Robots and Pencils

Compensation

Full Description

Robots & Pencils is seeking a senior-level Solutions Architect to embed directly with a client’s engineering organization and modernize a mobile-first workforce management platform operating in production today. This is a hands-on architectural leadership role. You will analyze and document a multi- service .NET ecosystem, introduce modern DevOps and cloud practices, and define a clear technical vision ahead of a new VP of Engineering hire. You will actively shape backend architecture, integration strategy, CI/CD maturity, and AI- powered capabilities within a live enterprise system. This is not an advisory from a distance. This is embedded in delivery, influence, and execution. You will partner closely with the client’s Technical Lead to establish architectural clarity, reduce systemic risk and position the platform for scalable growth. Key Responsibilities Architecture Analysis & Road mapping Analyze and document 4 domain-specific .NET 8 / ASP.NET Core APIs and supporting SQL Server databases Map and rationalize 8+ enterprise integrations and system dependencies Produce clear architectural diagrams, integration flow documentation, and system boundary definitions Identify technical debt, scalability constraints, and modernization opportunities Develop phased architectural roadmaps aligned to business priorities Prepare cost-benefit analyses and evidence-based proposals for platform evolution DevOps & Engineering Maturity Design and implement CI/CD pipelines aligned with Azure-native practices Introduce sustainable branching strategies and release management standards Improve observability and monitoring using Azure Application Insights and related tooling Establish architectural standards for reliability, maintainability, and performance Promote automation and infrastructure best practices across environments AI & Intelligent Systems Integration Support architecture and integration of an Azure-hosted LLM / RAG-powered Q&A system Define retrieval workflows, integration points, and security boundaries Evaluate operational cost, performance, and scalability implications of AI workloads Ensure AI components align with enterprise authentication standards (Okta OAuth2 / OIDC) Integration & Platform Engineering Architect solutions across Azure services including Service Bus, Functions, and Notification Hubs Design event-driven and service-oriented patterns appropriate for enterprise scale Interface with SQL Server and distributed data architectures Maintain awareness of AWS ecosystems where cross-cloud considerations apply Provide architectural guidance across mobile clients (Swift/Kotlin) at a systems level Client Leadership & Consulting Act as a trusted technical advisor within the client organization Introduce change diplomatically through data-driven recommendations Translate technical trade-offs into business-relevant impact Facilitate architectural decision-making conversations with multiple stakeholders Partner with the client’s Technical Lead to define a forward-looking engineering vision Required Skills & Qualifications 8+ years of backend engineering experience with deep expertise in .NET and distributed systems Strong proficiency in .NET 8, ASP.NET Core, C#, and SQL Server Experience architecting systems in Microsoft Azure environments Hands-on experience implementing CI/CD pipelines and DevOps best practices Experience designing enterprise integrations and event-driven systems Familiarity with OAuth2 / OIDC authentication patterns (Okta or similar providers) Experience supporting or integrating LLM-based systems (RAG, embeddings, retrieval patterns) Strong architectural documentation skills (diagrams, decision records, system mapping) Proven experience operating in client-facing or consulting environments Strong written and verbal English communication skills Nice to Have AWS architectural awareness Mobile architecture exposure (Swift, Kotlin at system design level) Experience preparing technical proposals and cost analyses Experience guiding organizations through engineering maturity transitions Familiarity with Azure-hosted AI infrastructure and governance considerations Personal Competencies Trusted Advisor Mindset – Builds credibility quickly and introduces change through influence rather than prescription. Strategic Systems Thinking – Understands how APIs, databases, integrations, DevOps, AI systems, and organizational structures interact. Consultative Communication – Frames recommendations in terms of business impact, risk, and ROI. Execution Ownership – Drives initiatives from architectural analysis through implemented improvements. Collaborative Leadership – Leans on subject matter experts (mobile, domain) and strengthens the broader team rather than centralizing authority. Continuous Learner – Uses unstructured time for growth and skill development; stays ahead of platform and AI trends. Why This Role Matters At Robots & Pencils, we build smart systems for a human world. This role directly shapes the stability and evolution of a workforce platform relied upon daily by real users. By clarifying architecture, modernizing engineering practices, and introducing intelligent capabilities responsibly, you enable faster feature development, stronger system reliability, and long-term scalability. The architectural patterns established here will influence how this organization builds, integrates, and governs technology for years to come. This is embedded transformation with measurable business impact. Why Join Robots & Pencils? We don’t deliver slide decks. We deliver working systems and sustainable architectural Foundations. You’ll operate as a senior technical leader inside a live enterprise environment, influence long-term platform strategy, and shape how AI and backend systems coexist at scale. You'll grow through ownership, trust, and meaningful delivery outcomes.