Solution Architect

{“@context”: “https://schema.org”, “@type”: “JobPosting”, “title”: “Solution Architect: Networking, AWS and Azure”, “employmentType”: “CONTRACTOR”, “image”: “https://cjassets-fabkerfbaaayfhdm.z02.azurefd.net/images/jobbranding/49b5d585e21b/images/49b5d585e21b_detail.png”, “description”: “Exciting opportunity for a Networking Solution Architect with strong experience in AWS and Azure to join a world leading Energy company.

Solution Scope (Automation & Connectivity):

• Enterprise network automation solutions.
• Enterprise connectivity tooling, including Single Source of Truth implementation.
• Tool evaluation, integration, and data model alignment.
• Technical architecture, design, and service operations solutions.

The Solution Architect is responsible for delivering high quality solution designs that are fit for purpose, aligned with enterprise architecture standards, and optimized for total cost of ownership across the solution life cycle. The role ensures technical integrity, security, and alignment with the company’s IT technology direction. The resulting High Level Designs have a measurable impact on business effectiveness and profitability.

The Solution Architect is accountable to the Project Manager for the solution architecture from design through successful deployment., Act as the single point of contact for all solution architecture aspects of IT projects.

• Design and integrate Business Process, Data, Application, Infrastructure, and Information Security aspects into end to end solutions.
• Ensure solution architecture is documented using approved templates, tools, and standards.
• Review, assure, and approve detailed designs produced by designers and business analysts.
• Coach project teams on architecture standards and best practices.
• Support Segment Architects and participate in Architecture Review Boards as required.
• Contribute to the development and maintenance of Reference Models in Bizzdesign, elevating project deliverables to conceptual and logical levels.
• Monitor technology trends and ensure solutions are future proof and aligned with evolving IT standards and services.
• Actively contribute to the Architecture community and serve as an ambassador for architecture excellence.
• Ensure compliance with legal, regulatory, and data privacy requirements (eg GDPR).
• Champion Security by Design and Privacy by Design, working closely with Information Risk Management, Security, and Compliance teams.

Special Challenges:

• Proactively identify, balance, and reconcile competing stakeholder requirements.
• Escalate architectural conflicts appropriately and in a timely manner.

710 years of IT experience, including some IT leadership exposure.

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in an IT related discipline.
• Strong stakeholder management and communication skills (written and verbal).
• Ability to articulate architectural decisions to both technical and business audiences.
• Strong business acumen with the ability to link business value to technical architecture.

Required Technical Expertise:

• Vendor engagement and product selection in collaboration with portfolio, operations, and procurement teams.
• Deep expertise in networking technologies (Routing, TCP/IP, SSL).
• Strong experience with AWS and Azure cloud networking (VPC/VNET, VPN, Transit Gateway, virtual Palo Alto Firewalls).
• Knowledge of Cisco data center design.
• Knowledge of Aruba ESP, including Central, ClearPass, and wireless platforms.
• In depth knowledge of network automation (Infrastructure as Code, APIs, GitHub).
• Identity and authentication: SAML, PingID, Entra ID.
• Service solution and operational documentation delivery.
• In-depth Ansible integration for infrastructure networks, including playbook development.
• Workflow integration for infrastructure networks.
• CI/CD pipeline creation for infrastructure networks, including virtual and physical testing.
• Smart inventory systems (eg NetBox) and integration with Ansible and GitHub pipelines.

This needs combining with a positive attitude and an ability to work within a large, globally dispersed project team in a multi-cultural environment. You also need to be a self-starter, a logical thinker and a quick learner, with strong initiative and excellent communication, interpersonal and presentation skills, able to write clearly and concisely. We believe in equality of opportunity for all job applicants regardless of gender, marital status, race, colour, nationality, ethnic origin, creed or religion, disability, sexual orientation or age.