Lead Specialist, Solution Architect

Summary:

Do you want to be part of the biggest digital transformation in the EdTech and help people around the world to learn languages and realize their dreams?

The English Language Learning (ELL) division of Pearson is looking for a talented and motivated professional to join our growing team of architects. Reporting to the Engineering Lead of the business unit for Institutional Business, you will be responsible for defining and designing the architecture which underpins our digital ecosystem.

Key Accountabilities:

• Collaborate with business stakeholders to understand their requirements and translate them into actionable technical solutions.
• Design and create solution architectures that align with business objectives, taking into consideration scalability, reliability, security, and performance.
• Evaluate and recommend technology options, considering factors such as cost, feasibility, and technical constraints.
• Provide technical leadership and guidance to development teams throughout the software development lifecycle.
• Ensure architectural coherence and adherence to industry standards and best practices.
• Mitigate risks by identifying potential challenges and proposing solutions or alternative approaches.
• Facilitate effective communication and collaboration among cross-functional teams, including business stakeholders, developers, testers, and infrastructure teams.
• Conduct system assessments and performance reviews to identify areas for improvement and optimization.
• Stay updated with industry trends, emerging technologies, and best practices related to solution architecture.
• Contribute to the development and maintenance of architectural frameworks, guidelines, and standards within the organization.
• Drive innovation by proposing new ideas, technologies, and approaches that can enhance business processes and outcomes.
• Ensure compliance with security, privacy, and regulatory requirements in the design and implementation of solutions.
• Collaborate with project managers to define project scope, timelines, and deliverables, and provide technical input for project planning and estimation.

Experience, Skills, and Knowledge:

• System architecture design and modelling
• Proficiency in one or more programming languages (e.g., Java, C#, Python)
• Web technologies: HTML, CSS, JavaScript, front-end frameworks (React, Angular, Vue.js)
• Database management systems (MySQL, SQL Server, MongoDB), Data modelling and database design
• Cloud computing platforms and services (AWS, Azure, GCP)
• Integration technologies: ESB, message queues, API gateways
• Security principles and best practices, including authentication, authorization, encryption
• DevOps practices and tools (CI/CD, version control, automated testing)
• Performance optimization techniques, load balancing, scalability, and distributed system design principles
• Microservices architecture and design principles
• Familiarity with emerging technologies (AI, ML, IoT, blockchain)
• Understanding of software development lifecycle (SDLC) and Agile methodologies
• Knowledge of enterprise architecture frameworks (TOGAF, Zachman)
• Experience with security frameworks and technologies
• Understanding of network protocols (TCP/IP, HTTP, REST)
• Proficient in architectural patterns (layered architecture, microservices, SOA)
• Knowledge of data integration techniques and protocols (SOAP, REST, XML, JSON)
• Familiarity with containerization and orchestration technologies (Docker, Kubernetes)
• Understanding of virtualization, storage, and networking concepts
• Experience in performance testing and optimization tools
• Knowledge of compliance regulations (GDPR, HIPAA)
• Understanding of software and system testing methodologies