Solution Architect

Title: Solution Architect

Location: Des Moines, IA (Preferred): Sioux Falls, SD, Chicago, IL or Remote

Ideal candidate would have the following experience:

• Experience with Cloud Technologies is preferred (Azure and Snowflake)
• Experience with Data Integration Technologies (Informatica, Mulesoft, Confluent Kafka)
• Experience in Life Insurance/Finance or that distribution model
• Experience with Data Governance processes
• Experience with Metadata Management

Additional Duties –

• Contribute to the Enterprise Data Roadmap provided input on data storage and organization, data access patterns for business users of different roles and expertise levels
• Enterprise data modeling for operational and analytical data stores
• Data modeling process and communication best practices
• Provide direction on delivery methods of data to business
• Continual Feedback on environment improvement opportunities
• Guidance on usage patterns between on-premises and cloud solutions
• Thought leadership – bringing new ideas and innovative data solutions

Job Summary:

Aligned to and supports the Product owner (Business) and the Product engineering manager (IT) of a Product-line. Works under the administrative direction of the Product management and technical direction and guidance from the Principal architect of that division to guide assigned product-line from current IT state to future goal state which aligns with long term business and technology strategies for division.

Responsible for on-going technical integrity of all applications and systems within the Product-line in partnership with engineering manager. Considered top level technical expert in one or more highly specialized areas of architecture domain - applications and design, data, integration, security, operations, networking and systems management. Conducts architect/design/code reviews and mentor and guide System Architect(s) and Systems Analyst(s) assigned to product line area. Works under the guidance of Principal architect for the division in getting necessary approvals from the Architecture Review Board. Participates in and may be called upon to provide technical and architectural leadership on large and very highly complex projects that are multi-platform, cross product lines, or cross divisions.

Essential Functions:

• Participate in development of business/IT roadmaps and capabilities utilizing thorough understanding of the business.
• Understand, create and maintain all technical details, documents, and diagrams for applications that support the business capabilities that are owned by the product manager.
• Work with the product-line manager to identify, record, and manage technology debt.
• Work with product-line management to create and execute on application strategies that help in maturing identified business capabilities.
• Partner in developing, documenting and communicating annual plans for investing in applications, systems architecture, cost reduction opportunities, and continuous reduction of technology debt.
• Review and analyze the effectiveness and efficiency of existing systems and develop strategies for improving or further leveraging these systems.
• Maintain the integrity of technology solutions in the area in partnership with engineering manager.
• Recommend improvements and/or alternatives; develop, document, communicate and enforce a policy for standardizing systems as necessary.
• Ensure that applications inventory is kept updated with correct information.
• Collaborate with Systems Architect and Tech Leads by participating in Cost Benefit Analysis (CBA) or Return on Investment (ROI) for proposed systems to aid in making implementation decisions.
• Review and provide guidance on defining software development project plans, including scoping, scheduling, and implementation.
• Lead the gathering and/or interpretation of business, functional, and non-functional requirements.
• Lead the development, testing, documentation, and implementation of projects/applications according to standards and methodologies.
• Play a leading role in the definition, development, and documentation of software's requirements, objectives, deliverables, and specifications on a project-by-project basis.
• Collaborate with systems architects and analysts in conceptualizing and developing solutions.
• Create, describe, and maintain applicable system architecture and design artifacts.
• Lead the implementation of database and application security standards on all projects.
• Lead and monitor the functional and non-functional testing of delivered solution.
• Lead root cause analysis of defects before solution goes to production.
• May be required to work for extended periods at night and on weekends in support of conversion, assisting in operational problems, or testing a new program.
• Commitment to embrace Sammons Financial Group Companies shared values (Respect, Accountability, Integrity, and Openness)
• As stated within the Company Attendance and Punctuality policy, regular attendance is required and expected in order to meet the business service levels and workflow demands.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree in the field of Computer Science, Information Science, Management Information Systems preferred
• Minimum 12 years' IT architecture and development experience required
• Experience as System Architect on complex multi-subsystem solution delivery teams required
• Strong knowledge of Informatica PowerCenter/IICS, Confluent, MuleSoft, Snowflake, and the Data Vault methodology
• Experience with event-driven architectures, microservices, and API integration Experience with cloud technologies such as AWS or Azure
• Excellent problem-solving skills and ability to work independently
• Strong communication skills, including the ability to present complex technical information to non-technical stakeholders and all levels of leadership
• Ability to influence strategy by summarizing technical solution concepts into understandable and actionable components
• Future Focus Thought Leadership in data engineering – understanding of industry trends.
• Decisive action
• Skills in using required architecture, design, and development tools required
• Problem solving skills sufficient to identify opportunities, perform research and recommend a proposed solution to problems
• Able to work on multiple tasks and meet established deadlines
• Able to effectively influence the work of other team members without having HR management responsibility for them
• $87,412 - $182,109 - Range includes data points from multiple labor markets. The specific range is dependent on the labor market where the incumbent will be hired to perform the position. Starting salary is dependent on candidate qualifications and experience. For a narrower salary range specific to your labor market, please inquire
  Sammons Financial Group offers incentive programs for defined goals subject to eligibility and performance. Monetary rewards are based on individual and/or overall company performance
• Our competitive benefit package includes: Health, Dental, Vision, Company Paid Retirement, PTO and Holiday Pay
• Criminal background check required.