Solutions Architect

Convergence Networks is one of North America’s leading managed service and managed security providers. We are a service company focused on helping clients leverage technology as a strategic tool and proactively protecting their business. We are fueled by providing outstanding service and sharing our passion for innovative technology as part of our integrated solutions.

About the role

The Solutions Architect is responsible for providing project proposals and architectural consulting expertise. This role works with and supports our Professional Services and Business Services Teams, requiring an organized individual with a drive to learn, the ability to manage multiple priorities, and excellent customer service skills. The Solutions Architect will work closely with our vCIOs by participating in client-facing meetings to support the vCIO as a technical Subject Matter Expert.

Responsibilities

• Analyze, validate and establish business requirements.
• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to ensure the proposed solution meets established Convergence standards and the client’s stated objectives.
• Design solution(s) aligned with Convergence Network’s standard stack that meet the client’s requirements.
• Identify functional and non-functional requirements related to integrations, scalability, and security.
• Conduct comprehensive research to identify the solution, including technologies, platforms, and/or vendors that most effectively meet business goals.
• Identify, prioritize, and manage architectural constraints, adapting solutions to reduce risk, work within budget, and ensure alignment with the Convergence stack.
• Prepare budgets with a +/-% level of confidence.
• Upon approval of the budget, prepare a detailed quote including all elements of the solution (e.g., consulting, hardware, software, Professional Services resources).
• Assist in the continued development of Convergence’s technology standards and continuous improvement.
• Provide guidance, mentorship, and support to team members (combination of on-site and remote).
• Provide escalation guidance and mentoring when required.
• Design, develop, and/or implement new products from design to production.

Requirements

Personal skills and abilities

• Dedication to exceptional, professional service through patience, empathy, solution orientation, follow-up, and effective communication.
• Excellent communication skills (verbal and written in English; feedback, active listening, and comprehension).
• Exceptional documentation skills, particularly the ability to position highly technical information for a business audience.
• Build rapport and work productively with others (clients, teammates, and cross-functional teams).
• Ability to work independently.
• Ability to manage conflict and stressful situations.
• Strong sense of initiative, ownership, and accountability of your work.
• Provide an exceptional client experience.

Experience, knowledge, and/or advanced skills in

• On-premises and cloud-native networking.
• On-premises to cloud migrations.
• Azure AD, Azure Backup Tools, and Microsoft 365 stack.
• Network, remote, and onsite support; troubleshooting.
• Cisco/Meraki hardware.
• Folder redirection and how to safely dismantle MFA and Conditional Access policies.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s/university degree or equivalent relevant work experience.
• 5+ years of MSP project/solution design experience.
• Previous solution architecting experience:
  • Writing proposals.
  • Developing standard solutions.
  • Performing client demos.
  • Supporting sales resources in client calls.
  • Researching new products and technology.

Preferred Qualifications

• AZ-104 and AZ-305 certifications.
• CCDE, CCIE Enterprise Infrastructure, 500-220 ECMS Cisco Certifications.
• Experience creating proposals/quotes and working with internal teams to develop solutions.
• Experience with cloud solutions, Microsoft technology stack.
• Understanding of, and a background in, working within the IT Managed Services Provider business model, particularly in a support role.
• Experience with ConnectWise, Kaseya, or other similar MSP tools and software.

Work Environment

• Normal office working conditions.
• Work requires regular sitting/standing at a desk and working with a computer.
• Position requires standing, walking, sitting, using hands, seeing, reaching, talking, writing, and hearing; may require occasionally carrying or lifting equipment (10-50 pounds) if working on-site.
• Position requires contact with others—in meetings, by phone, or by email. Interactions focus on data collection, problem-solving, needs analysis, and technical work.
• Interactions are initiated in person or electronically.
• May require some travel to customer sites and/or other Convergence office locations.
• Required to submit daily timesheets that identify work completed each day.

Benefits

• Culture of unity, transparency, and trust.
• Group benefits plans, including:
  • Medical, dental, vision in the US.
  • Health savings and supplement insurance (including dental) in Canada.
  • Retirement plans (401k and RRSP).
• Education and certification reimbursement.
• Regular meetings with your manager and quarterly performance and growth conversations.
• Outstanding teammates—selective hiring to ensure the best staff.
• Teambuilding and company events throughout the year (families often included).
• Regular internal training opportunities.

Pay

The compensation range for this position is determined by a combination of factors including skills, experience, qualifications, and geographic location. In addition to base salary, eligible employees may have opportunities to participate in variable incentive programs designed to reward individual and organizational performance.