The Senior Solutions Architect will be responsible for designing and overseeing the implementation of cutting-edge technology solution architectures for university applications and products. This role will define the strategy for our "cloud native" and "modernization-ready" applications, providing blueprints for technology stacks and productization requirements, and ensuring alignment and cohesive approaches to solutions architecture across product teams.
The Senior Solutions Architect will develop high-level design patterns and architectures that promote scalability, reliability, interoperability, security, and performance. They will provide strategic direction on the selection of technologies, frameworks, and tools. Additionally, they will act as a subject matter expert during large-scale application rationalization, modernization, and cloud migration initiatives.
Collaborating closely with domain-specific architects (i.e., network, platform), they will design integrated end-to-end solutions. Furthermore, they will engage with stakeholders from various product groups to understand their unique application requirements, evaluate existing architectures, and propose innovative solutions that enhance efficiency, scalability, and user experience. The Senior Solutions Architect will provide visionary leadership and technical guidance to development teams to ensure the implementation of industry-leading architecture principles across the organization.
The Senior Solutions Architect will positively impact UCLA's operations and culture by designing and advising on effective product group solutions in service of the institution's academic mission. This team member will advance the University's mission by delivering exceptional architecture leadership and consistently across faculty, staff, and students. This role will execute UCLA's vision while modeling UCLA's culture and values.
Five years experience working in one or more of the following fields: information technology, data services, application services, IT architecture, IT service management, or related field. (Required)
Seven or more experience working in one or more of the following fields: information technology, data services, application services, IT architecture, IT service management, or related field. (Preferred)
Proven experience as a Solutions Architect or similar role, with a focus on designing solutions for enterprise and cloud environments across a diverse portfolio of platforms and applications. (Required)
Strong expertise in modern solution design and architecture, with a focus on enterprise systems and applications. (Required)
Experience in advising on and influencing cross-functional teams in the development and implementation of technology solutions. (Required)
Experience working in a project-based environment using leading project management practices including schedule management, status reporting, and communication of project risks and issues. (Required)
Experience participating in activities to advance an inclusive environment that values equity, diversity, inclusion and belonging. (Preferred)
Experience in complex higher education environments, serving academic and administrative functions of a large public university. (Preferred)
Demonstrated ability to translate business needs and technical requirements into architecture solutions leveraging industry leading practices. (Required)
In-depth knowledge of various technologies, platforms, and frameworks, including cloud computing, databases, web applications, and integration technologies. Proficiency in architecture modeling techniques and tools (e.g., UML, TOGAF). (Required)
Strong written and verbal communication skills and is able to communicate complex technical ideas to a diverse community of colleagues and stakeholders. Can relay technical information to audiences of technical and non-technical stakeholders. (Required)
Able to establish and advance positive working relationships and a strong rapport with a diverse community of colleagues including team members, stakeholders, and customers. (Required)
Advanced organizational skills and is able to balance competing priorities and deliver concurrent projects to various stakeholder types. (Required)
Advanced problem-solving skills; ability to uncover root of difficult problems and scope solutions based on knowledge of available resources and timelines as well as awareness of vision and strategy. (Required)
Seeks information from multiple and diverse sources to inform solutions. Demonstrated ability to make decisions with integrity. (Required)
Thinks creatively and introduces innovations such as the incorporation of new technologies or processes. Thrives in an ever-changing, fast-paced environment. (Required)
Bachelor's Degree information technology, computer science, public administration, business administration, communications, or related field or equivalent combination of experience/training. (Required)
Situated on 419 acres, five miles from the Pacific Ocean, the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) is enriched by the cultural diversity of the dynamic greater Los Angeles area, as well as the geographic advantages of Southern California. One of the world’s preeminent public research universities, UCLA is an international leader in breadth and quality of academic, research, health care, wellness, cultural, continuing education and athletic programs, with more than 5,200 faculty members who teach approximately 47,500 students in the UCLA College and 12 professional schools. UCLA is consistently ranked among the top institutions nationally for research funding, having generated $1.7 billion in research grants and contracts in the last fiscal year alone.
The Information Technology Services (ITS) department at UCLA is a vital part of the university community, providing essential technology services and support to ensure the campus can effectively pursue its mission. It is UCLA’s spirited tradition of thought leadership and commitment to excellence that enables an ambitious and resourceful approach to transforming our networked, ever-changing campus environment.
