Senior Solutions Architect

Senior Solutions Architect Code Wizards is a 60-person UK games technology company specializing in work-for-hire services for game studios. We deliver cutting-edge technical solutions that power some of the industry's most ambitious gaming projects. We are seeking an experienced Solutions Architect to design and deliver scalable cloud infrastructure for AAA game studios. This role combines technical leadership, client engagement, and pre-sales support, with a strong focus on AWS and multiplayer gaming platforms. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Solutions Architecture & Technical Leadership · Design scalable, secure, and cost-efficient cloud architectures for AAA gaming clients · Translate business requirements into robust technical solutions · Provide technical leadership and best practices across the project lifecycle · Produce architecture designs, diagrams, and technical documentation · Evaluate and recommend appropriate tools, platforms, and services · Ensure solutions meet performance, scalability, and reliability requirements Client Engagement & Pre-Sales · Lead technical discovery sessions, workshops, and client assessments · Develop and present solution proposals, architectures, and proof-of-concepts · Act as technical authority during pre-sales engagements · Collaborate with business development teams on project scoping and estimation · Build strong relationships with client stakeholders AWS Migration Acceleration Program (MAP) · Lead migration assessments, including discovery, portfolio analysis, and business case development · Define migration strategies aligned with AWS MAP methodology · Manage delivery of MAP engagements and ensure compliance with program requirements · Coordinate with AWS partner teams and track migration progress Amazon GameLift & Multiplayer Architecture · Architect and implement GameLift-based multiplayer backends · Design matchmaking, session management, and scaling strategies · Integrate GameLift with AWS services (Lambda, DynamoDB, API Gateway, etc.) · Optimise cost, performance, and multi-region deployments · Implement monitoring, logging, and observability solutions Qualifications · AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Professional (required) · Additional AWS certifications (e.g., DevOps, Security) desirable SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE · Proven experience in solutions architecture or senior technical roles · Strong background in gaming (preferably AAA or gaming platforms) · Track record delivering scalable cloud-based solutions · Experience leading client-facing workshops and pre-sales activities · Familiarity with AWS MAP processes Technical Skills · AWS: EC2, S3, RDS, Lambda, VPC, IAM, CloudFormation/CDK · GameLift: Fleet management, matchmaking, scaling, cost optimisation · DevOps: CI/CD (GitHub Actions, GitLab, Jenkins), Docker, Kubernetes/EKS · Infrastructure as Code: Terraform, CloudFormation, AWS CDK · Game Development: Unreal/Unity basics, backend integration patterns · Multiplayer Systems: Backend architecture, session management, real-time systems · Observability: CloudWatch, Prometheus, Grafana, or similar Soft Skills · Strong communication and presentation skills · Ability to engage both technical and non-technical stakeholders · Strategic thinking and problem-solving capability · Collaborative, self-driven, and adaptable Desirable · Experience with server-authoritative multiplayer architectures · Knowledge of gaming security and anti-cheat systems · Familiarity with LiveOps and analytics platforms · Cross-platform (PC/console/mobile) experience · Database experience (DynamoDB, Aurora, Redis) · Programming experience (C++, Python, Node.js) What We Offer · Work with leading AAA studios on cutting-edge projects · Collaborative, high-performing team environment · Exposure to diverse and complex technical challenges · Professional development and AWS certification support · Involvement in pre-sales and strategic initiatives Location UK-based (hybrid) - Studio locations: Theale (Berkshire) and Elgin (Moray) Submit your CV and a brief cover letter outlining relevant AWS and gaming experience, including GameLift or MAP involvement. Code Wizards is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. #LI-DNI Department Code Wizards Locations Code Wizards HQ (Reading), Code Wizards North (Elgin) Remote status Hybrid Employment type Full-time Employment level Executive/Senior Level About Code Wizards Group Stuart Muckley and Martin Thomas formed Code Wizards Group back in 2002, bringing together a combined 50 years of coding and video games experience. Since then, they have assembled teams of battle-hardened veterans across both Code Wizards and Multiplayer Wizards; professional services on a mission to help esports orgs, AAA studios, and indies alike build and run successful games. The secret behind our success? We care about our clients' games and players as much as they do.