Job Title: Senior IT Solutions Architect
Location: Sarasota, FL (preferred), Houston, TX, or Brooklyn Park, MN
Reports to: IT Director
Compensation Range: $130,000 to $180,000 annually
Benefits: Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, 401(k) with company match, and paid time off
What We Are Looking For
We are seeking a Senior IT Solutions Architect to help design and build a next-generation, field-first technology platform that supports Ceres’ expanding operations in forestry, infrastructure, and disaster response. This role will be instrumental in bridging business needs with scalable, secure, and modern technology solutions. Must have experience designing and building software business applications.
This is a highly hands-on role focused on building real-world systems. Projects will include mobile and web applications that integrate data from drones, sensors, LiDAR, AI, and rugged field equipment. The ideal candidate will operate across architecture and execution, working closely with both technical teams and field operations to ensure solutions are practical, scalable, and effective in remote and offline environments.
Success in the first 12 months will include defining core system architecture, leading initial product builds, and delivering solutions that are actively used by field teams.
What You Will Do
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Design and develop end-to-end solution architectures that align with business objectives, scalability, and long-term growth.
- Lead the design and development of mobile and web applications supporting field operations and data collection.
- Evaluate and select appropriate technologies, platforms, and tools to meet functional and non-functional requirements.
- Build systems that integrate data from multiple sources, including LiDAR, sensors, drones, and real-time field inputs.
- Ensure systems are designed for offline and low-connectivity environments with reliable data synchronization.
- Guide teams through design, development, testing, deployment, and post go-live support.
- Serve as a technical subject matter expert across cloud, infrastructure, application, and integration domains.
- Conduct architecture reviews, code assessments, and technical risk evaluations.
- Partner with business stakeholders to translate operational workflows into scalable technical solutions.
- Communicate complex technical concepts clearly to non-technical stakeholders.
- Take ownership of project delivery, ensuring architectural alignment throughout implementation.
- Mentor and support engineering teams, fostering a culture of technical excellence.
Required Qualifications
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Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Engineering, or related field.
- 8+ years of experience in solutions architecture, system design, or enterprise engineering with a track record of building applications.
- Proven experience designing and building software applications (web, mobile, or enterprise platforms).
- Strong experience with cloud platforms (Azure preferred).
- Experience with APIs, microservices, CI/CD pipelines, and modern DevOps practices.
- Strong understanding of data architecture, databases, and system integration patterns.
- Experience building systems that operate in offline or low-connectivity environments.
- Experience integrating AI or data-driven systems into production environments.
- Strong communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to travel to remote field locations as needed.
Preferred Qualifications
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Experience working with LiDAR, GIS systems, sensors, or real-time data capture technologies.
- Knowledge of forestry, environmental services, or field-based operations.
- Experience with Microsoft development environments and low-code platforms (e.g., OutSystems).
What to Expect
This role blends architecture, hands-on development, and real-world problem solving. You will work closely with both technical teams and field personnel, requiring adaptability and a willingness to operate in evolving and sometimes ambiguous environments.
Expect to:
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Collaborate across business, operations, and engineering teams
- Engage with field crews to understand workflows and system needs
- Design and build systems that function in rugged, real-world conditions
- Travel occasionally to support product design, testing, and deployment
Physical Requirements and Environment
Ceres provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and to applicants with sincerely held religious beliefs, as required by law. The physical requirements listed below reflect the essential functions of this role. If you need accommodation to perform these functions, please inform us during the application process.
- Ability to lift and move up to [50] pounds with or without reasonable accommodation.
- Specific vision abilities to include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus where required to safely perform the job.
- Willing to wear PPE (Personal Protective Equipment), including but not limited to hard hats, protective eyewear, steel-toed boots, etc., in jobs that require PPE
- Ability to work in adverse weather/field conditions, elevated spaces, confined spaces, extreme temperatures, exposure to mechanical parts, wet and/or humid conditions, high, precarious places, fumes or airborne particles, risk of electrical shock and vibration, and loud noise levels.
- Commitment to following safety standards and protocols.
Why Join Ceres?
At Ceres, you won’t just have a job, you’ll have a mission. Your work will directly impact the speed and strength of community recovery after disasters.
We offer:
- A collaborative, mission-driven culture.
- Opportunities for professional growth and advancement.
- The chance to make a lasting difference for communities across the U.S.
Ceres Environmental is proud to be an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to age, race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, religion, disability status, or protected veteran status.
E-Verify: We comply with Federal law by verifying employment eligibility.
