Solutions Architect - Modernization

NetApp; Remote; GBP 171,000 - 222,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading technology company is seeking a Solutions Architect focused on modernization strategies for enterprise customers in the Midwest and Canada. This role involves leading high-level discussions, providing architectural guidance, and collaborating with executives to drive strategic planning. The ideal candidate will have a strong technical background in enterprise storage architectures, along with demonstrated skills in customer diplomacy and influencing. A competitive salary range is offered, alongside a comprehensive benefits package.

Benefits

Health Insurance

Life Insurance

Retirement Plans

Paid Time Off

Employee stock purchase plan

Qualifications

• 7+ years in a Solutions Architect or customer-facing technical role.
• Strong understanding of enterprise storage architectures and lifecycle management.
• Proven ability to influence and coach teams in a complex customer environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead high-level modernization strategy discussions with enterprise customers.
• Assess customer install base to identify opportunities for modernization.
• Provide architectural and financial guidance to customers regarding storage options.

Skills

Solutions Architect

Customer diplomacy

Technical guidance

Enterprise storage architectures

Strong presentation skills

Job description

Title : Solutions Architect - Modernization

Location : US

Requisition ID : 132942

This position supports MidWest and Canada customers. Candidates must be based in the Mid-West region of the United States to be considered.

JOB SUMMARY

NetApp’s Solutions Architecture (SA) organization is a specialized technical team that partners closely with Enterprise Sales to drive complex customer conversations that require deep subject-matter expertise. SAs step in when customers need high-level architectural guidance, strategic planning, and trusted advisory. As a Senior SA, you influence customer direction, help shape refresh and modernization strategies, and guide customers through key decisions about how they consume NetApp technology.

In this role, you will support the Modernization & Keystone pillar for the Mid-west and Canada, helping customers understand their current lifecycle timelines, refresh options, and consumption model choices, including Keystone, subscription licensing programs, etc. You will partner closely with Enterprise Client Executives (who own the customer relationship), while serving as the specialist architect who leads higher-level conversations with customers, including at the C‑suite level. This role is highly consultative, data‑informed, and proactive, focused on helping customers modernize, optimize, and plan their long‑term storage strategy.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Customer Engagement & Modernization Strategy

• Lead high‑level modernization, lifecycle, and refresh strategy conversations with Enterprise customers across the Midwest and Canada.
• Assess customer install base to identify modernization opportunities, software adoption gaps, and upcoming lifecycle events.
• Provide customers with clear architectural and financial guidance, including TCO comparisons, refresh options, consumption models, Keystone programs, and long‑term SLA / upgrade pathways.
• Educate customers on Keystone and SLP offerings, including how subscription‑based consumption supports continuous upgrades and simplified operations.

Field Partnership & Account Alignment

• Work diplomatically with Client Executives to support account strategy.
• Coach field teams on identifying refresh triggers, positioning modernization value, and navigating financial / technical option conversations.

Technical Leadership & Solution Development

• Develop modernization architectures, refresh roadmaps, and consumption‑model recommendations aligned to customer SLAs and business objectives.
• Build reverse timelines and structured upgrade plans that help customers proactively prepare for lifecycle changes.
• Guide customers through the financial and technical implications of different modernization paths, including PS service options, evergreen upgrades, and subscriptions.
• Support the technical validation process (POCs, workshops, planning sessions) for modernization and consumption model decisions.

Pipeline Development & Cross‑Functional Collaboration

• Drive modernization pipeline by identifying opportunities within the existing install base and partnering with marketing, SE leadership, and regional sales teams.
• Contribute to RFPs / RFIs, proposals, and customer‑facing materials that articulate modernization value, lifecycle strategy, and Keystone economics.
• Provide field insights to product and business teams to improve modernization tools, lifecycle visibility, and Keystone adoption programs.

QUALIFICATIONS

• 7+ years in a Solutions Architect, Systems Engineer, or customer‑facing technical role.
• Strong understanding of enterprise storage architectures, lifecycle management, refresh planning – required.
• Ability to translate complex storage modernization options into clear financial and technical guidance, including TCO, CapEx vs OpEx models, SLAs, and upgrade pathways.
• Experience discussing consumption models such as Keystone and subscription licensing (SLP).
• Excellent presentation skills with the ability to communicate at the C‑suite level, as well as with directors and administrators.
• Strong customer diplomacy, able to influence without owning the account and collaborate effectively with Client Executives and SEs.
• Demonstrated ability to coach field teams and partners on positioning value, differentiation, and modernization opportunities.
• Experience with lifecycle engineering, refresh planning, or install‑base strategy.
• Background supporting modernization or consumption‑model transitions in enterprise environments.
• Proven success building modernization roadmaps and facilitating long‑term customer planning discussions.

Compensation

The target salary range for this position is 230,350 - 298,100 USD. The salary offered will be determined by the candidate's location, qualifications, experience, and education and may be outside of this range. The range is based on 'On Target Earnings’ (OTE) representing the total potential earnings, which is the sum of the base salary and potential commission earned when performance targets are achieved. Final compensation packages are competitive and in line with industry standards, reflecting a variety of factors, and include a comprehensive benefits package. This may cover Health Insurance, Life Insurance, Retirement or Pension Plans, Paid Time Off, various Leave options, employee stock purchase plan, and / or restricted stocks (RSU’s). These offerings are subject to regional variations and governed by local laws, regulations, and company policies. We will provide detailed information about the specific benefits for your region during the recruitment process.

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