Solution Architect

Sammons Financial Group Companies; West Des Moines (IA); On-site; USD 117,000 - 196,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health coverage

ESOP

Friday afternoons off

Tuition reimbursement

Paid holidays

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

Sammons Financial Group is seeking a senior IT architect to guide product-line architecture from current state to future goals. You will lead architectural decisions, mentor architects and analysts, and collaborate with product management and engineering leadership to align business and technology strategies.

The role requires 12+ years in IT architecture, strong programming knowledge, and excellent communication. Expect on-call duties and potential extended hours during conversions.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Science, or MIS preferred.
• Minimum 12 years IT architecture and development experience.
• Experience as System Architect on complex multi-subsystem delivery teams.
• Knowledge of computer programming languages.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical and architectural leadership on large, complex projects across multiple platforms.
• Lead and mentor System Architects and Analysts in product-line areas.
• Guide design, reviews, and implementation in alignment with business and technology strategies.
• Develop and maintain system architecture artifacts and security standards.
• On-call support as needed, including extended hours during conversions or testing.

Skills

Senior IT architecture

Programming languages

Effective communication

Multi-tasking

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or related field

Job description

What You Can Expect In This Role

Aligned to and supports the Product owner (Business) and the Product engineering manager (IT) of a Product-line. Works under the administrative direction of the Product management and technical direction and guidance from the Principal architect of that division to guide assigned product-line from current IT state to future goal state which aligns with long term business and technology strategies for division. Responsible for on-going technical integrity of all applications and systems within the Product-line in partnership with engineering manager. Considered top level technical expert in one or more highly specialized areas of architecture domain – applications and design, data, integration, security, operations, networking and systems management. Conducts architect/design/code reviews and mentor and guide System Architect(s) and Systems Analyst(s) assigned to product line area. Works under the guidance of Principal architect for the division in getting necessary approvals from the Architecture Review Board. Participates in and may be called upon to provide technical and architectural leadership on large and very highly complex projects that are multi-platform, cross product lines, or cross divisions.

What You Can Expect In This Role

Aligned to and supports the Product owner (Business) and the Product engineering manager (IT) of a Product-line. Works under the administrative direction of the Product management and technical direction and guidance from the Principal architect of that division to guide assigned product-line from current IT state to future goal state which aligns with long term business and technology strategies for division. Responsible for on-going technical integrity of all applications and systems within the Product-line in partnership with engineering manager. Considered top level technical expert in one or more highly specialized areas of architecture domain – applications and design, data, integration, security, operations, networking and systems management. Conducts architect/design/code reviews and mentor and guide System Architect(s) and Systems Analyst(s) assigned to product line area. Works under the guidance of Principal architect for the division in getting necessary approvals from the Architecture Review Board. Participates in and may be called upon to provide technical and architectural leadership on large and very highly complex projects that are multi-platform, cross product lines, or cross divisions.

What You’ll Do In This Role

• Participate in development of business/IT roadmaps and capabilities utilizing thorough understanding of the business.
• Understand, create and maintain all technical details/documents for applications that support the business capabilities that are owned by the product manager.
• Work with the product-line manager to identify, record, and manage technology debt.
• Work with product-line management to create and execute on application strategies that help in maturing identified business capabilities.
• Partner in developing, documenting and communicating annual plans for investing in applications, systems architecture, cost reduction opportunities, and continuous reduction of technology debt.
• Review and analyze the effectiveness and efficiency of existing systems and develop strategies for improving or further leveraging these systems.
• Maintain the integrity of technology solutions in the area in partnership with engineering manager.
• Recommend improvements and/or alternatives; develop, document, communicate and enforce a policy for standardizing systems as necessary.
• Ensure that applications inventory is kept updated with correct information.
• Collaborate with Systems Architect and Tech Leads by participating in Cost Benefit Analysis (CBA) or Return on Investment (ROI) for proposed systems to aid in making implementation decisions.
• Review and provide guidance on defining software development project plans, including scoping, scheduling, and implementation.
• Lead the gathering and/or interpretation of business, functional, and non-functional requirements.
• Lead the development, testing, documentation, and implementation of projects/applications according to standards and methodologies.
• Play a leading role in the definition, development, and documentation of software’s requirements, objectives, deliverables, and specifications on a project-by-project basis.
• Collaborate with systems architects and analysts in conceptualizing and developing solutions.
• Create, describe, and maintain applicable system architecture and design artifacts.
• Lead the implementation of database and application security standards on all projects.
• Lead and monitor the functional and non-functional testing of delivered solution.
• Lead ‘root cause analysis’ of defects before solution goes to production.
• Must be on call during scheduled times.
• May be required to work for extended periods at night and on weekends in support of conversion, assisting in operational problems, or testing a new program.
• May be asked to liaise with company’s software and hardware suppliers for prompt rectification of any problems or emergencies.
• Commitment to embrace Sammons Financial Group Companies shared values (Accountability, Connection, Openness, Respect and Integrity).
• As stated within the Company Attendance and Punctuality policy, regular attendance is required and expected in order to meet the business service levels and workflow demands.
• Participate in other initiatives and/or projects as necessary.

What We’re Looking For

• Bachelor's Degree in the field of Computer Science, Information Science, Management Information Systems Preferred
• Minimum 12 years' IT architecture and development experience Required
• Experience as System Architect on complex multi-subsystem solution delivery teams Required
• Knowledge/expert in computer programming languages Required
• Effective communications skills (verbal, written, and presentation) and ability to communicate with business partners and other IT staff required
• Skills in using required architecture, design, and development tools required
• Problem solving skills sufficient to identify opportunities, perform research and recommend a proposed solution to problems
• Able to work on multiple tasks and meet established deadlines
• Able to effectively influence the work of other team members without having HR management responsibility for them

Other Requirements

• Criminal background check required.

Salary Range Information

USD $117,455.00 - USD $195,757.00 /Yr. Range includes data points from multiple labor markets. Specific range is dependent on the labor market where the incumbent will be hired to perform the position. Starting salary is dependent on candidate qualifications and experience. For a narrower salary range specific to your labor market, please inquire.

What you can expect when you join Sammons Financial Group

• Comprehensive health coverage for you and your family, including Medical, Dental, Vision, HSA & FSA options, and term life insurance.
• Competitive compensation with a performance-based incentive program tied to clear goals and individual and/or company success.
• Invest in your future with our 100% company-funded Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), plus automatic enrollment in our 401(k).
• Work–life balance that means something. Friday afternoons off year-round, generous paid time off, and paid holidays.
• Commit to your growth with paid development time, tuition reimbursement, and professional development opportunities across industry, individual, and leadership programs.
• Make an impact beyond the workplace through volunteer time off, and our company nonprofit matching gift program, supporting the causes that matter most to you.
• An ownership culture that inspires; join a connected, values-driven workplace where employees take accountability, support one another, and are empowered to do their best work—together shaping our future shared success.

Work Authorization/Sponsorship

At this time, we’re not considering candidates that need any type of immigration sponsorship now or in the future or those needing work authorization for this role (This includes, but is not limited to students on F1-OPT, F1-CPT, J-1, etc.)

Sammons Financial Group Is An Equal Opportunity Employer

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

ADA

Sammons Financial Group is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in all aspects of the employment process. If you need assistance or a reasonable accommodation at any stage of the application or hiring process, including navigating our website or applying for a position, please contact [e-mail] or call 800-728-2987.

E-Verify

Sammons Financial Group participates in E-Verify and will provide the Social Security Administration and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security with information from each new employee's Form I-9 to confirm work authorization.

Policy for External Search Firms and Agencies

Sammons Financial Group maintains an internal Talent Acquisition function and does not accept unsolicited resumes or candidate submissions from search firms, staffing agencies, or other third-party recruiting vendors. Please review your Recruitment Agency Policy for additional information here.