Solution Architect

Abidi Group LLC; Calgary; On-site; CAD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading technology firm in Calgary, Alberta is seeking a Senior Solution Architect to define the target-state architecture for a large-scale retail POS platform. This role focuses on architectural direction, system boundaries, and integration strategies. The ideal candidate will have senior-level experience in defining target-state architectures, strong integration skills, and the ability to communicate technical concepts clearly. Collaboration with business and delivery roles is key to ensuring alignment with objectives.

Qualifications

• Senior-level experience as a Solution Architect or equivalent.
• Experience defining target-state architectures in complex enterprise environments.
• Strong experience in integration-heavy systems.
• Knowledge of API-based, event-driven, and middleware integration patterns.

Responsibilities

• Define the target-state solution architecture for a modern retail POS ecosystem.
• Establish architectural principles to guide vendor selection.
• Assess existing POS assumptions and propose decoupling strategies.
• Collaborate with business roles to ensure alignment with objectives.

Skills

Solution Architect experience

Integration-heavy systems

API-based integration

Architecture documentation

Strong communication skills

Job description

The Solution Architect is responsible for defining the target-state architecture and POS decoupling strategy as part of a pre-RFP discovery and specification engagement for a large-scale retail POS platform. This role focuses on architecture direction, system boundaries, and integration patterns—not detailed solution design or implementation.

The Solution Architect works closely with the Retail POS Lead, Business Analyst, and subject matter experts to ensure that business requirements, architectural principles, and vendor expectations are aligned. A key responsibility of this role is to prevent future vendor lock‑in by defining clear architectural constraints and integration expectations before vendor selection.

Key Responsibilities

Target-State Architecture Definition

Define the target-state solution architecture for a modern, decoupled retail POS ecosystem

Establish architectural principles, standards, and constraints to guide vendor selection

Define system-of-record boundaries and ownership of core business capabilities

Ensure architecture aligns with enterprise technology direction and retail operating needs

POS Decoupling & Integration Strategy

Assess and challenge existing POS assumptions where the POS acts as a primary system of record for downstream platforms

Define strategies to decouple the POS from internal systems, including loyalty, payments, and adjacent platforms

Recommend integration patterns (API‑based, event‑driven, middleware) appropriate for a large retail footprint

Identify high‑risk coupling and legacy customization patterns to be avoided in the future state

Collaboration with Business & Delivery Roles

Partner with the Retail POS Lead to align architecture with business objectives and vendor realities

Support the Business Analyst by ensuring requirements align with architectural intent

Collaborate with integration and security SMEs to validate feasibility and constraints

Provide architectural input into RFP requirements and evaluation criteria

Define architectural constraints, extensibility requirements, and integration expectations for the RFP

Support vendor evaluation by clarifying architectural fit and trade‑offs

Ensure the RFP discourages solutions that re‑introduce tight coupling or proprietary dependencies

Identify architectural risks related to scalability, availability, integration, and vendor lock‑in

Clearly communicate trade‑offs and recommendations to technical and non‑technical stakeholders

Support executive and governance forums with architecture‑focused decision input

Requirements

Experience & Background

Senior‑level experience as a Solution Architect (or equivalent)

Experience defining target‑state architectures in complex enterprise environments

Strong experience in integration‑heavy systems

Experience working with legacy middleware platforms (e.g., ESB‑based architectures)

Experience in environments with mixed PCI and non‑PCI systems

Experience in discovery, assessment, or early‑phase initiatives

Technical & Architecture Skills

Ability to work at conceptual and logical architecture levels

Strong understanding of system‑of‑record boundaries

Knowledge of API‑based, event‑driven, and middleware integration patterns

Ability to identify and mitigate vendor lock‑in risks

Strong architecture documentation skills

Communication & Working Style

Strong written and verbal communication skills

Able to explain technical architecture concepts to business stakeholders

Comfortable working with ambiguity and incomplete information

Confident challenging legacy assumptions and designs

Collaborative and outcome‑focused approach

Preferred (Nice to Have)

Exposure to retail POS platforms

Experience working with enterprise or portfolio architecture teams