Job ID: JOB_ID_396

Position Overview

We are seeking a visionary and highly experienced Principal Enterprise Architect to lead the digital transformation initiatives for a premier global airline client, United Airlines. This hybrid role, based in either Chicago, IL or Houston, TX, requires a strategic leader who can navigate the complexities of a large-scale enterprise environment. As a Principal Architect, you will be responsible for defining the overarching technical strategy, ensuring that IT investments align with business objectives while driving innovation through cloud-native technologies, microservices, and emerging AI capabilities. This is a high-impact role that demands a blend of deep technical expertise, governance experience, and the ability to influence senior stakeholders across the organization.

Core Responsibilities

  • Develop and maintain the enterprise architecture roadmap, ensuring it supports the long-term digital strategy of the airline.
  • Lead the Architecture Review Board (ARB), providing critical oversight and guidance on solution designs to ensure alignment with enterprise standards and design patterns.
  • Drive the adoption of AWS cloud services, architecting scalable and resilient solutions that optimize performance and cost-efficiency.
  • Orchestrate the migration of legacy monolithic applications to modern microservices architectures, utilizing service mesh and advanced API management techniques.
  • Collaborate with domain and solution architects to establish technical standards, reference architectures, and architecture decision frameworks.
  • Conduct research and develop Proof of Concepts (PoCs) for emerging technologies, specifically focusing on Generative AI and Agentic AI to enhance operational efficiency.
  • Establish robust governance for API security, resiliency, and observability, ensuring high availability for mission-critical airline systems.
  • Evaluate and select third-party software and SaaS packages, managing the architectural integration of these solutions into the existing ecosystem.
  • Mentor and coach a team of architects, fostering a culture of continuous learning and technical excellence.
  • Communicate complex architectural visions to executive leadership, providing strategic advice on technology trends and their potential business impact.

Technical Qualifications

  • Extensive hands-on experience in designing and deploying large-scale business software in a cloud environment, specifically AWS.
  • Deep knowledge of microservices architecture, containerization (Docker/Kubernetes), and service mesh technologies.
  • Strong background in API management, identity and access management (IAM), and application security protocols.
  • Experience with high-performance caching technologies such as Redis and modern observability tools.
  • Familiarity with Enterprise Architecture frameworks such as TOGAF, Zachman, or Gartner methodologies.
  • Ability to lead cultural change and drive the adoption of new best practices across a global IT organization.

Experience and Education

  • Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or a related field is required; a Master’s degree is highly preferred.
  • Minimum of 7 years of demonstrable IT experience, with at least 5 years in a dedicated Enterprise Architecture role.
  • Prior experience as a Principal Architect, Chief Architect, or Head of Architecture in a global, high-volume organization.
  • AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Professional certification is strongly desired.
  • Previous experience within the Airline or Transportation industry is considered a major plus.
  • Exceptional technical writing and presentation skills, with the ability to document complex environments for diverse audiences.

Work Environment and Special Requirements

This is a hybrid position requiring in-office attendance 2-3 days per week at the client’s hubs in Chicago, IL or Houston, TX. Candidates must be US Citizens or Green Card holders. The selection process includes rigorous phone and Skype interviews. Applicants must provide a valid Driver’s License, proof of Visa status, and a link to a professional LinkedIn profile. This role offers a unique opportunity to shape the future of travel technology at one of the world’s leading airlines.

Special Requirements

Visa: Citizen or Green Card only. Hybrid: 2-3 days in office (Chicago/Houston). Interview: Phone and Skype. Requirements: DL, Visa, and LinkedIn profile required.

Compensation & Location

Salary: $190,000 – $260,000 per year (Estimated)

Location: Chicago, IL

Recruiter / Company – Contact Information

Recruiter / Employer: TEK Inspirations LLC

Email: kishan.kumar@tekinspirations.com

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