INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY ARCHITECT

About the role

Performs as a technical leader of application system development, network infrastructure or enhancement projects and/or multiple application support teams, which may include various Metro Information Technology personnel, technical contractors, consultants or other internal or external entities. This position will design and oversee scalable, secure cloud architectures while leading engineering teams in building, deploying, and optimizing cloud-based solutions that align with business and technology strategies.

Responsibilities

• Leads system development life cycle or network infrastructure life cycle
• Defines, implements, documents and performs tests on security controls in complex applications and infrastructure environments
• Maintains the sensitivity and confidentiality of data and systems architecture environment
• Implements innovative solutions utilizing emerging technologies
• Translates business needs into technical solutions that will improve service quality and efficiency while meeting business objectives
• Creates technical designs based on functional specifications
• Provides technical assistance and performs end user troubleshooting for bug fixes and technological enhancements
• Supports integrations between various IT platforms and enterprise architecture
• Leads technical personnel and ensures that required reports and documents produced are accurate and reliable
• Oversees software development and enhancement, and provides production support for business application systems on behalf of client departments
• Maintains responsibility for analysis, design and implementation of projects as assigned, including complex and highly specialized applications
• Conducts the most complex programming, system analysis, and design of highly-complex systems using information system development methodology in a multi-platform infrastructure and environment
• Recommends approval of system designs and interacts with user managers and department users; diagnoses and resolves system problems involving programming logic, interoperability between several technical components, and client interface
• Researches, identifies, and refers complex technical problems related to platform management, database administration, network connectivity and desktop support to the appropriate ITS operating unit for resolution
• Leads the preparation of project reports such as technical overviews, client recommendations, alternatives to business requirements, feasibility studies, project proposals, and requests for proposals for the purchase of new software and hardware
• Participates in the evaluation, configuration, implementation, and integration of commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) software
• Develops software and hardware specifications and standards
• Leads the department's information security, disaster recovery, and safety programs
• May be required to perform other related job duties

Requirements

A combination of education and/or experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the essential functions of the position. Additional experience, as outlined below, may be substituted for required education on a year-for-year basis.

• Education: Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science, Business Information System Technology, Computer Engineering, Business Administration, or a related field; Master's Degree in a related field preferred
• Experience: Six years of relevant experience or three years of relevant supervisory-level experience in designing, implementing and maintaining an enterprise-wide system
• Certifications/Licenses/Special Requirements: Certification in Microsoft/Azure, Oracle, Amazon AWS and SalesForce preferred

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience designing and architecting complex applications to create scalable, resilient, and high-performance application ecosystems
• Experience designing and implementing cloud solutions (preferably Azure)
• Experience working with storage and virtualization within cloud environments
• Experience managing and adhering to cloud security, compliance, and governance best practices
• Experience working with Continuous Integration/Continuous Delivery/Deployment (CI/CD) pipelines, DevOps practices, and automation frameworks
• Certifications in Cloud Solutions are desirable (e.g., Amazon Web Services (AWS) Solutions Architect Professional, Azure Solutions Architect Expert, or Google Professional Cloud Architect)

Essential Knowledge

• Full lifecycle implementation of Enterprise Resource Planning systems
• Complex business processes, as well as areas outside of immediate responsibility
• Theories, principles, and practices related to information systems and supported business areas
• Data communications involved in LANs, WANs, and gateways
• Mathematics used in complex business applications
• Business process and system process modeling and problem-solving techniques
• Principles of supervision
• Applicable local, state, and federal laws, rules, and regulations governing information systems for a public agency
• Change control systems and other Information Technology best practices
• Project management methodology and techniques

Skills

• Communicating effectively orally and in writing
• Troubleshooting and correcting operations problems
• Interacting professionally with internal and external representatives
• Clearly defining system integration and interface requirements
• Data analysis and data modeling
• Learning new technology and complex systems
• Operating a personal computer, computer terminal, and general office equipment

Abilities

• Lead the development of enterprise application software systems
• Provide technical support and training
• Create technical documents
• Create custom solutions and offer viable solutions for various systems and architectures to different types of businesses
• Integrate applications with existing systems to eliminate potential problems and maintain data structure and integrity
• Lead the development and implementation of complex information systems using software engineering techniques
• Resolve highly difficult problems regarding highly complex programming and systems logic
• Perform highly-complex systems implementation and integration tasks
• Provide technical project management across multiple projects and concurrent tasks
• Identify and lead the implementation of new and creative solutions that are compatible with current and future technologies
• Analyze and evaluate system changes to determine feasibility
• Analyze situations, identify problems, and recommend and implement solutions in a cost-effective manner
• Clearly define system integration and interface requirements
• Understand, interpret, and apply laws, business rules, regulations, policies, procedures, contracts, budgets, and labor/management agreements to support business processes
• Exercise judgment and creativity in making decisions
• Interact professionally with various levels of employees and outside representatives
• Maintain confidentiality regarding sensitive information
• Read, write, speak, and understand English

Working Conditions

• Typical office situation
• Close exposure to computer monitors and video screen

Physical Effort Required

• Sitting at a desk or table
• Operate a telephone or other telecommunications device and communicate through the medium
• Type and use a keyboard and mouse to perform necessary computer-based functions
• Communicating through speech in the English language