Solutions Architect

City of Charlotte; Charlotte (NC); On-site; USD 114,000 - 164,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Charlotte's Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) seeks a Software Solutions Architect to develop and govern technology architecture solutions across enterprise, operational, and data software systems.

You will provide technical leadership, guide system design, ensure scalable, secure platforms, and collaborate with Infrastructure & Operations, Applications & Development, and Strategy teams to modernize the transit technology landscape.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Engineering, or related field; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Seven (7) years progressively responsible experience in systems architecture, infrastructure engineering, or enterprise technology environments.
• Public-sector or transit technology experience is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain enterprise technology architecture frameworks.
• Provide technical guidance across data, applications, and operational technology systems.
• Lead architectural planning for system integrations and modernization initiatives.
• Establish and maintain architecture standards and participate in governance processes.
• Identify architectural risks and implement improvements for reliability and security.

Skills

Enterprise architecture

Data design

Data integration

Cybersecurity

Lifecycle management

Solution design

Emerging technologies

Clear communication

Technical collaboration

Performance and scalability

Technical leadership

Business-IT alignment

System alignment

Independent judgment

Education

Bachelor's degree in IT / CS / Engineering

7+ years architecture experience

Tools

Cloud and hybrid infrastructure

Job description

Department: Charlotte Area Transit System Department Salary: $114,294.00 - $164,298.19 Commensurate with Experience

Thank you for your interest in joining the team that keeps Charlotte moving, at a very exciting time for our organization. At the Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS), we’re committed to delivering safe, reliable, and innovative transit services for our growing community, and we value employees who bring professionalism, passion, and a commitment to public service.

This position is currently employed by CATS, a department of the City of Charlotte. With the passage of the PAVE Act and last year’s sales tax referendum, CATS is preparing to transition from a City department to the newly created Metropolitan Public Transit Authority (MPTA). The MPTA was established to strengthen regional transit governance, improve accountability, and support long-term investment in mobility. It’s an important and exciting step forward for transit in our region. Employees hired into this role will remain City employees through December 31, 2026, and will transition to MPTA employment on January 1, 2027. Benefits and compensation will follow City provisions through 2026 and shift to MPTA provisions in 2027, with clear information shared in advance.

Your core duties, reporting structure, and daily responsibilities will remain consistent, with no break in service. If anything delays the transition, your City employment, including compensation and benefits, will remain in place until the move to the MPTA occurs. The creation of the MPTA positions us for a more modern, sustainable, and efficient transit system, one that can better support the Charlotte region for decades to come. We’re excited about what’s ahead and appreciate your interest in being part of it.

SUMMARY

The Software Solutions Architect is responsible for development and governance of technology architecture solutions supporting enterprise, operational, and data software systems within the Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS). This position provides technical leadership ensuring technology platforms are scalable, secure, integrated, and aligned with organizational strategy. The role collaborates across Infrastructure & Operations, Applications & Development, and Strategy & Quality teams to guide system design, integration standards, and modernization initiatives. The Solutions Architect evaluates emerging technologies, develops architectural standards, and ensures solutions support reliable operations within a 24/7 transit environment. Working under limited direction, this position exercises technical authority through design guidance, standards development, and cross-functional collaboration rather than direct supervisory responsibility.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

• Enterprise Architecture and Solution Design
  Develop and maintain enterprise technology architecture frameworks. Define architectural standards supporting data and application environments. Design scalable and resilient technology solutions. Ensure alignment between business requirements and technical implementations. Support long-term technology roadmap development.
• Cross-Domain Technical Leadership
  Provide technical guidance across, data, applications, and operational technology systems. Collaborate with managers and technical teams on system design decisions. Ensure interoperability between enterprise and operational platforms. Promote consistent technology standards across departments.
• Integration and Modernization Planning
  Lead architectural planning for system integrations and modernization initiatives. Evaluate technical impacts of new technologies and platforms. Support migration strategies including cloud and hybrid environments. Reduce technical debt through architectural planning.
• Technology Governance and Standards
  Establish and maintain architecture and design standards. Participate in technology governance and review processes. Review proposed solutions for alignment with architectural principles. Promote secure and sustainable design practices.
• Risk and Performance Optimization
  Identify architectural risks affecting system performance or scalability. Recommend improvements enhancing reliability and efficiency. Support cybersecurity initiatives through secure architecture design. Promote resilience and operational continuity.

Knowledge of

• Enterprise architecture principles and frameworks.
• Data and application system design.
• Integration and data exchange technologies.
• Cybersecurity architecture concepts.
• Technology lifecycle management practices.

Skill in

• Designing complex technology solutions.
• Evaluating emerging technologies.
• Communicating architectural concepts clearly.
• Facilitating technical collaboration.Analyzing system performance and scalability.

Ability to

• Lead through technical expertise and influence.
• Translate business needs into technology designs.
• Align diverse technology systems.
• Exercise independent professional judgment.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Engineering, or related field; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Seven (7) years progressively responsible experience in systems architecture, infrastructure engineering, or enterprise technology environments.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience designing enterprise or operational technology architectures.
• Experience integrating infrastructure and application platforms.
• Experience in cloud or hybrid infrastructure environments.
• Public-sector or transit technology experience.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

The City’s Background Check Policy requires background checks to be conducted on final internal or external candidate(s) applying for any position with the City of Charlotte. The type of information that will be collected as part of a background check includes, but is not limited to: reference checks, social security verification, education verification, criminal conviction record check, and, if applicable, a credit history check, sex offender registry and motor vehicle records check. Background checks must be in compliance with all federal and state statutes, such as the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). The checks must be consistent with the guidelines set forth by these laws requiring organizations to obtain a candidate’s written authorization before obtaining a criminal background report, motor vehicle records check or credit report; and to properly store and dispose of information derived from such reports.

Final candidates must pass a pre-employment drug-screening test and physical examination. During the selection process, candidates may be asked to take a skills test, and/or participate in other assessments. The City of Charlotte is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, national origin, marital status, age, disability, sexual orientation, political affiliation or on the basis of actual or perceived gender as expressed through dress, appearance, or behavior. Our culture is to serve the community honorably.

BENEFITS

The City of Charlotte provides a comprehensive benefits package to eligible employees. Click here to learn more about the City of Charlotte’s benefits.

The City of Charlotte is a drug and alcohol-free workplace.

Our City, Our Mission

When you join the City of Charlotte, you become part of Team Charlotte - a dedicated group of professionals working together to make a meaningful impact on our community and its future. The City of Charlotte has more than 8,000 employees working across 19 departments to serve close to 1 million residents. From public safety and clean water to transportation, housing and an international airport, our teams deliver essential services to keep Charlotte connected, safe and empowered with opportunity for all. As public servants, we are guided by a clear mission: to be committed to exceptional service every day. No matter the department or role, every team member plays a part in helping our city grow, thrive and meet the needs of those who rely on us. We are a values-driven organization, working collaboratively, acting with integrity and delivering reliable results. We embrace a forward-thinking mindset, encouraging curiosity, innovation and continuous improvement. The City of Charlotte is committed to making our services and programs accessible to all. Upon request, auxiliary aids, written materials in alternate formats, language access, and other reasonable accommodations or modifications will be provided. To make a request, please fill out the Innovation & Technology ADA request form or call 704.336.4120. Looking for an internship? Explore opportunities on our Internship Career Site and take the first step toward your career with the City of Charlotte.