RIS Google Lead Architect Associate Director

Job description

**Project Role Description:** Act as the primary GCP technical authority within the Cloud & AI Practice, designing, validating, and positioning Google Cloud solutions across transformation, modernization, and AI/ML. Lead mid–large GCP pursuits, define client architecture, and drive practice excellence by tracking GCP services, partner programs, and Vertex AI/Gemini-led delivery patterns. **Must have Skills:** GCP (breadth & depth), Cloud-native architecture, Microservices & containers, AI/ML on GCP (Vertex AI, Gemini), Python, Java/Spring Boot, .NET/C#, Node.js, IaC (Terraform, Config Connector), Pre-sales **Good to Have Skills:** GCP AI/ML, Data pipelines, Migration **Key Responsibilities:** 1. Own GCP solutioning and technical narrative for deals ($3M–$20M). 2. Design end-to-end GCP solutions across compute, network, storage, DB, security, analytics, AI/ML aligned to client needs. 3. Architect AI/ML using Vertex AI (training, pipelines, RAG, agents), Gemini, and Agent Builder with enterprise workflows. 4. Lead modernization using containers (GKE, Cloud Run), serverless (Cloud Functions, Workflows, Eventarc), APIs (Apigee), and event-driven architectures (Pub/Sub, Dataflow). 5. Apply Google Cloud Architecture Framework (reliability, security, performance, cost, sustainability). **6. Build data platforms:** BigQuery, Dataplex, Cloud Storage, streaming (Pub/Sub, Dataflow, Datastream), databases (Spanner, AlloyDB, Firestore, Bigtable). 7. Support Google Cloud Partner growth via specializations, case studies, GTM. 8. Develop proposal artefacts (solutions, diagrams, RFPs, cost models via pricing tools). 9. Conduct discovery workshops, architecture reviews, and POCs. 10. Mentor architects and build reusable accelerators/assets. 11. Collaborate with GCP teams for co-sell and funding (PSO credits, incentives). **Technical Experience:** Strong GCP expertise (GCE, GKE, Cloud Run, Functions, VPC, Interconnect, Spanner, AlloyDB, Bigtable, Firestore) with architecture and cost design skills. Experience with GCP AI/ML (Vertex AI, Gemini, Agent Builder) integrated with enterprise workflows and frameworks (LangChain, LlamaIndex, Hugging Face). **Proficiency in modernization:** containers, serverless, APIs, event-driven systems using Terraform, Config Connector, CI/CD (Cloud Build, GitOps). **Knowledge of data platforms:** BigQuery, Dataplex, Data Catalog, Pub/Sub, Dataflow, Datastream, Looker. **Understanding of GCP security & governance:** IAM, Resource Manager, BeyondCorp, Security Command Center, Chronicle, VPC SC; plus hybrid/migration (Anthos, Distributed Cloud, Migrate to VMs, DMS). **Professional Attributes:** Trusted GCP authority engaging architects, CTOs, and partner forums. Strong pre-sales ownership for mid-to-large pursuits. Clear communicator translating architecture into business outcomes. Commercially aware (cost, TCO, delivery feasibility). Collaborative across stakeholders and GCP teams. Continuously updated with GCP roadmap, I/O, and AI releases. **Experience & Qualifications:** 18+ years IT experience; 3+ years as Solution/Cloud/Pre-sales Architect. Experience across GCP domains (modernization, data, AI/ML, security, migration). Exposure to $3M–$20M deals; familiarity with co-sell/PSO preferred. Hands-on ability to design, validate, and prototype solutions. Degree in Computer Science/Engineering or related field. GCP Professional Cloud Architect (mandatory); additional certifications preferred