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Architect, Application Development

Classification Information

Application Development
Application Development analyzes, designs, develops, documents, codes, tests, and debugs IT applications and software. This may include end-user applications, systems software, native applications, or mobile cloud applications.
Individual Contributor
In an individual contributor role, the positions work is primarily achieved through individual efforts or by participating as part of a team. Individual contributors may: Coordinate, influence, or review the work of others. Be the authority on a given program or process. Lead teams. A range of knowledge, complexity, autonomy, and impact may be needed to achieve results at certain levels. Individual contributor roles are reflected in the Academic Administration, Development, General Administration, Technical/STEM, and C1-C4 of the Clinical tracks.
Level 4
Advanced: These positions require an elevated level of experience and education, act independently, and provide team leadership and mentorship.
T - Technical/STEM
Technical roles, including technology and research.

Position Summary

The Architect within Application Development plays a critical role in designing and overseeing the development of complex software systems and applications. This position requires advanced expertise in both software development and IT infrastructure to create scalable, secure, and high-performance solutions. The Architect will collaborate closely with development teams, stakeholders, and other technical leaders to define the overall architecture and ensure that it aligns with both business objectives and technological best practices. They are responsible for setting technical standards, guiding system design, and ensuring that all applications meet the university's requirements for performance, security, and maintainability. As a senior-level role, the Application Development Architect is a key decision-maker in the selection of development tools, frameworks, and technologies. They provide leadership in the design of application frameworks and the integration of multiple systems. This position also requires a deep understanding of both legacy systems and emerging technologies to ensure the successful migration of applications and to support the continuous evolution of systems. The Architect will guide teams through complex technical challenges, ensuring that architectural decisions support the long-term strategic goals of the institution. Additionally, they are responsible for identifying and mitigating risks within the application development life cycle, ensuring that the solutions are both efficient and secure. In addition to providing technical leadership, the Application Development Architect mentors junior and senior developers, offering guidance on best practices, design patterns, and performance optimization. They also play a significant role in collaborating with other architects and IT leadership to ensure the technical vision aligns with the broader organizational strategy. The Architect takes full ownership of large-scale application designs, influencing not only development but also deployment, maintenance, and integration strategies. This role is integral in fostering innovation, driving the adoption of new technologies, and ensuring that the applications developed are forward-thinking, robust, and able to meet the evolving needs of the university.