Software Solutions Architect

Job Description

We are seeking an experienced Solution Architect to design and deliver scalable, cloud-native solutions using microservices and event-driven architectures. The role focuses on building resilient distributed systems, enabling enterprise modernization, and driving

high-quality technical delivery across platforms.

Job Duties

Design end-to-end architecture for scalable microservices and distributed systems

Drive monolith to microservices modernization using DDD and API-first principles

Architect event-driven systems using platforms like Apache Kafka, RabbitMQ, and IBM MQ

Define and govern API contracts (REST, OpenAPI, gRPC) and integration patterns

Implement resilience patterns (circuit breaker, retries, DLQ, saga orchestration)

Design cloud-native solutions on Microsoft Azure and Amazon Web Services

Lead containerization using Docker and orchestration with Kubernetes / Red Hat OpenShift

Establish CI/CD pipelines and DevOps practices (Azure DevOps, Jenkins, GitHub)

Design data pipelines, migration, and real-time integration solutions

Ensure NFRs - Scalability, performance, security (OAuth2, mTLS), and reliability

Implement observability (logging, monitoring, tracing – Splunk, Dynatrace, AppDynamics)

Provide technical leadership, architecture governance, and design reviews

Program Oversight: Provide oversight and coordination across the Child Support program, ensuring alignment across initiatives and project efforts

Initial Ramp Up: Participate in shadowing and knowledge transfer during the first few weeks to gain familiarity with systems, processes, and stakeholders.

Cross Project Support: Work within a large team of 100+ employees, with flexibility to support and move between multiple projects as needed

Requirements

10+ years:

Experience in software engineering and solution architecture roles

7+ years:

Demonstrated experience designing and implementing microservices and event-driven architectures

Strong expertise with Java and Spring Boot (or similar frameworks), RESTful APIs, and distributed systems

Hands-on experience working with cloud platforms such as AWS and/or Azure, including Docker and Kubernetes

Proven experience with Kafka or other messaging platforms, including enterprise integration patterns

Solid understanding and practical application of DDD, CQRS, Saga patterns, and API design best practices

Experience with Kafka / messaging systems and integration patterns

Solid understanding of DDD, CQRS, Saga, and API design

Desired Skills

Experience supporting large-scale enterprise or government environments

AWS Certified Solutions Architect and/or Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect Expert

Experience working with data platforms and ETL/ELT pipelines

Hands-on development experience is a plus to support technical decision-making and solution guidance

Minimum Education

None

Location

Candidates must be local to the Lansing, Michigan area (within 90 miles) at time of submission. This requirement is non-negotible.

Position is a hybrid schedule (Non-Negotiable): There is no remote-only option. Required onsite days- Wednesdays and Thursdays. Remote eligible days- Mondays, Tuesdays, and Fridays. The resource must meet these requirements from the beginning.

Working hours Monday-Friday, approximately 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Additional Requirements

Must be authorized to work in the United States; We are unable to offer sponsorships at this time

Must undergo a background check and drug screening for employment.

Employment Terms

This is a W2 position

40 hrs per week

HYBRID schedule - (Non-Negotiable): There is no remote-only option. Required onsite days- Wednesdays and Thursdays. Remote eligible days- Mondays, Tuesdays, and Fridays. The resource must meet these requirements from the beginning.

About Zenfreed

At Zenfreed, we are more than an IT company. We bridge the gap between people wanting to do the work they were meant to do and organizations needing the right talent.

We are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive and authentic workplace, so if you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.

Benefits

We understand a comprehensive benefits package is crucial to employment satisfaction. We offer medical, dental and vision coverage options for all employees.

Full-time