Technical Architect

The Software Architect will be responsible for architecting a Cloud-based SaaS solution that offers high stability, performance and maintainability. As the primary technical resource for the company, this key role includes providing the high-level direction required of solution development as well as the hands-on management of development processes, code review, infrastructure configuration, QA testing, and software maintenance plans.

This position is responsible for the following:

·         Serving as the primary technical resource and subject matter expert for the design and application development of the company. 

·         Architecting the software for a cloud-based ERP system for the public housing industry and overseeing its technical development.

·         Defining and coordinating activities related to the implementation, ongoing support, measurement, and continuous improvement of the company’s hosted infrastructure used to support its clients. 

·         Evaluating projects from a technical stance, guaranteeing that the development methods used are correct, practical, and scalable.

·         Signing off on system requirements, identifying technical resources and estimating timelines for application delivery.

·         Participating in the selection of outsourcing vendors and the management of vendor to Service Level Agreements (SLAs).

·         Managing outsourcing teams, reviewing submitted code, ensuring high quality is achieved, providing guidance and optimization where needed, and evaluating high-level design frameworks when provided.

·         Implementing a structured, high-quality software release process leveraging iterative development methodologies.

·         Providing the technical connection between the project managers, business analysts and developers.

Qualifications
 

§         10 or more years of direct experience in one or more aspects of IT (Software design/ development, IT Architecture, network technologies or other related IT areas)

§         5 or more years software architecture experience

§         5 or more years’ experience designing, developing, and delivering software products on a .NET solution stack

§         Previous experience successfully outsourcing application development as well as strong vendor management experience with infrastructure initiatives

§         Experience developing and delivering SaaS products.

Skills

§         Extensive development knowledge and project experience in the following: .NET Framework, SQL Server, C#, MS IIS, ASP.NET, SOA, Web services, XML, Ajax, W3C Compliant HTML/CSS, JavaScript. Knowledge of one or more of the following: Iterative SDLC, User-Centered Development, RUP, and Agile/SCRUM methodologies.

§         Knowledge and experience of UML version 2.0

§         Experience with automated configuration management/code management systems or application lifecycle management systems such as Microsoft Visual Studio ALM, Endeavor, PVCS, CVS, Jazz, ClearCase

§         Knowledge of QA and performance testing methodologies and familiarity with quality management tools such as HP Quality Center.

§         Experience in data conversion.

§         Knowledge of performance tuning, technology scalability, capacity planning and security standards.

Talents

§         Ability to analyze a product and design an architecture that matches customer and company needs.

§         Ability to operate across multiple projects concurrently and assume responsibility for the appropriate technical and architecture implementation.

§         Understanding the challenges of working with 3rd Party vendors, particularly offshore outsourcing communication issues, time zone constraints, etc.

§         Uses business acumen to explain technology requirements.  Strong verbal and written communication skills.

§         Uses a consultative approach to team and client relationships.

§         Fair and trustworthy;  demonstrates a high level of integrity

§         Shows a deep commitment to the needs and expectations of the customer

§         Works well in a team environment

§         Influences leadership team and peers to try new methods of doing things.

§         Adapts easily to change and demonstrates flexibility.

Industry Knowledge (nice to have)

§         Public Housing knowledge (e.g., the basics of what they do, customers they serve, overall mission, common structures and governance, social mission)

§         Understanding specific issues and constraints surrounding public housing (e.g., change management, geography, unions, tenure, metrics, etc.)

§         Knows the culture and broad mission of public housing customers/managers.

§         Knows the mindset of key decision makers and agency players.

Position Measurements

§         Meets client service level agreements for application stability and quality.

§         In conjunction with the Product Manager, delivers application solutions on time and within budget.

§         Delivers high-quality stable software running on robust and secure infrastructure.

§         Meets security preventative measures including regularly evaluating potential exposures.

§         Leverages vendor services appropriately including keeping costs at a reasonable level.

§         Suggests improvements to company to help agencies/customers cut development and IT/process costs.

§         Builds and manages a cohesive technology team with the high level of service standards and social mission capable of supporting the production application and ongoing implementations.

§         Creates repeatable technology implementation processes (data conversion, code releases, etc.).

Professional Requirements

§         Exhibits leadership ability.

§         Acts independently.

§         Takes direction from the CEO and Product Manager.

§         Bachelor degree in computer science, software engineering, or related subject required.  Advanced degree desirable.