Solutions Architect - EquiTrust : Job Details

The Solutions Architect is a key technical leader responsible for designing, guiding, and implementing enterprise-level software architecture strategies that support the company's long-term vision. This role is responsible for setting the technical direction for complex projects, evaluating new technologies, and defining best practices for software development, security, and integration. This person will partner with senior leadership to create and maintain a comprehensive architecture roadmap, ensuring that all software solutions are scalable, secure, and aligned with business priorities. A key component of the role involves understanding the organization's complex application ecosystem, identifying interdependencies, and architecting solutions that optimize the entire software landscape. Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Develops and maintains a comprehensive software architecture roadmap that aligns with business strategy and technology goals.
• Defines and documents high-level solution designs, ensuring compatibility and integration with existing systems and platforms.
• Partners with IT and business leaders to establish technology strategies, making recommendations on the adoption of new frameworks, tools, and methodologies.
• Provides technical leadership and guidance throughout the software development lifecycle, ensuring adherence to architectural standards and principles.
• Evaluates and implements new technologies to support business needs, focusing on scalability, security, and maintainability.
• Establishes and enforces technical standards, design patterns, and best practices for software development, security, and infrastructure.
• Leads architecture reviews and provides technical oversight to ensure projects are delivered on time and in compliance with the defined architecture.
• Analyzes the organization's software ecosystem to identify opportunities for optimization and to streamline interdependencies between applications.
• Serves as a point of escalation for complex technical issues, providing expert-level guidance to software engineers and developers.
• Works closely with DevOps to design and implement robust CI/CD pipelines and automated testing strategies.
• Collaborates with external partners and vendors to integrate third-party solutions, ensuring interoperability and alignment with internal systems.
• Supports Information Technology team and/or other departments on an as needed basis.
• Willingly takes on additional responsibilities as requested in order to accomplish department and Company objectives.
• Actively participates and contributes to the goals and objectives of the Company by working collaboratively and fostering a positive and inclusive work environment.

Skills and Abilities:

• Expert knowledge of data handling methods, development techniques, and at least three development programming languages (e.g. Java, C#, Python, JavaScript, etc.) and frameworks (e.g., Spring, .NET, Node.js).
• Solid understanding of the full software development Lifecycle (SDLC).
• Expert familiarity with databases (SQL and NoSQL) and experience in writing and optimizing database queries.
• Advanced understanding of cloud platforms (e.g., Azure, AWS, GCP) and experience in deploying applications to cloud environments.
• Expert proficiency in code versioning tools and understanding of branching strategies.
• Ability to proactively identify and solve problems and issues of all types; must identify situations that fall outside the parameters of normal or routine activity.
• Demonstrates expert competency in the following areas: Analytical thinking, conceptual thinking, customer service orientation, effective communication skills, industry awareness, initiative, integrity, and relationship management.
• Intuitive, problem-solver, and analytical.
• Relies on professional knowledge and discretion to achieve goals. Must be able to use good judgment regarding decisions concerning problem resolution and upgrading tasks regarding priority, user impact, risk mitigation, and management approval.
• Ability to work effectively with all departments and affiliates to ensure integration of strategic goals and principles.
• Expert oral, written, listening, and presentation skills, including the ability to clearly articulate complex information to others; must communicate well with other departments and external clients and customers.

Training or Work Experience:

• Minimum 8 years of experience in related system development required.
• Minimum 8 years of continuous development using either Java or C#, Visual Studio, Stored Procedures, and Source Code Control required.
• Understanding of OO development concepts required.
• Experience in one or more of the following required: Java development, Web development, ASP.Net, IIS configuration, SQL Stored procedures, Scripting SQL objects, WCF, WWF, MVC2, or Team Foundation Server

Education:

• Bachelor's Degree - Computer Science or related field.

Working Conditions:

• On-Site Location: West Des Moines, Iowa.
• Business Travel: Infrequent travel (less than 5% of the time).
• Provide twenty-four hour support for computer operation of production systems, as needed.

#LI-DW1 #LI-Hybrid EquiTrust is an Equal Opportunity Employer and participates in the U.S. Federal E-Verify program. Applicants have rights under federal and state employment laws. To learn more, visit