Sr. Lead Solution Architect

CAI Cox Automotive Corp Svcs., LLC; Atlanta (GA); Hybrid; USD 149,000 - 248,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work option

15% travel

Job summary

Cox Automotive seeks a Sr. Lead Solution Architect to drive architecture and AI modernization for the Manheim Marketplace domain. This senior role will lead design decisions, technology modernization, and AI initiatives across auction marketplace services.

The role emphasizes designing scalable solutions, collaborating with product and engineering, and guiding architecture governance while mentoring teams and leading PoCs.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s in CS or related field, or equivalent experience.
• 10+ years software development in mid-to-large companies.
• 5+ years solution/technical architecture experience.
• Hands-on AI technologies and concepts (LLMs, autonomous agents, vector databases, model selection, agent-based architecture, data pipeline, AI-assisted PDLC).
• 3+ years AWS cloud architecture.
• Applied enterprise patterns to distributed systems (RESTful APIs, microservices, events, micro-frontends).
• Strong teamwork and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Design solutions aligned with business needs in partnership with product and engineering teams.
• Facilitate design reviews and collaborative architecture discussions.
• Guide feature planning and serve as technical expert.
• Help develop architecture standards and enforce best practices.
• Oversee software development for non-functional requirements and compliance.
• Advocate for technology investments and prioritize architectural work.
• Integrate AI capabilities into systems and translate AI opportunities into scalable solutions.
• Mentor engineering teams in AI technologies.
• Lead proofs-of-concept and reference implementations.
• Contribute to internal documentation and training.

Skills

AI technologies

Solution architecture

AWS cloud architecture

RESTful APIs

Microservices

Team collaboration

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or related field

Tools

Vector databases

Agent-based architecture

Data pipelines

Job description

Company Cox Automotive - USA Job Family Group Engineering / Product Development Job Profile Sr Lead Architect Management Level Sr Manager - Non People Leader

Flexible Work Option Hybrid - Ability to work remotely part of the week

Travel % Yes, 15% of the time

Work Shift Day

Compensation Compensation includes a base salary in the range of $148,500.00 - $247,500.00. 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.

Job Description

The Cox Automotive architecture team seeks a Sr. Lead Solution Architect to lead technology efforts supporting the Manheim Marketplace domain. This senior role will drive solutioning, tech modernization, and AI initiatives across auction marketplace services.

Key Responsibilities

• Design solutions aligned with business needs in partnership with product and engineering teams.
• Facilitate design reviews and collaborative architecture discussions.
• Guide feature planning and serve as technical expert.
• Help develop architecture standards and enforce best practices.
• Oversee software development for non-functional requirements and compliance.
• Advocate for technology investments and prioritize architectural work.
• Integrate AI capabilities into systems, ensuring alignment with business objectives.
• Identify and translate high-impact AI use cases into scalable solutions.
• Assess emerging AI technologies and coordinate with governance for ethical and regulatory adherence.
• Promote reusable patterns and frameworks to accelerate AI adoption.
• Bridge communication between business stakeholders and technical teams for practical AI solutions.
• Develop strategies for AI agent interaction, autonomous workflows, and orchestration.
• Mentor engineering teams in AI technologies.
• Lead proofs-of-concept and reference implementations.
• Contribute to internal documentation and training.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's in Computer Science, Engineering, or related; or equivalent experience.
• 10+ years of software development at mid-to-large companies, or an advanced degree with relevant experience.
• 5+ years of solution/technical architecture experience.
• Hands‑on experience with AI technologies and concepts (LLMs, autonomous agents, vector databases, model selection, agent‑based architecture, data pipeline, AI‑assisted PDLC, etc.).
• 3+ years AWS cloud architecture experience.
• Applied enterprise patterns to distributed systems (RESTful APIs, microservices, events, micro‑frontends, etc.).
• Strong teamwork and communication skills.
• Effective collaboration skills with stakeholders.

Preferred Qualifications

• Proven track record of modernizing legacy systems.
• Skilled in technical writing and blog posts.
• Able to present at conferences and represent Cox Automotive externally.
• Technology mentoring and conflict management abilities.
• Automotive industry background or interest.

Drug Testing

To be employed in this role, you’ll need to clear a pre‑employment drug test. Cox Automotive does not currently administer a pre‑employment drug test for marijuana for this position. However, we are a drug‑free workplace, so the possession, use or being under the influence of drugs illegal under federal or state law during work hours, on company property and/or in company vehicles is prohibited.

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.

About Us

Through groundbreaking technology and a commitment to stellar experiences for drivers and dealers alike, Cox Automotive employees are transforming the way the world buys, owns, sells – or simply uses – cars.

Cox Automotive employees get to work on iconic consumer brands like Autotrader and Kelley Blue Book and industry‑leading dealer‑facing companies like vAuto and Manheim, all while enjoying the people‑centered atmosphere that is central to our life at Cox.

Benefits of working at Cox may include health care insurance (medical, dental, vision), retirement planning (401(k)), and paid days off (sick leave, parental leave, flexible vacation/wellness days, and/or PTO). For more details on what benefits you may be offered, visit our benefits page.

Cox is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer – All qualified applicants/employees will receive consideration for employment without regard to that individual’s age, race, color, religion or creed, national origin or ancestry, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, physical or mental disability, veteran status, genetic information, ethnicity, citizenship, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Cox provides reasonable accommodations when requested by a qualified applicant or employee with disability, unless such accommodations would cause an undue hardship. EOE, including disability/vets

Cox brings together the world’s greatest minds to help breathe life into new possibilities – and drive innovation for a better future. That’s why we look for individuals who share our pioneering spirit, have imaginative ideas and are fearless when it comes to tackling the world’s biggest challenges.

Our people love technology – and they love making a difference. They have a passion for finding new solutions and working with brilliant colleagues.

Every day they dedicate themselves to a huge range of exciting projects, contributing to the Cox vision around the globe.

From engineering new sustainability solutions that conserve water and energy to creating the infrastructure for the smart cities of tomorrow, there’s no challenge too great for our pioneers.

And there’s no shortage of opportunities for you to make a difference. Come and experience the dynamic, collaborative and creative environments where your ideas are welcome and new discoveries are waiting.

To help you grow to your full potential, we strive to support our employees in their career aspirations and promote the freedom to explore new horizons.