AUTOMATION ARCHITECT JOB DESCRIPTION

Automation Architecture is what turns a collection of disconnected tools into a coherent, governed system. An Automation Architect owns the end-to-end structural decisions that determine whether an enterprise's automation investments yield measurable efficiency gains or accumulate technical debt. This role operates at the Architect/Lead seniority tier, setting frameworks that span multi-cloud environments, RPA programs, and CI/CD pipelines simultaneously. The accountability is both technical and organizational: designs must satisfy engineering rigor while earning adoption from business stakeholders who measure success in process cycle time and error reduction, not code elegance.

As the Automation Architect, you define the standards, patterns, and governance that govern how automation solutions are designed, validated, and scaled across the enterprise, translating ambiguous business requirements into durable technical frameworks. You operate within a cross-functional engineering organization, partnering with delivery leads, platform engineers, and business process owners to ensure that automation programs produce consistent, measurable outcomes rather than one-off scripts.

Career Impact: Owning automation architecture at the enterprise scale gives you a portfolio of cross-platform design decisions - spanning infrastructure-as-code, RPA programs, and test automation - that distinguishes your profile from narrower implementation roles in the market.

Business Impact: The frameworks you establish directly determine how quickly business teams can deploy reliable automations, cutting manual process cycle time and reducing error rates that otherwise surface as operational incidents.

Growth Opportunity: Architects in this function routinely advance into Principal Engineer or Engineering Director seats as they accumulate governance experience across multi-cloud and RPA domains.

• Design automation architectures spanning multi-cloud infrastructure, RPA workflows, and CI/CD integration to meet enterprise-scale requirements.
• Define governance standards, framework patterns, and reusable component libraries for automation development across delivery teams.
• Lead technical discovery sessions with business stakeholders to translate process requirements into automation solution designs.
• Architect test automation strategies covering UI, API, and backend layers, including framework selection and execution pipeline integration.
• Review automation solutions through structured code and design reviews to enforce quality, maintainability, and security standards.
• Mentor engineers and junior architects in framework development, design patterns, and structured problem-solving approaches.
• Assess feasibility, risk, and ROI for proposed automation initiatives, producing documented recommendations for delivery prioritization.
• Partner with project managers and COE leads to track program status, resolve technical blockers, and maintain delivery momentum.

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or equivalent work experience.
• 5 or more years of automation architecture or senior automation engineering experience, with demonstrated ownership of framework design across multiple concurrent programs.
• Proven ability to design infrastructure automation in multi-cloud environments using infrastructure-as-code methodologies.
• Experience developing and enforcing automation governance standards, including versioning practices and reusable component strategies.
• Proficiency in scripting and programming languages used to build and extend automation frameworks and integrations.
• Working knowledge of CI/CD pipeline construction and integration of automation test suites into continuous delivery workflows.
• Strong competency in stakeholder communication, including translating technical architecture decisions for non-technical business audiences.
• Demonstrated experience producing technical documentation including solution designs, process workflows, and ROI analyses.

• Experience leading enterprise RPA programs including process discovery, bot design, exception handling, and operational support handoff.
• Background in data center infrastructure automation, including configuration management and OS provisioning disciplines.
• Familiarity with model-driven programmability standards and REST-based API integration patterns in large network environments.
• Prior experience in a consulting or professional services environment, managing client relationships alongside technical delivery.

• Automation deployment cycle time, measuring reduction in time from design approval to production-ready bot or pipeline.
• Framework adoption rate across delivery teams, reflecting reuse of standardized components versus one-off implementations.
• Defect escape rate from automated test suites, indicating coverage effectiveness relative to post-release production incidents.
• RPA exception rate per deployed bot, measuring automation resilience under live operating conditions.
• Design review turnaround time, reflecting responsiveness to delivery teams dependent on architectural sign-off.
• Typical tools: infrastructure-as-code platforms (commonly Terraform, Ansible); RPA platforms (commonly Automation Anywhere, UIPath); test automation frameworks (commonly Selenium, Cucumber).

• Base Salary Range: $140,000 to $185,000 depending on scope and location.
• Bonus: 10% to 20% annual target, tied to program delivery milestones.
• Equity: RSUs or stock options common at larger employers; less frequent at mid-market firms.
• Health Benefits: Medical, dental, and vision; employer covers majority of premium.
• PTO: 15 to 25 days annually, plus standard US federal holidays.
• Common Perks: Remote or hybrid flexibility, professional certification reimbursement, home office stipend.

Figures are estimates based on general US market benchmarks and may be outdated. Adjust based on location, company size, and seniority level.

Employment contingent on successful completion of a background check consistent with applicable law. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under federal, state, or local law. Reasonable accommodations are available to individuals with disabilities throughout the application and employment process upon request. Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States.

The Automation Architect owns the design and implementation of industrial automation solutions for enterprise facility management environments, partnering with operational teams, architects, and suppliers to ensure software designs meet partner needs at the highest levels of quality. Reporting to Corporate Services Central Engineering leadership, this role shapes governance standards, manages technical interdependencies across multiple projects, and drives data-driven improvements that directly advance facility reliability and cost optimization.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and implement industrial automation technologies at the cutting edge of facility management.
• Partner with operational teams, architects, and suppliers to deliver software designs and solutions.
• Work with the CS Automation Team and cross-organizational partners to execute automation initiatives.
• Ensure designs and solutions meet partner needs while delivering highest levels of quality and velocity.
• Manage technical interdependencies and integration among multiple projects, teams, and stakeholders.
• Establish software-focused governance, policies, procedures, standards, and controls for facility environments.
• Assess risks and identify technical solutions to achieve program goals efficiently.
• Understand interactions with facility software, infrastructure, and associated application ecosystems.
• Engage with partners and facilities engineers to implement advanced Proof of Concept projects.
• Make high-level design choices focused on manageability, simplicity, availability, security, and modernization.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's in Computer Science or related engineering discipline required.
• 5+ years of experience in facilities and/or automation systems, software and systems design, and technical team leadership.
• 2+ years of industry experience with hands-on expertise in systems software and/or cloud.
• Background in System Design, Decision Support, Engineering Analysis, or Facility Automation disciplines.
• Understanding of Corporate Services Business Model and data-driven business improvement.
• Planning, testing, and implementing complex software solutions.
• Critical and analytic skills with strong data collection and problem-solving abilities within operating facility dynamics.
• Skills to implement hardware and software components with project team members.
• Stakeholder management, collaboration, tolerance to ambiguity, and interpersonal skills.
• Organization, communication, and ability to guide and influence within a matrix cross-organizational environment.

Embedded within a technology practice, the Automation Architect leads large-scale customer automation programs by designing architectures across multi-cloud environments and driving strategies that deliver measurable outcomes. Working closely with sales account executives, technology partners, and professional services teams, this role builds reusable automation intellectual property and advances continuous improvement through code reviews, mentorship, and framework development.

Core Functions

• Lead customer automation engagements across strategy, enablement, and execution.
• Provide technical leadership during customer engagements.
• Help scope and plan complex automation engagements based on customer requirements.
• Design architectures that are simple, buildable, and functional.
• Mentor and collaborate with peers to raise overall team performance.
• Drive continuous improvement within the practice around development, collaboration, and mentorship.
• Collaborate through code reviews of automation solutions.
• Contribute to the practice as a librarian of automation intellectual property.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or equivalent experience.
• Extensive experience developing and implementing infrastructure automation and leading large, complex automation engagements.
• Experience developing standards and best practices and integrating automation tools with CI/CD platforms.
• Cloud domain expertise across AWS, Google Cloud Platform, and Microsoft Azure.
• Experience with Python, Golang, Model Driven Programmability including NETCONF, RESTCONF, YANG, and REST APIs.
• Proficiency in data serialization formats including YAML, JSON, XML, Protobuf, and CSV.
• Foundational knowledge of on-prem infrastructure including network, storage, and compute.
• Extensive experience with Terraform and other HashiCorp solutions including Consul, Vault, Packer, and Vagrant.
• Working knowledge of automation and orchestration tools such as Ansible, Chef, Puppet, SaltStack, VMware VRA, ServiceNow, and Cisco NSO.
• Modern development tools including Git, Visual Studio Code, Docker, and Linux/Unix.
• Autodidactic with a programmability-first mindset, strong attention to detail, and a passion for enabling others.

Reporting to practice leadership, the Automation Architect leads client-facing engagements focused on VMware vRealize Automation and vRealize Orchestrator, producing detailed solution designs, gap analyses, and implementation plans for large enterprise deployments. Partnering with clients, vendors, and project managers, this role delivers measurable outcomes by translating business requirements into professional service architectures that span IaaS, XaaS, storage, networking, and business continuity.

Primary Duties

• Identify business requirements, objectives, and goals.
• Advise clients on best practices, frameworks, and pricing models for current and upcoming technologies.
• Create detailed solution designs, diagrams, and implementation plans for large deployments including IaaS, XaaS, storage, networking, and business continuity.
• Serve as a subject matter expert to diagnose and troubleshoot environments while coordinating with clients, vendors, and project managers.
• Conduct client workshops and discovery sessions to document current state and provide gap analysis and roadmaps.
• Provide presentations of architectural and functional designs and solution demonstrations to clients.
• Assist with Statements of Work and project plans including prioritization and effort assessment.
• Maintain relationships with vendor contacts and clients and attend technical presales meetings as needed.
• Assist with keeping related delivery templates accurate and up to date.

Skills & Qualifications

• Strong operations experience focused on automated deployments of data center hardware and software.
• Experience with business requirements, technical analysis, design, coding, testing, and developing reports and workflows.
• Knowledge of categorizing and prioritizing workload analysis and mapping for planning and forecasting.
• Strong expertise designing, implementing, and configuring the latest versions of VMware vRealize Automation and vRealize Orchestrator.
• Expertise in modern scripting languages including Python, Ruby, Perl, and PowerShell.
• Experience with configuration management tools such as Puppet and Chef, and OS installation technologies such as PXE and Kickstart.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and technical documentation skills.

Sitting at the intersection of quality engineering and delivery governance, the Automation Architect drives the QA automation effort by designing test frameworks, leading strategy and execution, and setting standards in collaboration with project stakeholders and end-to-end testers. Operating across Cloud, Distributed, and Mainframe environments, this role advances software quality organization-wide by advising on innovative testing solutions and aligning long-term automation roadmaps with product and business team objectives.

Duties

• Provide technical leadership in design and architecture of automation frameworks.
• Own the preparation of test automation solutions, framework design, and lead test strategy, plans, and execution.
• Create test estimates and define reusable testing assets for large and complex projects.
• Develop and implement test automation frameworks and support complex test creation.
• Advise customers on innovative testing products and solutions.
• Support automation script development and optimization.
• Recommend new tools, techniques, and methodologies to enhance productivity and quality.
• Collaborate with product and business teams to strategize long-term test automation roadmaps including tools, frameworks, and approach.
• Work with other test leads and COE team to optimize testing and improve software quality organization-wide.

Experience & Qualifications

• BS in Computer Science or Engineering preferred; equivalent work experience accepted.
• Extensive knowledge and experience automating applications in Cloud, Distributed, Mainframe, and highly integrated complex environments.
• Experience building CI/CD pipelines and developing test frameworks using open source and in-house tools.
• Experience with web service technologies including XML, REST, and SOAP.
• Good proficiency in programming languages such as Java, .NET, C#, and Python; good knowledge of databases including Oracle, Postgres, and SQL.
• Expert in automation frameworks including JUnit and TestNG; expert with tools such as Selenium/WebDriver, UIPath, and Cucumber using BDD/TDD frameworks.
• Detail-oriented with excellent communication skills and UI and API level test automation expertise.

A key member of the RPA Center of Excellence, the Automation Architect builds and maintains resilient process automations that introduce significant efficiency improvements across business operations. Collaborating across business stakeholders, the RPA CoE, and support teams, this role delivers well-documented automation solutions and subject matter expertise that enable the organization to scale its Robotic Process Automation initiative with measurable, sustained results.

Functions

• Create and maintain automations using Automation Anywhere software in support of the RPA initiative.
• Introduce significant process improvements through Robotic Process Automation.
• Write technical requirements and create scenarios for performance testing.
• Partner with business stakeholders and RPA CoE to develop a comprehensive understanding of each business process.
• Develop Subject Matter Expertise in RPA as well as internal business processes.
• Identify and track the status of outstanding projects including issues, risks, and dependencies through JIRA.
• Develop comprehensive documentation listing the scope, workflow, and controls of each automation.
• Address and escalate errors brought to attention by the Support Team.

Requirements

• Undergraduate BA/BS degree in Computer Science, Engineering, IT, or a business-related field.
• 1–3 years of professional experience with strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Prior experience with scripting languages or automation software a plus.
• Knowledge of Moody's rating systems, analysis tools, and operational processes a plus.
• Strong knowledge of Python and SQL; proficiency in MS Excel including VBA, macros, and VLookups, and Power BI.
• Experience with intelligent automation or RPA technologies such as Automation Anywhere, Blue Prism, or UIPath; Automation Anywhere preferred.
• Self-motivated, highly organized, and efficient with excellent attention to detail and communication skills.
• Strong ability to adapt to change, balance multiple priorities, and facilitate and resolve interpersonal or inter-team conflicts.

Delivering consistent QA efficiency across multiple applications depends on the Automation Architect, who shapes scalable test frameworks for UI, API, and backend systems while driving sprint-level automation and CI/CD pipeline integration. Based within an agile delivery team, this role leads feasibility analysis on emerging automation trends and directly supports planning cycles, enabling business and engineering stakeholders to maintain quality at pace across onshore and offshore delivery models.

Accountabilities

• Design and create scalable test automation frameworks for UI, API, and backend applications.
• Promote an automation mindset and drive automation across multiple applications.
• Improve QA efficiency by implementing sprint-level automation and integrating tests into CI/CD pipelines.
• Identify the right automation tools and build frameworks for new projects.
• Drive test data automation strategy and perform POC on emerging automation trends.
• Stay current on market trends in automation tools and processes and conduct feasibility analysis.
• Review and analyze system specifications, user stories, and use cases for validity and feasibility.
• Participate in application planning, daily standups, and retrospective meetings.

Technical Qualifications

• Advance-level experience in Selenium or TOSCA, Agile, Core Java and/or Python, and SQL.
• Experience in Test Automation Technologies and CI/CD pipelines.
• Experience in capital markets or banking preferred but not required.
• Knowledge of API and database testing; Unix and unit testing frameworks such as JUnit and nUnit a plus.
• RPA experience a plus.
• Flexible to support onshore/offshore model.
• Team player with strong analytical and problem-solving skills, able to grasp concepts quickly.
• Strong communication skills and ability to develop working relationships, deliver quality solutions, and work independently with minimal guidance.

As the Business Automation Architect, this role owns the identification, documentation, and design of automation projects that directly support health plan operations and Cambia Core Strategies throughout all phases of the RDLC. The business operations team relies on this work to maintain existing automations, develop new systems, and deliver ROI-focused solutions that scale from light process improvements to highly complex, multi-level automation programs.

Role Responsibilities

• Build and implement automation solutions for business teams and document design architecture for internal and external applications.
• Perform analysis to help business teams recognize the feasibility of automated solutions.
• Troubleshoot issues in day-to-day operations and provide timely responses and solutions.
• Lead structured, collaborative process reviews and automation overview walkthroughs.
• Maintain and improve automations by mapping existing work processes and identifying productivity opportunities.
• Evaluate existing processes and systems for modification and resolution of business challenges.
• Assist customers in developing automation strategies and roadmaps while providing guidance around RPA Operating Models.
• Develop and direct efficient automation solutions for light to highly complex business problems across levels II–IV.
• Mentor junior team members, lead multi-discipline teams, and provide technical direction across levels III–IV.
• Prepare or direct the creation of test plans, test criteria, operational documentation, and ROI estimates across levels III–IV.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Mathematics, Business Administration, or related field.
• Up to 8+ years of business/technical experience depending on level, with 1–7 years defining and analyzing business requirements, process modeling, and acceptance testing.
• 2–5 years of experience writing, testing, and implementing automated operational solutions depending on level.
• Experience with Scrum/Agile methodology preferred.
• Proficient in core automation technologies, methodologies, and use case development and solution design.
• Able to adapt to changing technologies and apply them to operational business needs of varying scope.
• Able to analyze, diagnose, and resolve automation problems ranging from light to extraordinarily complex.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills; able to relay status to management, peers, and executives in a timely manner.
• Able to work with minimum direction, manage own work, and lead teams of 5+ for complex work efforts at senior levels.