Director of Engineering, Solution Architecture

The Director of Engineering for Solution Architecture is responsible for leading the architectural vision and technical strategy for client-facing solutions. This role owns strategic client relationships at the technical executive level, ensuring that architectural designs align with client objectives while maintaining technical excellence and organizational standards. The director leads through the Solution Architecture Manager and provides guidance to Solutions Architects and the Data Platform Architect, establishing architectural frameworks and standards that enable scalable, secure, and innovative solutions. This role balances delivery oversight (approximately 60%) with strategic architecture development (approximately 40%), with the flexibility to adjust based on organizational needs.

Role Summary

The Director of Engineering for Solution Architecture is responsible for leading the architectural vision and technical strategy for client-facing solutions. This role owns strategic client relationships at the technical executive level, ensuring that architectural designs align with client objectives while maintaining technical excellence and organizational standards. The director leads through the Solution Architecture Manager and provides guidance to Solutions Architects and the Data Platform Architect, establishing architectural frameworks and standards that enable scalable, secure, and innovative solutions. This role balances delivery oversight (approximately 60%) with strategic architecture development (approximately 40%), with the flexibility to adjust based on organizational needs.

Core Responsibilities

Strategic Client Relationships

• Serve as strategic-level technical point of contact for strategic client accounts
• Lead technical consulting and advisory services for key clients, translating business objectives into technical strategies
• Participate in account planning, growth strategy development, and identification of new opportunities within client relationships
• Handle technical escalations and provide architectural guidance on complex client challenges
• Represent the organization in client executive meetings and technical steering committees

Architectural Leadership & Governance

• Define and evolve architectural standards, principles, and best practices across the organization
• Develop and maintain the technology roadmap and architecture radar to identify emerging opportunities and trends
• Establish standardized solution frameworks that ensure scalability, security, and maintainability
• Lead architecture governance through design reviews, Architecture Change Management processes, and compliance oversight
• Ensure architectural decisions align with business requirements, security policies, and technical standards

Solution Design & Technical Excellence

• Oversee the design of complex, scalable architectures for client solutions across application and data platform domains
• Guide Solutions Architects and Data Platform Architect in developing high-quality technical designs
• Review and approve architectural blueprints for major initiatives and client engagements
• Drive innovation through research and evaluation of emerging technologies, platforms, and architectural patterns
• Ensure integration between application architecture and data platform architecture for cohesive solutions

Leadership Through Management

• Lead, mentor, and develop the Solution Architecture Manager and architecture team members
• Conduct performance reviews, career development planning, and coaching for direct reports
• Foster a culture of technical excellence, innovation, and continuous improvement within the architecture practice
• Provide guidance on complex architectural challenges and support professional growth of architects
• Maintain flexibility to manage individual contributors directly when needed for specific initiatives or organizational requirements

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with Delivery Leadership and Data Engineering directors to ensure seamless execution of architectural designs
• Collaborate with Product, DevOps, and Security teams to align technical solutions with business goals
• Work with business leaders and stakeholders to translate business requirements into technical architectures
• Serve as key liaison between technical and non-technical stakeholders for architecture discussions
• Provide regular updates to senior leadership on architectural initiatives, standards adoption, and technology trends

Quality & Performance Optimization

• Identify and implement architectural optimizations to enhance system performance, scalability, and efficiency
• Ensure solution architectures support quality, security, and compliance requirements
• Drive continuous improvement of architectural practices and design patterns
• Review system architectures regularly to align with evolving business and technical needs

Documentation & Knowledge Management

• Ensure comprehensive documentation of architectural artifacts, standards, and design decisions
• Maintain organized repositories of reference architectures, ADRs, and technical specifications
• Establish documentation standards and promote knowledge sharing across the organization
• Maintain agency to adjust strategic versus delivery focus based on organizational priorities and client needs

Key Competencies

• 12+ years of experience in technology with at least 5+ years in architecture leadership or senior architecture roles
• Deep expertise in solution architecture, cloud platforms (GCP, AWS, Azure), and modern architectural patterns (microservices, event-driven, API design)
• Proven track record of designing and delivering complex, scalable solutions in client-facing environments
• Strong understanding of both application architecture and data platform architecture domains
• Exceptional communication and presentation skills with ability to engage executives and technical audiences
• Demonstrated success in building strategic client relationships and serving as trusted technical advisor
• Experience establishing architectural governance, standards, and frameworks across organizations
• Leadership capabilities with proven ability to mentor and develop high-performing architecture teams
• Strategic thinker with strong business acumen and ability to align technology with business objectives
• Architect and cloud certifications (GCP, AWS, Azure) are recommended but not required

Success Indicators

• Strong client satisfaction and successful delivery of architecturally sound solutions
• Growth in strategic client relationships and expansion of technical advisory engagements
• Widespread adoption of architectural standards and design patterns across the organization
• High-quality architectural artifacts and documentation that enable effective solution delivery
• Development and growth of architecture team members with strong retention
• Successful identification and integration of innovative technologies that provide competitive advantages