge Management, Laboratory Information Management Systems, Platform as a Service (PAAS), Salesforce.Com, Software Engineering, Software Systems, Systems Integration, Office365, Technical Debt, Information Technology, Api Design, Workday - **Published:** November 7, 2026 - **Apply:** https://www.careerbuilder.com/job-details/solution-architect-columbia-md-columbia-md--84dab286-f7b0-4419-8bd0-381bb50a0944 ## About the Role Best Practices, Architectural Services, Business Skills, Organizational Development/Management, Sustainability, Safety Standards, Risk Management, Standards Development, Technology Analysis, Enterprise Architecture, * Proven experience designing and implementing complex technical solutions across diverse technologies. * Demonstrated experience integrating systems, APIs, and data sources to support interoperability and reliable workflows. * Strong knowledge of cloud platforms (Azure, AWS) and modern application architectures. * Experience with Agile, DevOps, CI/CD, API-driven design, and modern development frameworks. * Strategic leader and builder of both vision and bridges, and influence decision-makers across both technical and non-technical audiences. * Strong leadership and collaboration skills with the ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams. * Strong project management capability with experience managing multiple priorities and executing high-quality deliverables. * Strong vendor management skills, with the ability to manage relationships with multiple vendors. * Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to quickly identify and resolve complex technical issues. * Ability to bring strong practical experience with Azure, AWS, Salesforce, M365, or research-enabling technology platforms. Professional education and experience requirements for the role include: * Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Engineering, or related discipline. * Minimum of 8 years of experience as a Solutions Architect or in a similar technical leadership role. * Experience with custom software development, SaaS/PaaS platforms (M365, Salesforce, Workday), and IaaS platforms (Azure, AWS). * Certification as an Azure Solutions Architect Expert or AWS Certified Solutions Architect. Additional certifications in M365, Salesforce, Workday, custom application development, or research-technology platforms preferred. ## Description We have an exciting opportunity for a Solution Architect at UL Research Institutes and UL Standards & Engagement, based in our Columbia, Maryland office. The Solution Architect will apply broad technical expertise and business acumen to guide technology decision-making and ensure solutions align with organizational goals. The role is responsible for designing and managing the organization's solution portfolio, bridging business needs with technical capabilities while promoting architectural standards, governance, and best practices. UL Research Institutes and UL Standards & Engagement At UL Research Institutes (ULRI) and UL Standards & Engagement (ULSE), we expand the boundaries of safety science to create a more secure and sustainable world. For more than a century, we have studied the unintended consequences of innovation, designed solutions to mitigate risk, created new safety standards and shared our findings with academia, scientists, manufacturers, and policymakers across industries. We identify critical safety and sustainability issues, asking the tough questions because we believe a safer world begins with knowledge. What you'll learn and achieve: As the Solution Architect, you will play a key role in the rapid growth of UL as you: * Partner with stakeholders, business owners, and technical SMEs to understand business drivers and capability needs, translating them into effective solution designs. * Advocate for business partner needs throughout the solution lifecycle to ensure technologies advance ULRI-ULSE's mission and strategic priorities. * Lead the evaluation and selection of technology platforms, software solutions, and services, designing standard and custom configurations as required. * Consult on application development, infrastructure design, and system integrations while promoting architecture patterns and best practices. * Design and evaluate solution architectures that align with enterprise strategy, business capabilities, and established architecture standards. * Produce architecture deliverables-including solution diagrams, reference models, standards, and documentation-to support governance. * Ensure solutions meet security, compliance, data protection, and quality requirements, and guide governance of key architecture decisions. * Define and maintain architecture principles, standards, and patterns, and oversee the portfolio for aging technologies, technical debt, and misalignment; guide remediation strategies. * Assess emerging technologies, industry innovations, and market developments to inform roadmaps, technology planning, and ULRI-ULSE's broader technology landscape. * Support technology needs across standards development, publication workflows, member and partner engagement, knowledge management, and research-enabling platforms, including custom applications, integrations, APIs, LIMS/ELN, collaboration tools, and platforms such as Azure, AWS, Salesforce, and M365. * Lead and/or contribute to other department specific and cross-functional initiatives.