Fast Facts

WGU is seeking a Solutions Architect dedicated to improving access to education through innovative online programs. The role involves translating business requirements into architectural designs, mentoring team members, and ensuring compliance with security standards.

Responsibilities: Collaborate with stakeholders to design scalable architecture, mentor teams, ensure technology alignment, and communicate complex solutions effectively.

Skills: Expertise in architecture principles, strong collaboration and negotiation abilities, proficiency in visualization tools, and strong analytical skills.

Qualifications: Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science or related field with 7 years of experience, including 3 years as a Solutions Architect. Preferred Master’s Degree and certifications in cloud technologies.

Location: Phoenix Office, United States of America

Compensation: $140200 - $217200 / Annually

If you’re passionate about building a better future for individuals, communities, and our country—and you’re committed to working hard to play your part in building that future—consider WGU as the next step in your career.

Driven by a mission to expand access to higher education through online, competency-based degree programs, WGU is also committed to being a great place to work for a diverse workforce of student-focused professionals. The university has pioneered a new way to learn in the 21st century, one that has received praise from academic, industry, government, and media leaders. Whatever your role, working for WGU gives you a part to play in helping students graduate, creating a better tomorrow for themselves and their families.

The salary range for this position takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to skill sets; experience and training; licensure and certifications; and other business and organizational needs.

At WGU, it is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top of the range for their position, and compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case. A reasonable estimate of the current range is:

Grade: Technical 410Pay Range: $140,200.00 - $217,200.00

Job Description

Job Duties

• Collaborates with stakeholders to translate business requirements into flexible, scalable, and resilient architectural designs.
• Defines and documents current, iterative, and future-state architecture assigned functions by recommending, implementing, and aligning with industry best practices and the University’s strategic objectives.
• Functions as subject matter expert for assigned functions.
• Frequently provides mentorship, guidance, and training to team members and other employees across the organization.
• Influences and informally leads cross-functional teams to ensure alignment between business needs and technology solutions.
• Communicates complex technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders.
• Develops and communicates solutions strategy to diverse audiences.
• Evaluates, recommends, and selects appropriate complex technologies, tools, and vendors to support objectives.
• Ensures compliance with security and regulatory requirements in all architecture.
• Facilitates solutions discussions to achieve consensus, awareness, support, and alignment.
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

KSAs

• Acknowledged within field of expertise as a subject matter expert.
• Strong understanding of architecture principles, frameworks, and methodologies.
• Expertise in designing and optimizing systems for performance, reliability, and scalability to meet stringent SLAs and uptime requirements.
• Exceptional collaboration, design, and negotiation skills, with the ability to effectively communicate, present, and document complex technical concepts to diverse stakeholders.
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and drive consensus in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Proficiency in using visualization tools like Visio, Lucid, or similar for architectural solutions.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills with strong attention to detail.
• Strong commitment to continuous learning and professional development.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field.
• 7 years of relevant experience.
• 3 years as Solutions Architect or 8 years in a technical leadership role (e.g., technical lead, principal engineer).
• Development experience in languages such as Java, C++, or Python.
• Proven experience in designing high-resiliency solutions, focusing on performance testing, fault tolerance, and scalability.
• Equivalent relevant experience performing the essential functions of this job may substitute for education degree requirements. Generally, equivalent relevant experience is defined as 1 year of experience for 1 year of education and is the discretion of the hiring manager.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's Degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field.
• Knowledge of UML (Unified Modeling Language).
• Experience with tools such as Jira and Confluence.
• Certification in cloud technologies and enterprise architecture (e.g., TOGAF, Zachman).
• Experience with cloud platforms (e.g., AWS, Azure, GCP).

Job Description Disclaimer: This position description provides the major duties/responsibilities, requirements and working conditions for the position. It is intended to be an accurate reflection of the current position, however management reserves the right to revise or change as necessary to meet organizational needs. Other responsibilities may be assigned when circumstances require.

Position & Application Details

Full-Time Regular Positions (classified as regular and working 40 standard weekly hours): This is a full-time, regular position (classified for 40 standard weekly hours) that is eligible for bonuses; medical, dental, vision, telehealth and mental healthcare; health savings account and flexible spending account; basic and voluntary life insurance; disability coverage; accident, critical illness and hospital indemnity supplemental coverages; legal and identity theft coverage; retirement savings plan; wellbeing program; discounted WGU tuition; and flexible paid time off for rest and relaxation with no need for accrual, flexible paid sick time with no need for accrual, 11 paid holidays, and other paid leaves, including up to 12 weeks of parental leave.

How to Apply: If interested, an application will need to be submitted online. Internal WGU employees will need to apply through the internal job board in Workday.

Additional Information

Disclaimer: The job posting highlights the most critical responsibilities and requirements of the job. It’s not all-inclusive.

Accommodations: Applicants with disabilities who require assistance or accommodation during the application or interview process should contact our Talent Acquisition team at [email protected].

Equal Employment Opportunity: All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to any protected characteristic as required by law.