Systems Architect

gpaexternalcareers; Savannah (GA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Georgia Ports Authority seeks a Systems Architect for the Ocean Terminal project. Under the IT Director, you will design and implement terminal IT systems and lead cross-functional teams from IT, Operations, Equipment Maintenance, and engineering to meet business goals.

You will design, develop, configure, integrate, test, and support go-lives, drive system improvements, and lead multi-party discussions while ensuring secure, scalable solutions and effective data analytics.

Qualifications

• Must possess demonstrable skills in the implementation of Terminal Operating Systems (TOS) and peripheral technologies.
• Navis TOS experience is highly desirable.
• Knowledge of port operations, business processes, and IT integrations supporting these operations.
• Ability to interact professionally with GPA staff and external vendors at all levels.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate software/hardware systems for marine terminal use and design tech solutions meeting business goals.
• Lead integration of marine terminal systems (TOS, RFID, PDS, GOS, crane systems) for data flow and reduced errors.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure scalable, secure systems aligned with business strategy.
• Develop custom software to resolve gaps and enable cross-system data analysis.
• Lead system testing for integration and data analytics with comprehensive test plans.
• Troubleshoot issues across multiple systems and manage vendor tickets through resolution.
• Collaborate with Operations to deliver operational reports and go-live readiness tasks.
• Prepare go-live checklists, participate in go/no-go discussions, and support post-launch.
• Drive process improvement by monitoring KPIs and coordinating internal/external resources.
• Apply change management to foster adoption among operational staff.
• Create and manage budgets and vendor deliverables.
• Perform other duties and ensure compliance with policies.

Skills

TOS implementation

Navis TOS

IT integrations

Port operations

Education

Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering, Computer Science, Business, or related field

High School Diploma or equivalent

Job description

JOB INFORMATION

Job Title: Systems Architect

Department(s): 6001 - Ocean Terminal Project Office

Location(s): Ocean Terminal

FLSA Status: Exempt

JOB OVERVIEW

Under the supervision of the Director of IT - Ocean Terminal, the Systems Architect will work on a fast-paced and dynamic team to design and implement information technology systems for the Ocean Terminal facility. The Systems Architect will work closely with Georgia Ports team members from IT, Operations, Equipment Maintenance, Engineering, and multiple IT vendor teams.

The Systems Architect will design, develop, configure, integrate, test, and support the go live of the IT systems and then manage the continuous improvement of those systems.

The Systems Architect will need to be skilled at leading multi-party discussions, troubleshooting, following up on issues, and presenting convincing oral and written arguments.

Upholds the values of the GPA to promote Safety, Integrity, Respect, Community, Creativity and Opportunity. Promotes a safe work environment by participating in safety initiatives and reporting unsafe conditions and behaviors.

JOB DUTIES

• Evaluate software and hardware systems for potential use in a marine terminal setting. Collaborate with the IT Team, GPA staff and systems providers to design technology solutions to ensure systems work together to meet the business goals.
• Lead integration of marine terminal systems, including creating plans to ensure that technologies such as PDS and RFID, and systems such as the TOS, GOS and crane management systems communicate efficiently while minimizing errors to support the data flow strategy.
• Collaborate with cross functional teams to ensure systems are scalable, secure, and aligned with business strategies, while supporting complex integrations across partners and customers.
• Collaborate with the IT Team, other business GPA staff and IT vendors to develop custom software solutions to resolve system gaps, integrate, configure and implement systems, including setting up a platform to analyze data across multiple systems.
• Lead system testing efforts as it relates to systems integration and data analytics, including developing a comprehensive test plan to ensure test coverage – and work with the team to execute and track test case completion.
• Troubleshoot issues for multiple systems, and track issues through resolution. Write IT vendor support 'tickets', then test the fixes and update documentation as needed.
• Collaborate with the Operations team and IT team to design and deliver operational reports.
• Prepare for system go lives by developing checklists, participating in go / no-go discussions and completing critical tasks.
• Support go live by leading the GPA staff and IT vendors to prioritize, analyze and resolve issues.
• Lead process improvement by establishing and regularly monitoring metrics (KPIs) and collaborating with internal and external resources to analyze data, recommend and implement changes designed to continuously improve operations.
• Apply change management strategies to foster adoption by the operational staff.
• Create and manage budgets and contractual deliverables for third-party vendors.
• Performs other duties as assigned
• Complies with all policies and standards

JOB REQUIREMENTS

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES

• Must possess demonstrable skills in the implementation of Terminal Operating Systems (TOS) and other peripheral technologies that are used to deliver an integrated marine terminal software solution.
• Desired to possess demonstrable skills in the implementation of the Navis Terminal Operating System (TOS).
• Must possess demonstrable knowledge of port operations, business processes, and IT systems integrations supporting these operations and processes.
• The ability to deal effectively and professionally with the GPA staff and external vendors on all levels, as well as customers is required.

EXPERIENCE

• 4-6 years of experience with terminal operating systems and systems development and integration Required
• 4-6 years of experience in marine terminal operations or tangential activities Preferred
• 4-6 years analyzing and developing software Preferred

EDUCATION

• Preferred Bachelor's Degree in Industrial Engineering, Computer Science, Business, or related field
• Required High School Diploma or equivalent

LICENSES & CERTIFICATIONS

• TWIC - Transportation Worker Identification Credential Required
• Driver's License - Valid state driver's license Required

Note: This job description is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, job requirements, or working conditions associated with the job. Management reserves the right to revise the job or to require the performance of different or additional tasks. The employee must be able to perform the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation, an without direct threat to the health or safety of others.

Revised: 9/10/2026

MISSION

Mission: To empower entrepreneurs, strengthen industries, sustain communities, and fortify families by relentlessly striving to accelerate global commerce.