Information Technology - Solutions Architect

At TDS Telecom, connecting people is at the heart of everything we do. We are forward thinkers who leverage cutting-edge fiber internet technology to strengthen communities. We are dedicated to excellence, which drives us to succeed together, creating a better world through meaningful connections. Ready to make an impact?

As an Information Technology-Solutions Architect, this position has three primary responsibilities:

Work on company initiatives to determine the correct technical infrastructure and architecture.
• Serve in both a directive and consultative role to IT development teams on the implementation of new and existing standards, technologies, tools, services, and practices for software development.
• Assist with the codification of design templates, standards, and methods to support best-in-class software development.

In this position, you will consult on the implementation of third-party software solutions and ensures internally developed software solutions are built in the right way using the technologies and approaches appropriate to our business and computing environment. This requires working across multiple project teams to ensure the best overall approach and use.

In the role of Solutions Architect, you will require expert level technical skills in multiple areas.

You will need to have the ability to infer technology requirements implicit in generalized application needs, identifying development patterns, new services and ensuring that development projects align with the IT technology roadmap is required. In this position, you will require the ability to take a holistic view of a business process that crosses multiple applications and recommend a solution to meet company objectives.

As a Solutions Architect, you will also need strong collaborative skills and the ability to work with project managers, system analysts, other architects, product owners, and developers to ensure business requirements are met and that designs align with the IT technical strategy. You will collaborate with other architects and the management team to support the development of technology direction and help identify and address architectural gaps.

NOTE: Although our preferred candidate would reside within a reasonable commuting distance of Madison, WI, this position can work remotely in any of the 40+ states in which TDS Telecom operates.

• Work on company initiatives to create software designs and new services that will successfully adopt the technologies and design patterns that accomplish our goals for high levels of software re-use and migration towards a service-oriented architecture (SOA).
• Lead research initiatives that will evaluate new technologies to fill a current architectural gap or future architecture need.

• Work with other Architects and IT Management to define the technology architecture for new applications and transitions plans for existing legacy architecture.

  • Keep current with: Software architecture technologies and management trends. Trends in data integration, application integration tools, Industry standards, best practices and Common Information Models (CIM).

  • Development directions of key applications purchased by or developed within Telecom.
• Scan and survey vendors, user groups, consortiums, and other commercial enterprises to understand trends in software development tools, technologies, and methods.
  • Identify opportunities to use open-source software to reduce software acquisition and maintenance costs. Understand trends in best-in-class open-source adoption techniques.
• Review software designs for the successful adoption of technologies and design patterns to accomplish our goals for high levels of software re-use and migration toward service-oriented architecture.
• Assist with the development and maintenance of a common object library (COL) of reusable objects, assemblies, and application services as a resource for all software development activities within IT.
  • Identify publishers and consumers of services, mapping and reduce redundancy of direct data views while abstracting data via the creation of services through a defined Service Oriented Architecture (SOA) approach, prioritize the development of the services to be created.

• Assist with the definition of technical standards and guidelines governing when and how to use various software development tools and technologies that align with TDS Telecom's Strategic Plans (IT Blueprint). Ensure development initiatives follow a "menu" of software development tools, methods, and technologies that IT teams must use.

  • Identify and introduce new best-in-class methods and practices for software development to augment the existing TDS Repeatable Process method for software development.

  • The governing principle is to identify and adapt suitable methods for software development that will improve quality, while simultaneously reducing total development time and rework.

The functions listed above are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by associates assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities; other duties may be assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree (or higher) -OR- 4+ year's professional work experience.
• 7+ years of systems development and/or IT Architecture experience.
• 5 + years of technical leadership experience.
• 5+ years' experience with multiple database technologies, integration services, web services, operating systems, high-level development languages, website development, mobile applications development, multi-cloud environments, and AI technologies.

Other Qualifications

• Advanced and relevant education may substitute for some for some experience requirements.
• Strong written and oral communications skills, including the ability to communicate at all levels of the organization.
• Strong technical experience with application security and multiple computing environments (Virtual Machines, Containers, etc.) within an on premise and multi-cloud environment.
• Experience with multiple Agile frameworks.
• Knowledge of DEVOPS and CI/CD pipelines.
• Strong technical knowledge of Design Patterns and prior Architecture experience.
• Experience with using and delivering AI technologies for internal and external customer use.
• The ability to travel to the office in Madison, WI on an as needed basis is preferred.
• Strong critical thinking skills, including the ability to abstract and see patterns, and the ability to generate and evaluate multiple alternatives as a part of complex decision-making.
• Strong ability to develop, document, and communicate application architecture models in tools such as Visio Enterprise Architect or the Rational suite of tools.
• Telecommunications experience (knowledge of broadband/data preferred).
• Recent and strong application development skills in an object-oriented environment such as Microsoft .NET, C#, ASP.NET, Python, or JAVA/J2EE.
• Experience working in service-oriented Architecture with expert knowledge of Web Services, Web Standards, and other application integration tools and practices.
• Experience with Enterprise Architecture Frameworks (e.g. - The Open Group Architecture Framework (TOGAF), Gartner or Zachman.

Do you meet the Required Qualifications but are unsure if your experience aligns with the Other Qualifications? We encourage you to apply! Research shows that many candidates hesitate to apply unless they meet 100% of the qualifications, even when they possess the skills and experience needed to succeed in the role. Experience and skills come in many forms, and they may not always match exactly what's listed on paper, but they can still lead to success. If you meet the Required Qualifications and believe you have the potential to thrive in this role, we encourage you to apply today!

Physical Demands and Work Environment

While performing the duties of this job, the associate is regularly required to sit, stand, write and operate a computer keyboard, standard office equipment and telephone. The associate regularly communicates with customers. The associate is frequently required to move about and reach for items. The associate may occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an associate to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

Benefits

We believe in taking care of our team, which is why we offer comprehensive benefits to support your health, financial well-being, and overall happiness. Join us and experience a work environment where your well-being is a top priority!

Associates scheduled to work 20 or more hours per week have access to:

• Medical Coverage
• Dental Coverage
• Vision Coverage
• Life Insurance
• 401(k) Plan
• Generous Vacation & Paid Sick Leave
• Seven Paid National Holidays & One Floating Holiday
• Paid Parental Leave (6 weeks after 12 months of employment)
• Adoption & Surrogacy Assistance
• Employee Assistance & Wellness Programs

Associates working 30 or more hours per week additionally have access to:

• Short-Term & Long-Term Disability
• TDS Service Discounts
• Education Assistance
• Paid Volunteer Time

In addition to these benefits, all associates will have the opportunity to participate in our Associate Resource Groups, which are designed to encourage community and facilitate professional development. To learn more, click here.

Who is TDS Telecom?

TDS Telecom provides high-speed internet, TV entertainment, and phone services to a diverse range of communities, including small to mid-sized urban, suburban, and rural areas across the U.S. With over 50 years of experience, TDS is committed to building and expanding fiber optic networks that bring cutting-edge connectivity to neighborhoods nationwide. Serving over 1 million connections, our mission is to create a better world by delivering innovative communication solutions that enhance the way people live, work, and connect. Visit tdstelecom.com to learn more!

At TDS, we are committed to Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and value the difference of backgrounds, experiences and perspectives in our workforce. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by law.

Pay Transparency

The listed pay range reflects the minimum and maximum base salary. Actual offers will be based on factors such as skills, qualifications, experience, location, and role-specific competencies. Some positions may also offer additional compensation, such as bonuses or equity awards.