Cloud-Native Modernization Architect — AI-Driven & Advisory

Cox Communications; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 135,000 - 225,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Parental leave

Paid time off

Paid holidays

Job summary

RapidScale is seeking an Application Modernization Architect to guide cloud-native development and software modernization for client engagements. You will translate complex requirements into architectures and roadmaps while also contributing hands-on to PoCs and PoVs.

The role combines advisory leadership with hands-on coding, design of reference architectures, and collaboration with stakeholders to balance cost, security, and performance across microservices, DevOps, and CI/CD.

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.

Responsibilities

• 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.]
• <p>Minimum Qualifications</p>
• <p>Preferred Qualifications</p>

Skills

Cloud-native architecture

Microservices

Kubernetes

Docker

CI/CD

Software architecture

Client communications

Technical leadership

Education

Bachelor’s degree or higher

Master’s degree

PhD

Experience in lieu of degree

Tools

Kubernetes

Docker

OpenShift

Job description

RapidScale is seeking an Application Modernization Architect to guide cloud-native development and software modernization for client engagements. You will translate complex requirements into architectures and roadmaps while also contributing hands-on to PoCs and PoVs.

The role combines advisory leadership with hands-on coding, design of reference architectures, and collaboration with stakeholders to balance cost, security, and performance across microservices, DevOps, and CI/CD.