Lead Solution Architect – Automation & Cloud Networking

CGI • Houston, TX

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

Make an impact like never before. We're growing rapidly and are looking for a Lead Solution Architect responsible for delivering high-quality solution architecture for business projects, programs, and products. This role ensures that IT solutions are fit for purpose, align with the company's technology direction, and maintain technical integrity and optimal total cost of ownership (TCO) throughout their lifecycle. The effectiveness of these solutions is measured by stakeholder satisfaction and their successful deployment in production. We're a close-knit team that has access to global resources. You'll have the opportunity to explore a wide range of industries, technologies, and geographies, all while enjoying the personal touch that our local operating approach offers. Growth at CGI is driven by your goals, so if you're looking for an inclusive place where you're empowered to chart your own path, then we'd love to meet you. This position is located in our Houston, Texas office with work performed at client site in Houston, TX at least 3 days per week- hybrid working model is acceptable. The Lead Solution Architect – Automation & Cloud Networking is responsible for delivering high quality solution designs that are fit for purpose, aligned with enterprise architecture standards, and optimized for total cost of ownership across the solution lifecycle. The role ensures technical integrity, security, and alignment with Clients IT technology direction. The resulting High Level Designs have a measurable impact on business effectiveness and profitability. The Solution Architect is accountable to the Project Manager for the solution architecture from design through successful deployment.

Requirements

• 9–12 years of IT experience, including some IT leadership exposure.
• Vendor engagement and product selection in collaboration with portfolio, operations, and procurement teams.
• Deep expertise in networking technologies (Routing, TCP/IP, SSL).
• Strong experience with AWS and Azure cloud networking (VPC/VNET, VPN, Transit Gateway, virtual Palo Alto firewalls).
• Knowledge of Cisco data center design.
• Knowledge of Aruba ESP, including Central, ClearPass, and wireless platforms.
• In depth knowledge of network automation (Infrastructure as Code, APIs, GitHub).
• Identity and authentication: SAML, PingID, Entra ID.
• Service solution and operational documentation delivery.
• In depth Ansible integration for infrastructure networks, including playbook development.
• Workflow integration for infrastructure networks.
• CI/CD pipeline creation for infrastructure networks, including virtual and physical testing.
• Smart inventory systems (e.g. NetBox) and integration with Ansible and GitHub pipelines.

Nice To Haves

• Enterprise network automation solutions.
• Enterprise connectivity tooling, including Single Source of Truth implementation.
• Tool evaluation, integration, and data model alignment.
• Technical architecture, design, and service operations solutions.

Responsibilities

• Act as the single point of contact for all solution architecture aspects of IT projects.
• Design and integrate Business Process, Data, Application, Infrastructure, and Information Security aspects into end to end solutions.
• Ensure solution architecture is documented using approved templates, tools, and standards.
• Review, assure, and approve detailed designs produced by designers and business analysts.
• Coach project teams on architecture standards and best practices.
• Support Segment Architects and participate in Architecture Review Boards as required.
• Contribute to the development and maintenance of Reference Models in Bizzdesign, elevating project deliverables to conceptual and logical levels.
• Monitor technology trends and ensure solutions are future proof and aligned with evolving IT standards and services.
• Actively contribute to the Architecture community and serve as an ambassador for architecture excellence.
• Ensure compliance with legal, regulatory, and data privacy requirements (e.g., GDPR).
• Champion Security by Design and Privacy by Design, working closely with Information Risk Management, Security, and Compliance teams.

Benefits

• Competitive compensation
• Comprehensive insurance options
• Matching contributions through the 401(k) plan and the share purchase plan
• Paid time off for vacation, holidays, and sick time
• Paid parental leave
• Learning opportunities and tuition assistance
• Wellness and Well-being programs

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: No Education Listed