Job Description

Application / Solutions Architect

The Applic/ Solutions Architect is an information technology professional who functionally designs systems, applications and user interfaces for a solution that supports a specific business process. This position works closely with other Gas Technology Solutions (GTS) peers, business partners, Business Systems Analysts and our Business Operations and Technology (BOTS) group to identify simple and supportable solutions to business opportunities and requests. This role is responsible to ensures solutions are compliant, follow standards and do not add to technical debt.

The Solution Architect will assist with the design and implementation of the future state of GTS technology. This is a new role will work hand in hand with multiple technology teams they will help guide the enterprise.

This role will require you to utilize your depth of experience to act as a thought leader regarding IT Solutions Architecture and you will assure delivery of successful deployments of digital solutions and be at the forefront of new features and capabilities of a broad set of IT methods, capabilities, and infrastructure.

This position reports to the Director, GAS Architecture & Environment Mgmt

MAJOR JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Create, document, and evangelize IT solutions and reference architectures with a focus on microservices and native commercial services
• Design, develop, and integrate prototype solutions and services to assist with business development or customer demonstrations
• Rearchitect existing and design new systems that integrate with our legacy systems, COTS packages, SaaS applications, and data systems
• Work with GTS peers, business partners and BOTS to understand and package the right set of capabilities into a solution that meets the specific need
• Design solutions that accommodate all aspects of the lifecycle and personnel including migrations, deployment, monitoring, training, and helpdesk
• Communicate best practices/frameworks; specifically, agile (SAFe, Scrum, Kanban) and DevSecOps
• Communicate in non-technical terms, understand requirements and guide developers with suitable, integrated digital solutions
• Understand broad GTS capabilities and build a network of resources to support solutioning and quality of delivery
• Drive and provide architecture review and contingency plans and documentation aligning to industry best-practices and Technology Organization policy and regulations
• Work with Business Systems Analysts, BOTS and Business partners to understand the needs
• Understand and package the right set of capabilities into a solution that meets the specific need
• Lead the solution architecture through the pursuit and delivery process
• Develop conceptual architecture as needed
• Act as a technical advisor for GTS ensuring the project is delivered and leverages leading practices and frameworks
• Provide subject matter expertise and hands-on support

JOB REQUIREMENTS:

Education

• A degree in Computer Science or a related field is required. An advanced degree is desirable.

Experience and Knowledge

• 7 or more years of relevant architect experience.
• Knowledge of loosely coupled architecture design patterns, microservices, and containerization.
• Experience developing, integrating, deploying, and maintaining software solutions in modern DevSecOps environments.
• Knowledge of native commercial Cloud (AWS, Azure, GCP) services, PaaS and SaaS solutions.
• Active architect certification in middleware (e.g., MuleSoft, Appian, Palantir, Databricks)
• Experience with ITIL
• Advanced understanding of cybersecurity and secure coding techniques
• Demonstrated ability to influence including providing options with pros, cons and risks around key technical decisions during design and implementation.
• Strong leadership and negotiation skills with business and technical groups.
• Strong organizational skills and understanding of the Project Management lifecycle.
• Comfortable with ambiguity and willing to take principled bets on new technology.
• Ability to balance between rapid prototyping and long-term system architecture.
• Track-record of developing large-scale, multi-tier applications.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Strong interpersonal skills, customer-focused attitude and ability to deal with ambiguity.
• Proven team player and team builder.
• Ability to “think big” and challenge conventional wisdom regarding technology refresh and hype.
• Experience with Utility systems in the Field, Asset, Customer, Construction or Gas Operations pillars

About Southern Company

Southern Company (NYSE: SO) is a leading energy provider serving 9 million customers across the Southeast and beyond through its family of companies. Providing clean, safe, reliable and affordable energy with excellent service is our mission. The company has electric operating companies in three states, natural gas distribution companies in four states, a competitive generation company, a leading distributed energy solutions provider with national capabilities, a fiber optics network and telecommunications services. Through an industry-leading commitment to innovation, resilience and sustainability, we are taking action to meet customers' and communities' needs while advancing our goal of net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. Our uncompromising values ensure we put the needs of those we serve at the center of everything we do and are the key to our sustained success. We are transforming energy into economic, environmental and social progress for tomorrow. Our corporate culture has been recognized by a variety of organizations, earning the company awards and recognitions that reflect Our Values and dedication to service. To learn more, visit www.southerncompany.com

Southern Company invests in the well-being of its employees and their families through a comprehensive total rewards strategy that includes competitive base salary, annual incentive awards for eligible employees and health, welfare and retirement benefits designed to support physical, financial, and emotional/social well-being. This position may also be eligible for additional compensation, such as an incentive program, with the amount of any bonus/awards subject to the terms and conditions of the applicable incentive plan(s). A summary of the benefits offered for this position can be found here https://seo.nlx.org/southernco/pdf/SOCO-Benefits.pdf Additional and specific details about total compensation and benefits will also be provided during the hiring process.

Southern Company is an equal opportunity employer where an applicant's qualifications are considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other basis prohibited by law.