Systems Architect

Job Mandate We are seeking an experienced Systems Architect to lead the design, implementation, and evolution of scalable, secure, and high-performing technology solutions across cloud and hybrid environments. This role is responsible for shaping enterprise architecture spanning infrastructure, applications, data platforms, and AI-enabled systems. The ideal candidate brings deep expertise in cloud-native design, distributed systems, and full-stack integration, along with a strong foundation in networking and infrastructure. You will play a key role in advancing our adoption of modern technologies, including AI/ML and generative AI, ensuring solutions are scalable, secure, and aligned with business objectives. Major Responsibilities:  Architecture Strategy & Governance  Own and evolve enterprise architecture across cloud, hybrid, and AI-enabled systems Define and enforce standards for scalability, security, resiliency, and responsible AI · Translate business strategy into technology and AI-enabled architecture roadmaps Lead architecture governance, design reviews, and technology selection Evaluate emerging technologies and drive adoption aligned to business value  Cloud, Platform & AI Engineering  Architect and optimize solutions on Microsoft Azure, including compute, data, and AI services Design and govern Kubernetes-based platforms supporting microservices and AI/ML workloads Define architecture for model deployment, inference, and scaling (real-time and batch) Lead cloud modernization initiatives with automation, observability, and cost optimization Establish platform capabilities for MLOps, CI/CD, and infrastructure-as-code  Infrastructure & Network Architecture Define architecture for compute, storage, and networking, including GPU-enabled environments for AI workloads Design secure, scalable network architectures aligned with zero-trust principles Architect for high availability, disaster recovery, and cross-region resilience Align infrastructure capabilities with data and AI platform requirements  Application & Integration Architecture  Define patterns for API-first, event-driven, and microservices architectures Design integration strategies across enterprise systems, including AI and data platforms Guide development of AI-enabled applications, including generative AI integration Standardize service communication, orchestration, and service mesh approaches  Data & AI Architecture Define enterprise data architecture supporting analytics, real-time processing, and AI/ML Establish patterns for data ingestion, transformation, governance, and lifecycle management Architect and oversee MLOps (training, deployment, monitoring, retraining) Ensure data quality, privacy, compliance, and responsible AI practices (bias, explainability, drift) Enable scalable use of structured and unstructured data for AI-driven insights  Leadership & Collaboration Partner with engineering, DevOps, data, and business teams to deliver architecture outcomes Provide technical leadership, mentorship, and architectural direction Participate in solution delivery, risk management, and technical decision-making Collaborate with vendors and partners, including cloud and AI providers Communicate architecture decisions, risks, and trade-offs to technical and business stakeholders Working Conditions:  Hybrid of remote work and office setting Office setting - Open, collaborative office space (may vary by location) Fast paced environment with tight deadlines Reliable access to personal transportation is a requirement  Minimum Required Technical Skills / Qualifications Education: IT related degree/diploma or equivalent in related field preferred Experience: 10+ years of experience in IT architecture, systems engineering, or related roles, with increasing responsibility in solution and platform design Deep expertise in Microsoft Azure, including compute, networking, storage, identity, and security domains Proven experience designing and delivering cloud-native and distributed systems architectures Required Qualifications:  Platform & Infrastructure  Hands-on experience with Kubernetes and container orchestration in production environments Strong understanding of infrastructure design, including virtual machines (VMs), Docker, and Linux-based container platforms Working knowledge of networking fundamentals (TCP/IP, DNS, routing, firewalls, load balancing) and secure network design principles Experience designing highly available, scalable, and resilient infrastructure solutions, including hybrid environments  Application & Integration Solid understanding of modern application architectures, including microservices, API-driven, and event-driven design Experience with full-stack development concepts and technologies such as Python, C#, React, Angular, and Flutter Experience with mobile application architectures and integration patterns Familiarity with middleware and distributed data technologies such as MongoDB, Redis, and messaging platforms  Data, DevOps & AI Enablement Experience with CI/CD pipelines and modern DevOps practices, including infrastructure-as-code and automated deployments Understanding of data platforms and pipelines supporting scalable and real-time processing Exposure to AI/ML concepts and platforms, including integration of AI services into enterprise applications Familiarity with MLOps concepts (model lifecycle, deployment, monitoring) is an asset  Architecture Practice & Leadership Strong documentation and architecture communication skills, including experience producing ADRs and TOGAF-aligned artefact Excellent communication, stakeholder management, and organizational leadership skills Proven ability to influence technical decisions and align cross-functional teams  Preferred Qualifications: Certifications such as TOGAF and/or cloud certifications (e.g., Azure Solutions Architect) Experience with modern technology stacks, including Kubernetes, cloud-native platforms, observability tools, virtualization, storage, and enterprise networking Hands-on experience with microservices and event-driven architectures at scale Experience with Infrastructure as Code (Terraform, Bicep, ARM templates) Experience in hybrid cloud and/or multi-cloud environments  Observability & Platform Operations  Familiarity with observability and monitoring tools such as Elasticsearch, Prometheus, Grafana, and Azure Monitor Understanding of logging, tracing, and metrics strategies for distributed systems  Advanced Architecture (Nice-to-Have) Knowledge of service mesh technologies (e.g., Istio, Linkerd) · Experience designing platforms supporting AI/ML workloads or data-intensive applications Exposure to security frameworks and zero-trust architecture principles Skills: Strategic and analytical thinking Operational excellence mindset Leadership and team development Cross-functional collaboration Risk management and decision-making Ability to simplify complex technical concepts for non-technical audiences Salary: $200k-210k