Solutions Architect

Solutions Architect

Full-Time 72000 - 108000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
SmartChoice International Limited

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Transform legacy systems into scalable, cloud-native architectures for global clients.
  • Company: Join a leading tech firm in London with a hybrid work model.
  • Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, health benefits, and opportunities for professional growth.
  • Why this job: Be at the forefront of tech innovation and make a real impact on modernization projects.
  • Qualifications: 10+ years in mainframe systems and modern frameworks like Java and .NET.
  • Other info: Dynamic team environment with excellent career advancement opportunities.

The predicted salary is between 72000 - 108000 £ per year.

We are seeking an experienced Modernization Solutions Architect to join a high-impact solutions team focused on transforming legacy systems into scalable, cloud-native architectures. This role involves designing and delivering end-to-end modernization strategies across mainframe, midrange, and distributed environments for global enterprise clients.

Key Responsibilities

  • Architect and deliver modernization solutions leveraging latest tools and platforms, including:
  • AWS Mainframe Modernization Service, AWS Transform, and IBM Watson Code Assistant for z for automated code analysis, refactoring, and migration.
  • Agentic AI-driven modernization accelerators for intelligent code conversion, dependency mapping, and automated testing.
  • Independent Software Vendor partner technologies for modernization.
  • Design architectures incorporating:
    • Mainframe ‘In-place modernization and optimization’ and Mainframe ‘Exit-to-Cloud’.
    • Event-driven architectures (AWS EventBridge, Apache Kafka, IBM MQ) for real-time integration and decoupling.
    • Strangler Fig patterns for incremental modernization without disrupting business operations.
    • Domain-driven design, microservices, and API-first strategies for scalability and resilience.
  • Enable UI/UX modernization using Angular, React, and other front-end frameworks.
  • Implement modernization approaches using Java, .NET, and modern frameworks (Spring Boot, .NET Core).
  • Integrate DevSecOps pipelines, CI/CD automation, and container orchestration (Kubernetes, OpenShift).
  • Advise on best practices for re-factoring, re-platforming, remediation and re-hosting legacy applications using modern frameworks and containerization.
  • Basic Qualifications

    • 10+ years of hands-on technical experience with mainframe systems and technologies such as COBOL, JCL, Assembler, PL/I, RPG, Rexx, CICS, DB2, IMS DB, IMS DC, VSAM, Adabas/Natural.
    • Experience on distributed client-server architecture systems, with proficiency in technologies such as Java, .NET, and experience with modern front-end frameworks such as Angular, React, Vue.
    • Knowledge of cloud migration and modernization approaches and patterns on various hyperscaler platforms such as Amazon Web Services, Microsoft Azure, Google Cloud Platform, VMWare Tanzu, IBM OpenShift, Oracle Cloud.

    Preferred Qualifications

    • 15+ years designing architectures for mission-critical, large-scale transaction processing and batch applications on IBM z / IBM i systems.
    • Experience with AI-assisted code relearning and conversion tools, automated modernization frameworks, and agentic AI orchestration.
    • Familiarity with AWS Mainframe Modernization tools, AWS Transform, IBM Watson Code Assistant for z and similar hyperscaler offerings.
    • Knowledge of event-driven architectures, Strangler Fig patterns, and agentic AI-based modernization approaches.
    • Hands-on experience with containerization and orchestration platforms (Kubernetes, OpenShift).
    • Familiarity with modern application frameworks (Spring Boot, Angular, React, Vue).
    • Experience implementing event-driven microservices, API gateways, and serverless architectures.
    • Strong understanding of modernization patterns such as Strangler Fig, Domain-Driven Design, and Event Sourcing.

    Solutions Architect employer: SmartChoice International Limited

    Join a forward-thinking company that values innovation and collaboration, where as a Modernization Solutions Architect in London, you will be at the forefront of transforming legacy systems into cutting-edge cloud-native architectures. Our hybrid work culture promotes flexibility and work-life balance, while our commitment to employee growth ensures you have access to continuous learning opportunities and the latest technologies. With a focus on impactful projects for global enterprise clients, you'll find meaningful and rewarding work that drives your career forward.
    SmartChoice International Limited

    Contact Detail:

    SmartChoice International Limited Recruiting Team

    StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

    We think this is how you could land Solutions Architect

    ✨Network Like a Pro

    Get out there and connect with folks in the industry! Attend meetups, webinars, or even just grab a coffee with someone who’s already in the role you want. We can’t stress enough how valuable personal connections can be in landing that Solutions Architect gig.

    ✨Show Off Your Skills

    When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, don’t hold back! Share your experiences with modernisation projects, especially those involving AWS or AI-driven tools. We want to see your passion and expertise shine through!

    ✨Prepare for the Interview

    Do your homework on the company and the specific challenges they face in modernising their systems. We recommend coming up with a few tailored solutions to discuss during the interview. It shows you’re proactive and ready to hit the ground running!

    ✨Apply Through Our Website

    Don’t forget to apply directly through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are genuinely interested in joining our team!

    We think you need these skills to ace Solutions Architect

    AWS Mainframe Modernization Service
    AWS Transform
    IBM Watson Code Assistant for z
    Agentic AI-driven modernization accelerators
    Event-driven architectures
    Apache Kafka
    IBM MQ
    Strangler Fig patterns
    Domain-driven design
    Microservices
    API-first strategies
    Angular
    React
    Java
    .NET
    Spring Boot
    DevSecOps pipelines
    CI/CD automation
    Kubernetes
    OpenShift
    COBOL
    JCL
    Assembler
    PL/I
    RPG
    Rexx
    CICS
    DB2
    IMS DB
    IMS DC
    VSAM
    Adabas/Natural

    Some tips for your application 🫡

    Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Solutions Architect role. Highlight your experience with modernization strategies and cloud-native architectures, as these are key for us. Use specific examples that showcase your skills in technologies like AWS and Java.

    Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Share your passion for transforming legacy systems and how your background aligns with our mission at StudySmarter. Keep it concise but impactful, and don’t forget to mention why you want to join our team.

    Showcase Relevant Projects: If you've worked on projects involving mainframe modernization or cloud migration, make sure to include them in your application. We love seeing real-world applications of your skills, so don’t hold back on the details!

    Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining the StudySmarter family!

    How to prepare for a job interview at SmartChoice International Limited

    ✨Know Your Tech Inside Out

    Make sure you’re well-versed in the technologies mentioned in the job description, like AWS Mainframe Modernization Service and IBM Watson Code Assistant. Brush up on your knowledge of mainframe systems and modern frameworks like Java and .NET, as well as cloud migration strategies.

    ✨Showcase Your Experience

    Prepare to discuss specific projects where you've successfully implemented modernization solutions. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and highlight your hands-on experience with legacy systems and cloud-native architectures.

    ✨Understand the Business Impact

    Be ready to explain how your architectural decisions can drive business value. Discuss how you’ve used patterns like Strangler Fig or event-driven architectures to improve scalability and resilience without disrupting operations.

    ✨Ask Insightful Questions

    Prepare thoughtful questions about the company’s current modernization challenges and their approach to cloud-native architectures. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if the company is the right fit for you.

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