[Hiring] Chief Architect @Thunder

Role Description

The Head of Architecture (Chief Architect) is Thunder's senior technical authority, owning the architecture practice end to end and carrying the architecture leadership seat on the Delivery team. You define and enforce Thunder's architecture standards, govern cross-cloud, data, and AI solution design, provide oversight on technical solutioning through pre-sales, and own the technical bar that defines architectural excellence at Thunder. You set Thunder's direction on how data and AI show up in client solutions, ensuring they rest on a sound data foundation rather than just sitting on top. You are also the architect Thunder turns to on its most critical engagements, the judgment that protects our delivery reputation when the stakes are highest. This role is equal parts technical authority, executive influence, and stewardship of Thunder's architectural identity.

Key Accountabilities

• Lead, Manage, & Accountability:
  • Own the architecture function.
  • Set direction, run the operating cadence, and hold the architect community accountable to standards and outcomes.
  • Serve as the single point of accountability for architecture quality across the portfolio.
• Architectural Governance & Standards:
  • Define, publish, and enforce Thunder's architecture standards, including design patterns, documentation templates, integration standards, and DevOps/CI-CD guardrails.
  • Run architecture review boards and design gates; own the customization versus configuration line.
  • Extend Thunder's standards to cover data architecture and AI/agent design.
  • Make standards real and operational.
• Cross-Cloud Architecture Strategy:
  • Serve as the connective tissue on multi-cloud and multi-system programs.
  • Govern how Salesforce integrates into the broader technology ecosystem.
• Data & AI Architecture Strategy:
  • Own the architecture strategy for data and AI across client solutions.
  • Set the design standards and guardrails for AI and agent solutions.
  • Serve as Thunder's senior authority on when AI genuinely fits a client problem.
  • Provide technical input to Thunder's internal delivery-transformation efforts.
• Pre-Sales Solution Oversight:
  • Set the standards for how Thunder solutions and estimates before it commits.
  • Vet proposed architectures on strategic and complex pursuits.
  • Provide architectural oversight and review on the highest-stakes pursuits.
• Architectural Excellence & Technical Bar:
  • Own the technical bar for the architect community.
  • Partner with practice and delivery leadership on the architect career ladder.
  • Coach and elevate the architect community through review, mentorship, and knowledge-sharing.
• Escalations & Account Recovery:
  • Step into escalated or at-risk engagements to diagnose technical root cause.
  • Lead solution design sessions when a critical engagement requires it.
• Thought Leadership:
  • Represent Thunder externally through client executive presentations.
  • Stay current on Salesforce product and platform capabilities.

Qualifications

• 12–15+ years within Enterprise and/or Salesforce ecosystem as an architect, solution engineer, or technical consulting leader.
• 4+ years leading architects with a proven track record of setting standards and driving organizational technical strategy.
• Executive presence: able to earn trust with client C-suite and technical teams alike.
• Deep expertise across Salesforce architecture and platform capabilities.
• Expert in custom and managed-package API integrations.
• Demonstrated depth in data architecture.
• Working fluency in AI and agentic solution design on the Salesforce platform.
• Sound judgment on the profitability line, architecting for scalability and quality.

Certifications

• Strongly Preferred: Salesforce Certified Technical Architect (CTA).
• Required: Salesforce Admin, plus a credible depth of architect-track certifications.
• Valued: Various Salesforce and MuleSoft certifications.

Benefits

• Comprehensive Benefits with Sequoia: Medical, Dental, Vision, and Employer-Paid Life/Disability Insurance.
• Ownership & Impact: Stock options in a fast-moving, high-growth company.
• Level Up Your Career: Opportunities to grow your Salesforce and Amazon expertise.
• Work from anywhere: Remote work, flexible PTO (with a 2-week minimum!), and generous leave policies.
• People-First Flexibility: Policies shaped by employee feedback.