The Senior Architect – Enterprise Innovation Lab leads the design and development of technical solutions that modernize Houston ISD’s business and student-facing platforms. This role guides architectural strategy for new applications, integrations, and platform extensions—particularly in support of the district’s transition from legacy SAP to Oracle Fusion Cloud. The Senior Architect ensures that solutions are scalable, secure, and aligned with long-term district technology goals. As a technical leader, this role also mentors junior architects and contributes to cross-platform governance and innovation.

MAJOR DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Design technical architecture for new custom applications, cloud integrations, and system extensions.
2. Provide leadership on integration strategies between Oracle Fusion, Microsoft systems, and other platforms.
3. Guide best practices for secure, scalable software design across the Innovation Lab portfolio.
4. Collaborate with functional teams to translate user needs into technical architecture.
5 Conduct code reviews, architecture reviews, and risk assessments for in-house development projects.

MAJOR DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES CONTINUED

6. Lead proof-of-concept efforts for new technologies, frameworks, or integration approaches.
7. Ensure technical solutions meet district security, data governance, and interoperability standards.
8. Contribute to DevOps maturity, CI/CD pipeline improvement, and API management strategies.
9. Mentor architects and developers, supporting technical growth and solution consistency.
10. Perform other job-related duties as assigned.

EDUCATION

Bachelor’s degree in computer science, engineering, or related field required. Master’s degree preferred.

Applicants who do not meet these education qualifications may be considered if they have a unique combination of education and work experiences that indicate potential for success in this role.

WORK EXPERIENCE

Minimum of 7 years in enterprise software architecture or application development, with at least 3 years in a leadership role. Experience with ERP system integration and public sector applications preferred.

SKILL AND/OR REQUIRED LICENSING/CERTIFICATION

• Expert-level understanding of application design, microservices, and RESTful APIs
• Familiarity with Oracle Fusion, Azure, and Microsoft Power Platform
• Strong knowledge of authentication, data flows, and application security
• Experience with agile development and software lifecycle tools (e.g., GitHub, Azure DevOps)
• Excellent communication skills with ability to convey complex solutions to business leaders
• Preferred certifications: TOGAF, Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect, or equivalent

LEADERSHIP RESPONSIBILITIES

Provides technical leadership across cross-functional teams. Guides solution architecture strategy and mentors Innovation Lab staff.

WORK COMPLEXITY/INDEPENDENT JUDGMENT

Designs highly complex systems. Evaluates multiple solution paths, balancing risk, cost, and performance. Exercises independent technical authority.

BUDGET AUTHORITY

Advises on software tools, cloud consumption, and architectural investments. May contribute to project budgeting and tool selection.

PROBLEM SOLVING

Solves architecture challenges across new and legacy systems. Ensures interoperability, performance, and maintainability of technical designs.

IMPACT OF DECISIONS

Solutions affect enterprise reliability, user experience, and long-term sustainability. Architecture flaws can increase technical debt or risk.

COMMUNICATION/INTERACTIONS

Communicates frequently with IT directors, development teams, and vendors. Presents technical strategies to district leadership.

CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIPS

Provides architectural consultation and technical advisement to departments building or requesting new technology solutions.

WORKING/ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

Office or hybrid environment with extended hours during major projects or launches. Must be able to manage multiple projects concurrently.