Lead System Architect, Solutions Architecture - job 4 of 21

The Lead System Architect at our company in Austin is tasked with delivering secure and scalable infrastructure solutions and their associated automation. You'll lead the design and implementation of cloud-based solutions, ensure best practices in container orchestration using Docker and Kubernetes, and drive the development of applications on major public clouds like AWS, GCP, and Azure.

Candidates for the Lead System Architect role should have extensive experience in architecture and implementation within cloud environments, particularly with AWS, GCP, or Azure. Additionally, expertise in Docker, Kubernetes, and automation skills, as well as a strong background in infrastructure as code, is crucial for this position.

Collaboration is vital for the Lead System Architect as you will work closely with internal stakeholders, including product managers, engineers, and architects. You'll also engage with external customers and vendors to align on technical roadmaps and project priorities, ensuring successful implementation of cloud solutions.

The Lead System Architect position is a hybrid role located in Austin. This means you'll enjoy the flexibility of working from home part of the week while also collaborating in the office with your dedicated team. The exact days in the office will be confirmed with your hiring manager.

A successful Lead System Architect should be well-versed in container orchestration tools like Docker and Kubernetes, cloud technologies from AWS, GCP, and Azure, as well as infrastructure as code tools. Experience in automated testing and developing standard automation templates for cloud infrastructure is also essential.

In discussing your experience, you can highlight your hands-on work with Docker and Kubernetes, demonstrating how you've managed and deployed containerized applications. Mention specific projects where you've leveraged these tools to drive scalability and availability.

When answering this question, detail your process in defining technical requirements, designing architecture, and implementing solutions on public clouds. Specifically, discuss how you assess business needs and translate them into technical specifications.

Provide a specific example of a project that had significant hurdles, detailing how you navigated through design, development, and deployment stages. Focus on your leadership role and the successful outcomes achieved, particularly in relation to cloud solutions.

Discuss your commitment to automation in streamlining processes and improving efficiency. Provide examples of how you've utilized infrastructure as code, automated testing, and developed standard templates for deployments.

Security is a priority in cloud architecture. Share your strategies for integrating security measures, such as vulnerability assessments, compliance checks, and best practices in infrastructure design, into your projects.

Explain your methods for staying informed about emerging cloud technologies and practices. This could include attending conferences, participating in online forums, following industry leaders on social media, and continuous professional development.

When responding, emphasize your communication and leadership skills. Provide a real scenario where you facilitated a resolution, encouraging collaboration and focusing on achieving project objectives.

Discuss your extensive experience with major public cloud platforms like AWS, Azure, or GCP. Highlight specific projects and how your skills contributed to effective cloud architecture and migration.

Share a detailed account of a migration project you led, including the rationale, execution strategy, challenges faced, and the successful results. This showcases your expertise in cloud migration.

Discuss your familiarity with various project management methodologies such as Agile, Scrum, or Waterfall. Talk about your experiences in applying these methodologies to lead teams effectively and meet project deadlines.