Application Modernization Architect (RapidScale)

Cox Communications; Raleigh (NC); On-site; USD 134,900 - 224,900; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid vacation

Holidays

Wellness program

Job summary

RapidScale, part of the Cox family of companies, seeks an Application Modernization Architect to lead cloud-native development and software modernization for client engagements.

You will guide technical strategy, design reference architectures, mentor teams, and contribute to PoCs, translating business needs into actionable roadmaps and architectures.

Qualifications

• 6+ years as an architect in cloud-native modernization.
• Hands-on with at least one major cloud platform (AWS, Azure, Google).
• Experience with containerization and orchestration (Kubernetes, Docker, OpenShift).
• Strong client-facing communication and ability to present to stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Assess legacy portfolios and develop modernization roadmaps.
• Translate requirements into scalable, secure software solutions.
• Lead discovery and strategy workshops on microservices and CI/CD.
• Advise clients as a cloud-architecture expert aligned with objectives.
• Develop scope, estimates, and SOWs; assist with pricing and RFPs.

Skills

Cloud architecture

Client-facing communication

Hands-on coding

Deliver technical presentations

Project scoping & SOWs

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree

PhD

10+ years experience in lieu of degree

Tools

Kubernetes

Docker

OpenShift

Job description

At RapidScale, exceptional technology is powered by exceptional people. We deliver secure, reliable managed and advisory services across private, public, and hybrid clouds, helping organizations innovate, adapt, and grow. As an Elite Broadcom VMware VCSP Partner and top partner with AWS, Azure, and Google, our solutions focus on business outcomes with embedded cyber resiliency and AI to protect today and enable tomorrow backed by the strength of the Cox family of companies.

We are seeking a Application Modernization Architect to play a pivotal role in our Consulting & Professional Services team, focused on cloud-native development and software modernization. This position is an advisory role providing strategic and tactical guidance to our clients and delivery teams. The ideal candidate is passionate about emerging practices such as AI-assisted refactoring and eager to integrate these tools into modern development workflows. You will engage directly with clients, translating complex technical requirements into actionable architectures and roadmaps, while also rolling up your sleeves to write code for PoCs and PoVs.

What You'll Do

• Assess legacy application portfolios, identify modernization opportunities, and develop technical roadmaps aligned with business outcomes.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to understand business requirements and translate them into scalable, secure, and cost-effective software solutions.
• Conduct technical discovery and strategy workshops to identify pain points, define modernization approaches, and guide solution design on topics such as microservices, cloud-native architecture, DevOps, and CI/CD.
• Serve as a trusted technical advisor and subject matter expert on cloud technologies and software architecture, ensuring solutions align with client objectives.
• Work with internal stakeholders to define scope, develop cost estimates and labor projections, and prepare Statements of Work (SOWs), product pricing, and RFP/RFI responses.
• Design reference architectures, solution patterns, and migration frameworks that balance cost, maintainability, security, and performance.
• Architect full-stack solutions that deliver measurable business value and enable teams to learn, iterate, and adopt modern delivery practices effectively.
• Provide hands-on development leadership, coding alongside teams when needed.
• Act as a thought leader by speaking at industry events, publishing white papers, and contributing to case studies.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related field and 6 years of experience, OR a Master's degree and 4 years, OR a Ph.D. and 1 year, OR 10 years of related experience in lieu of a degree
• 5+ years working as an architect in cloud-native and modernization initiatives.
• Hands‑on expertise with at least one major cloud platform (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud).
• Expertise in software architecture patterns, including microservices, monolithic refactoring, event‑driven architecture and serverless computing.
• Experience with containerization & orchestration technologies (Kubernetes, Docker, or, OpenShift).
• Hands‑on experience with application modernization initiatives from inception to production.
• Strong client‑facing communication skills, with experience delivering technical presentations and engaging with business/technical stakeholders.

Preferred Qualifications

• Agentic software modernization methods and best practices.
• Experience with AI‑assisted coding tools (GitHub Copilot, Claude Code, Kiro OpenCode, or equivalent).
• Professional services or consulting experience, including direct client delivery.
• Experience working with global or distributed engineering teams.

USD 134,900.00 - 224,900.00 per year

Compensation

Compensation includes a base salary in the range of $134,900.00 - $224,900.00. The base salary may vary within the anticipated base pay range based on factors such as the ultimate location of the position and the selected candidate's knowledge, skills, and abilities. Position may be eligible for additional compensation that may include an incentive program.

Benefits

The Company offers eligible employees the flexibility to take as much vacation with pay as they deem consistent with their duties, the company's needs, and its obligations; seven paid holidays throughout the calendar year; and up to 160 hours of paid wellness annually for their own wellness or that of family members. Employees are also eligible for additional paid time off in the form of bereavement leave, time off to vote, jury duty leave, volunteer time off, military leave, and parental leave.

Applicants must currently be authorized to work in the United States for any employer without current or future sponsorship.

EOE, including disability/vets