Systems Architect

University of Michigan; Ann Arbor (MI); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Michigan is seeking a Systems Architect for the Office of University Development to design and implement a scalable IT architecture aligned with its strategic vision. You will craft data models, enable seamless data flows, and integrate distributed applications across platforms.

You will lead with expertise in microservices, event-driven design, and cloud platforms like AWS, while guiding security, reference data management and DevOps practices.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in information systems, CS/engineering, data science, or related field.
• 5+ years designing and implementing system architectures; 1 year in an Architect role.
• Experience with data modeling, SQL databases (PostgreSQL/SQL Server/Oracle), and AI/ML.
• Familiarity with AWS or GCP, Databricks, and AWS Data Lake infra.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement IT architecture aligned with strategic goals.
• Develop robust data models and ensure scalable data flows.
• Lead integration of microservices and complex applications across platforms.
• Provide technical leadership and guidance on security and standards.

Skills

Data modeling

SQL databases

Distributed systems

Cloud platforms (AWS)

Container orchestration (Kubernetes)

Event-driven architecture

Java/Python/JS frameworks

CI/CD & DevOps

Security best practices

Education

Bachelor's degree in information systems / CS / engineering

Tools

AWS

PostgreSQL

SQL Server

Oracle

Redis

Elasticsearch

Docker

Kubernetes

RabbitMQ / Kafka

OpenShift

Git/Jenkins/Terraform/Ansible

Job description

Job Summary

You will find us at 2301 Commonwealth Blvd, Ann Arbor, MI 48105.

This is a hybrid role requiring at least 2 days per week in office.

The Office of University Development maximizes private support for the University of Michigan.

You will report to: Executive Director of Development Services (DS3) - Digital Infrastructure.

As the Systems Architect for the Office of University Development (OUD), you will be central to designing and implementing a comprehensive IT architecture aligned with OUD's strategic vision. In this multifaceted role, you will develop robust data models and system architectures, facilitate seamless data flows, and integrate complex applications across multiple platforms.

Applying your expertise in microservices, distributed systems, and event-driven architectures, along with guidance by the Executive Director, you will provide technical leadership and address complex integration challenges. You will collaborate with diverse university partners and departments to guide the adoption of technologies. You will bring a deep understanding of cloud platforms like AWS, information security, and a foundation in Agile development methodologies.

You will be instrumental in defining and enforcing standards for data architecture, security, and reference data management, ensuring a secure and scalable IT ecosystem.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in information systems, computer science/engineering, data science, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of practical experience designing and implementing successful system architectures, including at least 1 year serving officially in an Architect role.
• Expertise in data modeling, SQL, database management (experience with PostgreSQL, SQL Server, Oracle, Redis, or Elasticsearch preferred), and AI/machine learning.
• Familiarity with cloud platform, DevOps, and infrastructure tools such as AWS or GCP (experience with AWS Data Lake infrastructure, Databricks, and AWS-managed services preferred).
• Knowledge of real-time data streaming concepts (Enterprise Service Bus or other), container orchestration, and real-time analytics (familiarity with Docker/Kubernetes, OpenShift, ECS, and messaging tools like RabbitMQ, Kafka, or Amazon MQ preferred).
• Comprehensive expertise in computer and information security practices.
• Proficiency in developing enterprise-level applications and integrating complex systems (experience with microservices architecture and languages/frameworks such as Java, Python, Spring Boot, JavaScript, React, Angular, or Node.js preferred).
• A foundation in the system development lifecycle, including project management approaches, requirement gathering, design phase, and test techniques (ability to create UML/ERDs, and experience with Test-Driven Development or tools like JUnit, Selenium, or Postman preferred).
• Excellent leadership and interpersonal skills, with the demonstrated ability to explain complex concepts and systems to a diverse group of people.
• Proven experience with agile methodologies, project management tools, Continuous Integration/Continuous Deployment (CI/CD), and DevOps (familiarity with Jira, Git, GitLab, Jenkins, Terraform, Ansible, or Heroku preferred).

Why Work at Michigan

In addition to a career filled with purpose and opportunity, the University of Michigan offers a comprehensive benefits package to help you stay well, protect yourself and your family, and plan for a secure future.

Benefits

• Generous paid time off for vacations, holidays, sick time, season days, and paid parental leave
• A retirement plan that provides two-for-one matching contributions with immediate vesting
• Many choices for comprehensive health insurance
• Dental and vision insurance
• Life insurance
• Long-term disability coverage
• Flexible spending accounts for healthcare and dependent care expenses

Modes of Work

Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment.

Additional Information

For additional information about this position and to review other current openings in Development, please visit our website at: https://giving.umich.edu/um/careers

Application Deadline

Although the Posting End Date may indicate otherwise, this job may be filled and closed any time after a posting duration of seven calendar days.

U-M EEO Statement

The University of Michigan is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.