Job DescriptionJob SummaryThe Principal Architect (Marketing and Retailer Systems) is a senior technical leader responsible for defining and advancing Subaru of America's enterprise application architecture strategy. With a focus on application design, integration, scalability, and security, this role plays a critical part in shaping how systems are structured, connected, and evolve across the organization.
Serving as a trusted authority on enterprise application practices, the Principal Architect establishes standards for application interoperability, performance, and lifecycle management, while driving innovation in modern application architectures. Operating as a core member of a broader team of Principal Architects, this role collaborates closely with peers to align on standards, exchange best practices, and collectively drive a cohesive, enterprise-wide architectural vision. Recognized as an expert both internally and externally, this role sets the direction for scalable, secure, and business-aligned application ecosystems that support SOA's most impactful initiatives.
Primary ResponsibilitiesEnterprise-Wide Architectural Leadership (20%)- Define and evolve the enterprise application architecture across key domains, including application platforms, cloud platforms, integration, security, and operational services, ensuring cohesive and scalable end-to-end solutions across hybrid and multi-cloud environments.
- Act as the lead architect for enterprise initiatives and programs, aligning strategy and investments with SOA's long-term business and operational objectives.
- Drive the integration and accessibility of systems across on-prem and cloud platforms to enable reliable, high-performing, and future-ready application capabilities.
Vision and Strategy Development (15%)- Shape SOA's enterprise strategy with a 3-5-year horizon, aligning platforms, cloud adoption strategies, integration patterns, and architectural standards with evolving business priorities and emerging trends.
- Identify and champion innovative initiatives that drive transformational value and position SOA to lead in delivering modern, cloud-enabled, scalable solutions.
- Lead the development of application architecture contributions to enterprise strategic planning, ensuring applications are treated as core enablers of business capability and growth.
Innovation and Influence (15%)- Drive innovative solutions that enhance scalability, performance, and business agility, leveraging cloud-native capabilities and modern architectures to create sustained strategic advantage for SOA.
- Elevate enterprise architecture capabilities by promoting best practices in system design, cloud adoption, integration, reliability, and security, while fostering a culture of continuous improvement and engineering excellence.
- Extend influence beyond the organization by contributing to the broader architecture and technology community through thought leadership, publications, and participation in industry forums.
Solution Design and Problem Solving (20%)- Independently address complex enterprise architecture and integration challenges, including those involving emerging technologies and evolving architectural patterns.
- Design and implement enterprise-scale solutions that span multiple systems and platforms, ensuring seamless integration and interoperability across the technology landscape.
- Ensure all solution designs prioritize scalability, resilience, performance, and long-term sustainability to support evolving business needs and strategic objectives.
Communication and Leadership (15%)- Clearly articulate complex enterprise application concepts, architecture, and strategy to a wide range of audiences, including executives, business stakeholders, and technical teams.
- Collaborate closely with peer architects to align on enterprise standards, share insights, and ensure a cohesive, cross-domain architectural approach.
- Develop and deliver architecture documentation, standards, and roadmaps that effectively communicate direction to both technical and non-technical audiences.
- Provide leadership, coaching, and mentorship to teams across SOA IT, promoting best practices in solution design, integrations, and engineering excellence.
External Engagement and Advocacy (15%)- Represent SOA in architecture, application, and technology conferences, panels, and industry forums to elevate the organization's leadership in enterprise architecture.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with peers, technology partners, and academic institutions to bring emerging architectural patterns, platforms, and innovations into SOA.
- Strengthen SOA's reputation as a leader in enterprise architecture and solution delivery to attract top-tier architecture and engineering talent.
SkillsEnterprise Solution Architecture Expertise- Demonstrates deep, authoritative knowledge across enterprise application and technology domains with a proven ability to design and integrate complex, cross-functional solutions.
- Strong expertise in cloud platforms (most importantly AWS), including application platforms, integration services, APIs, security, observability, and AI/ML capabilities.
- Deep experience with architectural patterns such as microservices, event-driven architectures, API-first design, domain-driven design, and distributed systems, along with application lifecycle management, service orchestration, and platform engineering.
- Applies a security-first approach by embedding protection, identity, and governance controls into solution designs.
- Ensures emerging technologies such as AI and agentic workflows are security integrated, governed, and aligned with enterprise standards.
- Proven track record in establishing architecture standards, governance frameworks, and reusable patterns that promote consistency, scalability, and effective solution delivery across the enterprise.
Strategic and Conceptual Thinking- Anticipates emerging trends in enterprise technology, cloud and software engineering, and translates them into actionable enterprise architecture strategies.
- Demonstrates the ability to conceive and lead initiatives that transform how systems are designed, integrated, and delivered to enable business capabilities and modernize technology platforms.
Enterprise Solution Strategy Development- Demonstrates the ability to design and implement comprehensive solution strategies that support diverse use cases, including digital applications, transactional systems, and integration services.
- Ensures each solution approach is backed by appropriate architecture, technologies, and governance to enable scalable, resilient, and secure system interactions across the enterprise.
- Aligns application capabilities with business priorities to support reliable, high-performing systems that drive operational and customer-facing outcomes.
Security, Risk, and Compliance Proficiency- Demonstrates knowledge of security and compliance requirements, workflows, and strategies for protecting applications and systems, including identity and access management, encryption, secure coding practices, and threat mitigation.
- Supports and enforces enterprise security policies and risk management practices across solution architectures.
Hands-On Technical Proficiency- Maintains the ability to work hands-on when needed, leveraging modern programming languages, frameworks, and cloud services to support investigation, proof-of-concept (POC) development, and rapid prototyping.
- Capable of diving into code and system configurations to validate architectural decisions, troubleshoot complex system challenges, and accelerate innovation.
Communication and Influence- Demonstrates mastery in written and verbal communication skills, engaging effectively with both senior leadership and technical teams.
- Skilled in collaborating with a broader community of architects across domains to align on architectural direction, share best practices, and drive cohesive enterprise outcomes.
- Comfortable advocating for architectural change and influencing stakeholders across organizational boundaries.
Leadership Through Networks- Demonstrates leadership in matrixed environments with the ability to lead through influence rather than direct authority.
- Experience forming and leading communities of practice or cross-functional architecture working groups.
Innovation and Industry Engagement- Recognized leader in enterprise solution architecture, with external visibility through thought leadership, speaking engagements, and contributions to the broader technology and architecture community.
- Demonstrates a strong passion for advancing modern application architectures and applying them in innovative ways to transform how systems are built and operated.
Business and Competitive Insights- Demonstrates a deep understanding of business operations and how technology solutions enable competitive advantage.
- Ability to incorporate industry trends, benchmarking, and technology insights into SOA's enterprise architecture, ensuring strategies and solutions that enhance business outcomes and inform strategic decision-making.
Education- Bachelor's Degree in a related field of study - Required Or
- H.S. Diploma and equivalent experience in lieu of degree - Required
Work Experience- At least 12-15 years of relevant and progressive work experience - Required
Benefits:Subaru offers a comprehensive benefits package including:
- Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage
- Pension, Profit Sharing, and 401(k) match
- Paid time off, company holidays, floating holidays, and sick time
- Tuition Reimbursement Program
- Vehicle Discount Programs
Visit our Careers site to learn more about Subaru's total rewards and benefits.
