Senior Solution Architect – GCP / GKE

Role Title: Senior Solution Architect - GCP / GKE

Practice: Cloud & Digital Engineering

Level: Senior Architect / Senior Solution Architect

Location: Chicago, Nashville or any location ready to relocate

Role Overview

The Senior Solution Architect - GCP / GKE is responsible for end‑to‑end architecture ownership of cloud‑native application solutions on Google Cloud Platform, with a strong emphasis on application modernization, microservices architecture, and Kubernetes (GKE).

This role goes beyond technical delivery to include architecture governance, client advisory, technology strategy, and team enablement, while remaining sufficiently hands-on to validate designs and guide implementation.

Focus Mix
Application Architecture & Design: ~65-70% GKE / Cloud Platform Architecture: ~30-35%

Key Responsibilities

Solution Architecture & Ownership
Own end‑to‑end solution architecture for GCP-based engagements, from discovery through delivery Define target architecture, reference patterns, and non-functional requirements (scalability, security, resilience, observability) Lead architecture decisions across application, data, integration, and platform layers Act as the final technical authority on solution choices and trade-offs

Application Architecture & Modernization (Primary Focus)
Architect cloud-native, microservices-based applications using Java / Node.js / Python Define service decomposition, API contracts, and event-driven integration patterns Lead application modernization and cloud migration initiatives (re-platform, refactor, re-architect) Design and review RESTful APIs, API governance models, and versioning strategies Guide application data design leveraging Big

Query and Cloud SQL

Cloud & GKE Architecture
Define GKE-based workload architecture, including multi-cluster design, scaling, HA/DR, and security Establish containerization standards, Kubernetes deployment patterns, and platform guardrails Architect CI/CD and IaC strategies aligned to enterprise Dev

Sec

Ops practices Provide architectural oversight for integrations using Pub/Sub, messaging, and workflow orchestration

Client Advisory & Stakeholder Engagement
Act as trusted cloud architect for clients and internal account teams Translate business requirements into architecture roadmaps and implementation blueprints Lead architecture forums, design reviews, and solution walkthroughs with senior stakeholders Support RFPs, proposals, and estimations with architecture input

Technical Governance & Enablement
Establish architecture standards, best practices, and reusable assets Mentor architects, technical leads, and senior engineers across projects Drive architectural consistency across programs while enabling innovation Contribute to GCP practice growth, accelerators, and thought leadership

This role is expected to:
Own architecture outcomes, not just implementation Influence multiple teams or workstreams Engage directly with clients, leadership, and pre-sales Define standards and patterns, not just follow them Mentor Tech Leads and senior engineers

Required Skills & Experience

Cloud & Architecture
Strong hands-on experience with Google Cloud Platform (GCP) Deep expertise in application and solution architecture Working architect-level knowledge of Google Kubernetes Engine (GKE) Proven experience defining enterprise-grade cloud-native architectures

Application & Integration
Strong development background in Java / Node.js / Python Extensive experience with RESTful API design and implementation Experience with event-driven architectures, Pub/Sub, and messaging systems Hands-on experience with Big

Query and Cloud SQL in application contexts

Delivery & Leadership
Proven experience leading application modernization and cloud migration programs Experience functioning as Solution Architect or Senior Technical Lead Ability to guide multiple teams and influence technical outcomes across programs Strong communication skills for executive and client-level interactions

Dev

Ops, Containerization & Certifications
Strong experience with Docker and Kubernetes Experience architecting CI/CD pipelines and Infrastructure as Code (Terraform preferred) Exposure to Dev

Sec

Ops and compliance-by-design GCP Certifications (Professional Cloud Architect / Associate Developer) strongly preferred