Solution Architect - Columbia, MD

UL Standards & Engagement • Columbia, MD

10d • $131,186 - $180,381 • Onsite

About The Position

We have an exciting opportunity for a Solution Architect at UL Research Institutes and UL Standards & Engagement, based in our Columbia, Maryland office. The Solution Architect will apply broad technical expertise and business acumen to guide technology decision‑making and ensure solutions align with organizational goals. The role is responsible for designing and managing the organization’s solution portfolio, bridging business needs with technical capabilities while promoting architectural standards, governance, and best practices.

Requirements

• Proven experience designing and implementing complex technical solutions across diverse technologies.
• Demonstrated experience integrating systems, APIs, and data sources to support interoperability and reliable workflows.
• Strong knowledge of cloud platforms (Azure, AWS) and modern application architectures.
• Experience with Agile, DevOps, CI/CD, API‑driven design, and modern development frameworks.
• Strategic leader and builder of both vision and bridges, and influence decision‑makers across both technical and non‑technical audiences.
• Strong leadership and collaboration skills with the ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams.
• Strong project management capability with experience managing multiple priorities and executing high‑quality deliverables.
• Strong vendor management skills, with the ability to manage relationships with multiple vendors.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to quickly identify and resolve complex technical issues.
• Ability to bring strong practical experience with Azure, AWS, Salesforce, M365, or research‑enabling technology platforms.
• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Engineering, or related discipline.
• Minimum of 8 years of experience as a Solutions Architect or in a similar technical leadership role.
• Experience with custom software development, SaaS/PaaS platforms (M365, Salesforce, Workday), and IaaS platforms (Azure, AWS).
• Certification as an Azure Solutions Architect Expert or AWS Certified Solutions Architect.

Nice To Haves

• Additional certifications in M365, Salesforce, Workday, custom application development, or research‑technology platforms preferred.

Responsibilities

• Partner with stakeholders, business owners, and technical SMEs to understand business drivers and capability needs, translating them into effective solution designs.
• Advocate for business partner needs throughout the solution lifecycle to ensure technologies advance ULRI‑ULSE’s mission and strategic priorities.
• Lead the evaluation and selection of technology platforms, software solutions, and services, designing standard and custom configurations as required.
• Consult on application development, infrastructure design, and system integrations while promoting architecture patterns and best practices.
• Design and evaluate solution architectures that align with enterprise strategy, business capabilities, and established architecture standards.
• Produce architecture deliverables—including solution diagrams, reference models, standards, and documentation—to support governance.
• Ensure solutions meet security, compliance, data protection, and quality requirements, and guide governance of key architecture decisions.
• Define and maintain architecture principles, standards, and patterns, and oversee the portfolio for aging technologies, technical debt, and misalignment; guide remediation strategies.
• Assess emerging technologies, industry innovations, and market developments to inform roadmaps, technology planning, and ULRI‑ULSE’s broader technology landscape.
• Support technology needs across standards development, publication workflows, member and partner engagement, knowledge management, and research‑enabling platforms, including custom applications, integrations, APIs, LIMS/ELN, collaboration tools, and platforms such as Azure, AWS, Salesforce, and M365.
• Lead and/or contribute to other department specific and cross-functional initiatives.

Benefits

• bonus compensation based on the level of the position
• comprehensive medical, dental, vision, and life insurance plans
• 401k matching structure of up to 5% of eligible pay
• an additional 4% into your retirement saving fund after your first year of continuous employment
• paid time off, including vacation, holiday, sick, and volunteer days

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior