Solution Architect - job 1 of 2

As a Solution Architect at Esri, your primary responsibilities will include designing and implementing advanced ArcGIS solutions tailored for our clients' unique needs. You will collaborate closely with customers to understand their requirements, translate them into actionable architecture designs, and ensure smooth deployments. Additionally, you'll mentor team members, advise on best practices, and lead implementation projects, making an impactful contribution to the success of our Professional Services division.

To qualify for the Solution Architect role at Esri, you should have at least 8 years of professional experience in GIS platform architecture and solution design. A Bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as Computer Science or Geographic Information Systems is essential, along with hands-on experience in architecting enterprise IT-GIS solutions. Familiarity with programming languages like Python and JavaScript, as well as experience with databases like Oracle or Microsoft SQL, will also enhance your candidacy.

At Esri, we believe in fostering continuous growth and development for our employees. As a Solution Architect, you will have access to various learning opportunities, from professional development workshops to industry certifications. You'll also benefit from a supportive environment where you can mentor others and share your expertise, allowing for mutual growth within the team. Together, we strive to innovate and elevate GIS technology while enhancing your skill set.

The working environment for a Solution Architect at Esri is collaborative and dynamic. You'll engage closely with various stakeholders, including clients, technical staff, and management, in a hands-on capacity. Our culture emphasizes teamwork, innovation, and thought leadership, fostering an atmosphere where your ideas are valued and encouraged. Esri is also committed to diversity and inclusion, promoting a workplace where all voices can contribute to driving positive change.

The base salary range for the Solution Architect position at Esri is estimated to be between $104,000 and $177,840 USD, depending on experience and qualifications. This range is one part of a comprehensive total rewards strategy that includes health benefits, retirement plans, and opportunities for professional growth, ensuring that our employees feel valued and supported.

In designing an ArcGIS solution, I start by thoroughly understanding the customer's requirements and business objectives. I engage in collaborative discussions with stakeholders to gather insights and define their pain points. From there, I leverage my knowledge of ArcGIS capabilities, ensuring to align the technical aspects with their specific needs, and deliver a system architecture that not only solves their current challenges but also supports future scalability.

Certainly! I recall an instance where I mentored a junior developer who was struggling with a complex GIS project. I organized regular check-ins and provided her with hands-on assistance, explaining concepts like spatial analysis in GIS and best practices for deploying ArcGIS solutions. It was rewarding to see her gain confidence and ultimately excel in her role, which reinforced the importance of mentorship in our field.

Some best practices I adhere to include: defining clear scopes and objectives with stakeholders, performing thorough testing before full deployment, and documenting the architecture and workflows comprehensively. Additionally, I emphasize the need for post-deployment support and training for end-users to ensure they are comfortably using the new system, ultimately enhancing overall project success.

I stay updated by regularly attending industry conferences and webinars focused on GIS advancements, subscribing to relevant journals, and participating in professional networks. Engaging with Esri’s robust community also allows me to exchange ideas and learn from fellow professionals, ensuring that I remain informed and can implement cutting-edge solutions in my work.

I have hands-on experience integrating various non-Esri platforms, such as ERP and CRM systems, with GIS solutions. This involves working closely with APIs and middleware to create seamless data exchanges between platforms. I ensure that such integrations respect data governance and security protocols, which has led to successful implementations that enhance operational efficiency for clients.

One challenging project involved migrating a large organization’s GIS systems to a cloud environment. The key obstacle was ensuring data integrity and security during migration. I developed a meticulous migration plan, including staged testing in a secure environment, which allowed us to identify and rectify issues in advance. Collaborating closely with both technical teams and end-users ensured a smooth transition and minimized downtime.

I prioritize tasks based on their impact and urgency, often utilizing project management tools to visualize timelines. Regular communication with team members and stakeholders allows for adjusting deadlines as needed, ensuring that all tasks align with project goals. This organized approach helps maintain momentum and meet key milestones while ensuring quality outcomes.

I'm proficient in Python and JavaScript, which are essential for developing custom applications and automating tasks within the ArcGIS platform. My ability to create scripts enhances workflows and contributes to more efficient data processing. These languages are integral to building innovative solutions that meet customer needs, and I continually seek to expand my technical skills in this area.

Handling customer feedback is crucial for the successful delivery of any project. I adopt an open and collaborative approach, ensuring that clients feel valued and heard. Regularly scheduled feedback sessions help us identify any concerns early on, which allows us to make timely adjustments. This proactive communication builds trust and fosters a strong relationship, ultimately contributing to customer satisfaction.

I am passionate about transforming businesses through geospatial technology, and I believe that Esri is at the forefront of this innovation. The opportunity to work alongside experts in the field and contribute to meaningful projects aligns perfectly with my career goals. Moreover, Esri’s commitment to diversity and positive global change resonates with my personal values, making this role particularly appealing to me.