Senior Architect Enterprise Innovation Lab (Multiple Positions)

Job Description

The Senior Architect - Enterprise Innovation Lab leads the design and development of technical solutions that modernize Houston ISD''s business and student-facing platforms. This role guides architectural strategy for new applications, integrations, and platform extensions - particularly in support of the district''s transition from legacy SAP to Oracle Fusion Cloud. The Senior Architect ensures that solutions are scalable, secure, and aligned with long-term district technology goals. As a technical leader, this role also mentors junior architects and contributes to cross-platform governance and innovation.

Senior Architect - Enterprise Innovation Lab - Responsibilities

Responsibilities

• Design technical architecture for new custom applications, cloud integrations, and system extensions.
• Provide leadership on integration strategies between Oracle Fusion, Microsoft systems, and other platforms.
• Guide best practices for secure, scalable software design across the Innovation Lab portfolio.
• Collaborate with functional teams to translate user needs into technical architecture.
• Conduct code reviews, architecture reviews, and risk assessments for in-house development projects.
• Lead proof-of-concept efforts for new technologies, frameworks, or integration approaches.
• Ensure technical solutions meet district security, data governance, and interoperability standards.
• Contribute to DevOps maturity, CI/CD pipeline improvement, and API management strategies.
• Mentor architects and developers, supporting technical growth and solution consistency. Other duties as assigned.

Senior Architect - Enterprise Innovation Lab - Skills

Job Qualifications

WORK EXPERIENCE

Minimum of 7 years in enterprise software architecture or application development, with at least 3 years in a leadership role. Experience with ERP system integration and public sector applications preferred.

TYPE OF SKILL AND/OR REQUIRED LICENSING/CERTIFICATION

Software Expert-level understanding of application design, microservices, and RESTful APIs Familiarity with Oracle Fusion, Azure, and Microsoft Power Platform Strong knowledge of authentication, data flows, and application security Experience with agile development and software lifecycle tools (e.g., GitHub, Azure DevOps)

LEADERSHIP RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provides technical leadership across cross-functional teams. Guides solution architecture strategy and mentors Innovation Lab staff.

WORK COMPLEXITY/INDEPENDENT JUDGMENT

• Designs highly complex systems. Evaluates multiple solution paths, balancing risk, cost, and performance. Exercises independent technical authority.

BUDGET AUTHORITY

• Advises on software tools, cloud consumption, and architectural investments. May contribute to project budgeting and tool selection.

PROBLEM SOLVING

• Solves architecture challenges across new and legacy systems. Ensures interoperability, performance, and maintainability of technical designs.

IMPACT OF DECISIONS

• Solutions affect enterprise reliability, user experience, and long-term sustainability. Architecture flaws can increase technical debt or risk.

COMMUNICATION/INTERACTIONS

• Communicates frequently with IT directors, developers, and business stakeholders. Translates complex technical decisions into actionable guidance.

CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIPS

• Enables business and instructional innovation by delivering reliable, modern platform solutions that reduce friction for end users.

WORKING/ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

• Office environment. May require extended hours for project launches, platform upgrades, or critical deployments.