Cloud Platform Solutions Architect

GCI's Cloud Platform Solutions Architect will be r esponsible for guiding and setting the technical direction of infrastructure service lines across the Enterprise Cloud Platform. This includes defining architecture, shaping product roadmaps, evaluating technologies, facilitating proof of concept trials, enabling delivery teams by defining architectural runways and event horizons, and ensuring solutions align with enterprise strategy, security, and operational excellence. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES AT ALL LEVELS: Platform Architecture Engagement Define cloud platform architectural vision aligned to enterprise strategy and operating models Ensure platforms have capacity to support reliable and scalable operations Elaborate solution intent using roadmaps, architectural runways and event horizons Understand how platform capabilities integrate across people, process, and technology Identify technical constraints, tradeoffs, risks, and mitigation strategies Engage with Product Owners, Engineering teams, and Release/Solution Train leadership to ensure delivery aligns with architectural direction Ensure platform solutions address security, compliance, resiliency, and technical debt mitigation Platform Selection and Design Provide architecture specifications for infrastructure platforms and shared services Aggregate and reconcile requirements across multiple teams and service lines Determine technology choices that balance business value, cost, and risk Analyze non‑functional requirements and ensure platforms meet enterprise standards and operational expectations Guidance and Governance Implement architectural guidance and governance processes for cloud platforms Define and apply standards, principles, and solution patterns Provide lifecycle management support to ECP teams Contribute to architecture and platform governance forums and communities of practice COMPETENCIES: ACCOUNTABILITY- Takes ownership for actions, decisions, and results; openly accepts feedback and demonstrates a willingness to improve. Lead by example on all fronts. Own and manage priorities and individual tasks without direct supervision. Take the initiative and seek out opportunities. Assess and accept risks and learn from mistakes. BASIC PRINCIPLES - Interacts with people in a way that builds mutual trust, confidence, and respect; adheres to GCI’s Code of Conduct for Employees – the Basic Principles. COLLABORATION - Works effectively with others to accomplish common goals and objectives; maintains positive relationships even under difficult circumstances. Build and maintain effective working relationships with leadership, peers, customers, and vendors. Work to resolve problem relationships directly. Guide development teams in a manner that creates success and allows for future self-sufficiency. Foster innovation and promote teamwork. COMMUNICATION- Conveys thoughts and expresses ideas appropriately and professionally. Create clear and concise written documentation for various audiences, including developers, business analysts, and business users. Use a blend of written communication techniques, including detailed documentation, diagramming, and slide presentations. Take the initiative to communicate with teams, including remote team members. Initiate and deliver presentations to internal groups on domain topics. COMPLIANCE - Follows internal controls; protects confidential information; abides by GCI’s Code of Business Conduct & Ethics. CUSTOMER FOCUS - Demonstrates commitment to service excellence; gives high priority to customer satisfaction. Provide a professional level of service to both external and internal customers. Take ownership and accountability of problems and facilitate finding a solution, involving other groups as necessary. RELIABILITY - Consistently follows through on assigned tasks as expected; demonstrates timely attendance at meetings, training, and other work obligations. RESULTS - Uses a combination of job knowledge, initiative, sound decision making, innovation, adaptability, and problem solving. Experience with Cloud services platforms utilizing enterprise-selected tools. Experience with High Availability concepts and direct experience with successful implementation of highly available and scalable solutions. Understanding of Agile practices and solution roadmaps. Experience with automation and orchestration tools and disciplines such as Kubernetes, Ansible, vRealize Automation, or similar. Experience with virtualized and cloud compute platforms such as VMWare, Amazon Web Services, and Azure. Experience with network delivery architectures such as NSX, IP Fabric, and dedicated cloud connections, not limited to Direct Connect and Express Route. Knowledge and\or experience with containerization technologies and full lifecycle management of them. Knowledge and\or experience Service Registry and Discovery tools where relevant. Understanding of contemporary architectures such as micro-services and containers. SAFETY & SECURITY - Supports a safe work environment by following all workplace safety rules and guidelines; complies with applicable Security policies and procedures. Proficient computer skills and MS Office knowledge (e.g., Outlook, Teams, Word, Excel) to complete job duties effectively. Additional Job Requirements: This is an intermediate‑level position within the discipline demonstrating proficiency in architecture areas of responsibility. Performs complex solution‑level architectural work under general guidance, anticipating and addressing implementation risks. Works under moderate supervision with latitude for independent judgment. Work collaboratively with multi-functional teams Contribute to architectural documentation, templates, and standards Minimum Qualifications: Required: * A combination of relevant work experience and/or education sufficient to perform the duties of the job may substitute to meet the total years required on a year-for-year basis High School diploma or equivalent. Bachelor’s degree in computer science, engineering, or related field. * Minimum of six (6) years of experience in a Telecommunications or Computer Sciences/Enterprise field. * Preferred: Industry Certifications (non-technical): TOGAF, CEA, Certified SOA Architect, CITA, EACOE, Open CA, FEAC, SAFe. Industry Certifications (technical): CCNA, CCNP, JNCIA, JCNIP, VCP, VVF, VCAP, VCDX, AWS CSAP, AWS CDA, Azure. Telecommunications experience. Other relevant telecom industry or job specific certifications. DRIVING REQUIREMENTS : This position may require access to reliable transportation for occasional travel between retail store locations, offices, worksites, or other locations as needed. PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS and WORKING CONDITIONS: Work is primarily sedentary, requiring daily routine computer usage. Ability to work shifts as assigned, work in standard office/home office setting, and operate standard office equipment. Ability to accurately communicate information and ideas to others effectively. Physical agility and effort sufficiently to perform job duties safely and effectively. Ability to make valid judgments and decisions. Available to work additional time on weekends, holidays, before or after normal work hours when necessary. Must work well in a team environment and be able to work with a diverse group of people and customers. Virtual workers must comply with remote work policies and agreements. The company and its subsidiaries operate in a 24/7 environment providing critical services to Alaskans and may need to respond to public health and safety matters or other business emergencies. Due to business needs employees may be contacted outside of the core business hours to respond to the immediate emergency. As such, you will be requested to provide emergency after-hour contact numbers, to include your home and cell phone numbers if you have those services. Culture, Engagement, and Connection: At GCI, we foster an environment where the unique perspectives of our employees, customers, and fellow Alaskans are celebrated. We add value to our community by nurturing and empowering each member of our workforce, ensuring equal opportunities for every Trailblazer. EEO: GCI is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability, veteran status, or any other status or classification protected under applicable state or federal law. DISCLAIMER: The above information on this description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.