Senior AWS Cloud Solutions Architect (Only Local from Houston candidates)

We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Senior AWS Architect to lead our Center of Excellence (CoE) for AWS.

This role involves designing and implementing cloud solutions that leverage AWS services to enhance our organization's cloud capabilities, drive innovation, and ensure best practices in cloud architecture.

Location: The Woodlands, TX (Only Local Candidates)

Job Type: Contract to Hire / W2

JOB SUMMARY/PURPOSE

Responsible for leading the innovative development of business solutions, implemented through IT, to enable the business to meet its objectives. The role requires an in-depth understanding of available AWS technologies, the business unit's operations, its operating model, capability needs, and business challenges. The role is an active leader and application visionary who shapes the technology demand among the business unit.

The Senior AWS Architect will lead the Center of Excellence (CoE) and be responsible for designing and implementing scalable, secure, and cost-effective cloud solutions on the AWS platform. This role involves collaborating with stakeholders to understand business requirements, translating them into technical solutions, and providing guidance to development teams throughout the project lifecycle.

JOB DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES

Cloud Architecture and Design:

• Provide overall design guidelines for software and hardware integration, performance, reliability, operating, and security designs for the AWS Platform.
• Lead the architecture, design, and implementation of scalable, secure, and cost-effective AWS solutions.
• Conduct assessments of existing applications and infrastructure to identify opportunities for cloud migration and optimization.
• Develop and maintain documentation for cloud architecture, processes, and procedures.

Stakeholder Collaboration:

• Support business units in the creation of project business cases (e.g., success criteria).
• Capture business capability requirements, functional requirements, and expected service levels from business unit and stated EA solutions to create an actionable Business and IT roadmap.
• Support BU leadership in identifying opportunities for emerging technologies, through collaboration with the EA function, to enable business strategies.
• Liaise between the client, vendors, project management and the technical team on questions, issues, and revisions to the solution architecture.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to define cloud strategies and best practices for cloud adoption.
• Prepare and deliver presentations to technical and non-technical stakeholders.

Mentorship and Knowledge Sharing:

• Mentor and guide AWS support team on AWS services, tools, and methodologies.
• Provide technical leadership and guidance to development and operations teams.
• Mentor support team members and contribute to knowledge sharing within the organization.
• Facilitate training sessions and workshops to improve cloud literacy across the organization.
• Stay updated with the latest trends and advancements in cloud technology and AWS services.

Minimum experience required of the position

At least 10 years of experience working with technology and how it supports the business. Must be a senior level AWS subject matter expert.

Minimum knowledge, skills and abilities required of the position

Deep understanding and practical experience of industry application solutions. Wide experience in developing customer-centric solutions. Working knowledge in all areas of technology (infrastructure, commercial applications, software development, end-user platforms, IT operations). Planning experience, especially the design of longer-term strategies. Ability to communicate and present effectively with all levels in the organization, including executive management. Excellent interpersonal communications skills. Excellent writing and presentation skills. Working knowledge of architecture concepts and the ability to integrate business needs and technology capabilities. A detail level of knowledge of AWS having a full understanding from an Admin role.

• 5+ years of experience in IT, with a focus on cloud architecture and engineering.
• Strong communication and presentation skills, as the role requires interacting with both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Proven experience in designing and implementing cloud-native applications and architectures.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to communicate technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders.

Preferred Experience/Qualifications

• Experience with containerization technologies (e.g., Docker, Kubernetes) is a plus.
• Proven experience (5+ years) as a Solution Architect or similar role, with a focus on AWS cloud solutions.
• Strong knowledge of AWS services (EC2, S3, RDS, Lambda, IAM, etc.) and best practices.
• Experience with cloud migration strategies and implementation.
• Proficiency in designing and implementing security and compliance standards.
• Familiarity with DevOps practices and tools (CI/CD, Infrastructure as Code).
• Strong expertise in AWS services, including but not limited to EC2, S3, RDS, Lambda, and IAM.

Certificates

Relevant AWS certifications (e.g., AWS Certified Solutions Architect - Professional) are highly desirable.