Network Cloud Solution Architecture

Delan Associates, Inc; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Delan Associates, Inc is looking for a Solution Architect based in Houston, Texas. The successful candidate will be responsible for delivering high-quality solution designs aligned with enterprise architecture standards. The role is pivotal for ensuring technical integrity and security across project lifecycles.

Key responsibilities include acting as the primary contact for solution architecture, designing end-to-end solutions, and documenting architectural standards. Strong expertise in networking technologies and cloud solutions (AWS, Azure) is essential.

Qualifications

• 7–10 years of IT experience, including some IT leadership exposure.
• Ability to articulate architectural decisions to both technical and business audiences.
• Experience with smart inventory systems integration.

Responsibilities

• Act as the single point of contact for all solution architecture aspects of IT projects.
• Design and integrate Business Process, Data, Application, and Infrastructure solutions.
• Ensure compliance with legal, regulatory, and data privacy requirements.

Skills

Stakeholder management

Communication skills

Business acumen

Networking technologies

Cloud networking (AWS, Azure)

Identity and authentication

Infrastructure as Code

Education

Bachelor's degree in IT or equivalent

Tools

Ansible

GitHub

VPC/VNET

Cisco Data Center Design

Aruba ESP

Job description

JOB DESCRIPTION

The Solution Architect is responsible for delivering high‑quality solution designs that are fit for purpose, aligned with enterprise architecture standards, and optimized for total cost of ownership across the solution lifecycle. The role ensures technical integrity, security, and alignment with Client's IT technology direction. The resulting High‑Level Designs have a measurable impact on business effectiveness and profitability. The Solution Architect is accountable to the Project Manager for the solution architecture from design through successful deployment.

Key Responsibilities

1. Act as the single point of contact for all solution architecture aspects of IT projects.
2. Design and integrate Business Process, Data, Application, Infrastructure, and Information Security aspects into end‑to‑end solutions.
3. Ensure solution architecture is documented using approved templates, tools, and standards.
4. Review, assure, and approve detailed designs produced by designers and business analysts.
5. Coach project teams on architecture standards and best practices.
6. Support Segment Architects and participate in Architecture Review Boards as required.
7. Contribute to the development and maintenance of Reference Models in Bizzdesign, elevating project deliverables to conceptual and logical levels.
8. Monitor technology trends and ensure solutions are future‑proof and aligned with evolving IT standards and services.
9. Actively contribute to the Architecture community and serve as an ambassador for architecture excellence.
10. Ensure compliance with legal, regulatory, and data privacy requirements (e.g., GDPR).
11. Champion Security by Design and Privacy by Design, working closely with Information Risk Management, Security, and Compliance teams.

Solution Scope (Automation & Connectivity)

• Enterprise network automation solutions.
• Enterprise connectivity tooling, including Single Source of Truth implementation.
• Tool evaluation, integration, and data model alignment.
• Technical architecture, design, and service operations solutions.

Special Challenges

• Proactively identify, balance, and reconcile competing stakeholder requirements.
• Escalate architectural conflicts appropriately and in a timely manner.

Skills & Requirements (Critical)

• 7–10 years of IT experience, including some IT leadership exposure.
• Bachelor's degree or equivalent in an IT‑related discipline.
• Strong stakeholder management and communication skills (written and verbal).
• Ability to articulate architectural decisions to both technical and business audiences.
• Strong business acumen with the ability to link business value to technical architecture.

Required Technical Expertise:

• Vendor engagement and product selection in collaboration with portfolio, operations, and procurement teams.
• Deep expertise in networking technologies (Routing, TCP/IP, SSL).
• Strong experience with AWS and Azure cloud networking (VPC/VNET, VPN, Transit Gateway, virtual Palo Alto firewalls).
• Knowledge of Cisco data center design.
• Knowledge of Aruba ESP, including Central, ClearPass, and wireless platforms.
• In‑depth knowledge of network automation (Infrastructure as Code, APIs, GitHub).
• Identity and authentication: SAML, PingID, Entra ID.
• Service solution and operational documentation delivery.
• In‑depth Ansible integration for infrastructure networks, including playbook development.
• Workflow integration for infrastructure networks.
• CI/CD pipeline creation for infrastructure networks, including virtual and physical testing.
• Smart inventory systems (e.g. NetBox) and integration with Ansible and GitHub pipelines.