Infrastructure Architect

Job Description

The Infrastructure Architect position is an exciting and pivotal role in our thriving architecture consulting practice.  Practitioners of infrastructure architecture have the opportunity to develop their technical design skills while shaping the future of our client’s information technology systems.

As an Infrastructure Architect for Elite Systems, you’ll be responsible for:

• interpreting your client’s IT infrastructure project requirements and defining use cases that can be used for solution architecture and design
• mapping logical relationships between solution components so as to address use cases
• designing physical characteristics of the solution and developing an implementation plan
• consulting during the implementation phase to ensure optimal delivery of the project
• creating reference architectures and other transitional documentation to bring your projects to successful closure

Infrastructure Architecture is an emerging profession with a fantastic career trajectory and excellent compensation.  We’re excited to offer this position to infrastructure specialists who are ready for a new level of challenge in their careers, or to experienced architects who can help in the development of our professional architecture practice.

Education

Ideally, you possess a post-secondary education in computer science or a related field, which has provided you with a wide base of fundamental knowledge upon which you’ve built your subsequent career. 

Alternatively, you’ve acquired a demonstrably commensurate level of skill through a dedication to personal and professional development, and a general enthusiasm for technology.

In either case, your education has prepared you for a professional life that includes peripheral involvement in a wide variety of technology disciplines, including:

• Communication and Information Management
• Basic Programming Principles
• Databases and Database Management
• Systems Analysis
• IT Project Management
• Security, Privacy and Ethics

Experience

Ideally, you’ve been working professionally in the field of information technology for more than ten years – certainly no less than seven.  During this time, you’ve held a variety of roles, each with escalating technical complexity and responsibility.  The bulk of your work has been directly related to infrastructure systems, and you’re very comfortable with infrastructure solutions of all kinds as a result.

You’ve worked in project roles and have some experience in functioning as part of a project team.  You know how to function in the context of a project and what the role of an architect is.

You’ve also worked in autonomous situations with great success in the past, and have a proven track record of delivering results on a timeline.  You’re good at managing your own tasks and you don’t require a high level of supervision to be successful.

This role is exclusive to the Calgary metropolitan area.  Experience in Oil and Gas and peripheral industries is highly desirable but not a requirement.

Organizational Structure

In the Infrastructure Architect role you’ll report directly to the Architecture Team Lead, who will assist you in the development of architecture solutions that align with Elite System’s architectural process and standards.  You’ll also report indirectly to client project management offices and architecture teams, and as such you’ll be required to adapt your reporting and documentation style at times to match the requirements of the client.

Skills

One of your most distinguishing characteristics is your ability to communicate effectively in both a written and verbal manner.  You take pride in the documentation that you produce, and you’re comfortable leading a discussion in front of a whiteboard.

Ideally, you have a lot of experience creating polished technical drawings in Microsoft Visio.  You’ve worked with Microsoft Project as a project team member in the past and can construct a basic Gantt chart with tasks.  You’re very familiar with Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Word, and you can create professional looking artifacts using these tools.

Most importantly, you know a wide variety of IT infrastructure technologies and feel comfortable creating infrastructure solutions based on them.

You present yourself professionally and dress accordingly.

Qualifications

During your career you may have picked up some technical certifications that show some areas of specialisation.  These may include certifications from Microsoft, Cisco, VMware, Linux, NetApp and others.  While these certifications are an asset and show your dedication to professional development, they aren’t a steadfast requirement.

You’re comfortable in designing systems based on a majority the following:

• Server systems, including Windows, Unix, Linux and virtualization platforms
• Infrastructure server applications, such as directory services, email systems, certificate services and PKI
• Network systems, such as routers, switches, firewalls and wide area networks
• Storage and backup systems, including storage area networks, tape libraries and storage arrays
• End user computing systems, such as desktop operating systems, VDI platforms and remote terminal systems
• Datacenter services, such as cooling, power, network connectivity and Internet services
• Security systems, such as two-factor authentication, IDS / IPS and endpoint protection services

Personality

In the workplace, you’re a methodical planner with great attention to detail.  You work well with others and you’re happy to change projects and even clients from time to time.  You understand how to manage your time and objectives and you don’t have problems achieving a work / life balance.