GCI's Cloud Platform Solutions Architect will be responsible for guiding and setting the technical direction of infrastructure service lines across the Enterprise Cloud Platform. This includes defining architecture, shaping product roadmaps, evaluating technologies, facilitating proof of concept trials, enabling delivery teams by defining architectural runways and event horizons, and ensuring solutions align with enterprise strategy, security, and operational excellence. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES AT ALL LEVELS:
Platform Architecture Engagement
- Define cloud platform architectural vision aligned to enterprise strategy and operating models
- Ensure platforms have capacity to support reliable and scalable operations
- Elaborate solution intent using roadmaps, architectural runways and event horizons
- Understand how platform capabilities integrate across people, process, and technology
- Identify technical constraints, tradeoffs, risks, and mitigation strategies
- Engage with Product Owners, Engineering teams, and Release/Solution Train leadership to ensure delivery aligns with architectural direction
- Ensure platform solutions address security, compliance, resiliency, and technical debt mitigation
Platform Selection and Design
- Provide architecture specifications for infrastructure platforms and shared services
- Aggregate and reconcile requirements across multiple teams and service lines
- Determine technology choices that balance business value, cost, and risk
- Analyze non‑functional requirements and ensure platforms meet enterprise standards and operational expectations
Guidance and Governance
- Implement architectural guidance and governance processes for cloud platforms
- Define and apply standards, principles, and solution patterns
- Provide lifecycle management support to ECP teams
- Contribute to architecture and platform governance forums and communities of practice
- ACCOUNTABILITY- Takes ownership for actions, decisions, and results; openly accepts feedback and demonstrates a willingness to improve.
- Lead by example on all fronts. Own and manage priorities and individual tasks without direct supervision. Take the initiative and seek out opportunities. Assess and accept risks and learn from mistakes.
- BASIC PRINCIPLES - Interacts with people in a way that builds mutual trust, confidence, and respect; adheres to GCI’s Code of Conduct for Employees – the Basic Principles.
- COLLABORATION - Works effectively with others to accomplish common goals and objectives; maintains positive relationships even under difficult circumstances.
- Build and maintain effective working relationships with leadership, peers, customers, and vendors. Work to resolve problem relationships directly.
- Guide development teams in a manner that creates success and allows for future self-sufficiency. Foster innovation and promote teamwork.
- COMMUNICATION- Conveys thoughts and expresses ideas appropriately and professionally.
- Create clear and concise written documentation for various audiences, including developers, business analysts, and business users.
- Use a blend of written communication techniques, including detailed documentation, diagramming, and slide presentations.
- Take the initiative to communicate with teams, including remote team members.
- Initiate and deliver presentations to internal groups on domain topics.
- COMPLIANCE - Follows internal controls; protects confidential information; abides by GCI’s Code of Business Conduct & Ethics.
- CUSTOMER FOCUS - Demonstrates commitment to service excellence; gives high priority to customer satisfaction.
- Provide a professional level of service to both external and internal customers.
- Take ownership and accountability of problems and facilitate finding a solution, involving other groups as necessary.
- RELIABILITY - Consistently follows through on assigned tasks as expected; demonstrates timely attendance at meetings, training, and other work obligations.
- RESULTS - Uses a combination of job knowledge, initiative, sound decision making, innovation, adaptability, and problem solving.
- Experience with Cloud services platforms utilizing enterprise-selected tools.
- Experience with High Availability concepts and direct experience with successful implementation of highly available and scalable solutions.
- Understanding of Agile practices and solution roadmaps.
- Experience with automation and orchestration tools and disciplines such as Kubernetes, Ansible, vRealize Automation, or similar.
- Experience with virtualized and cloud compute platforms such as VMWare, Amazon Web Services, and Azure.
- Experience with network delivery architectures such as NSX, IP Fabric, and dedicated cloud connections, not limited to Direct Connect and Express Route.
- Knowledge and\or experience with containerization technologies and full lifecycle management of them.
- Knowledge and\or experience Service Registry and Discovery tools where relevant.
- Understanding of contemporary architectures such as micro-services and containers.
- SAFETY & SECURITY - Supports a safe work environment by following all workplace safety rules and guidelines; complies with applicable Security policies and procedures.
- Proficient computer skills and MS Office knowledge (e.g., Outlook, Teams, Word, Excel) to complete job duties effectively.
Additional Job Requirements:
This is an intermediate‑level position within the discipline demonstrating proficiency in architecture areas of responsibility. Performs complex solution‑level architectural work under general guidance, anticipating and addressing implementation risks. Works under moderate supervision with latitude for independent judgment.
- Work collaboratively with multi-functional teams
- Contribute to architectural documentation, templates, and standards
Minimum Qualifications:
Required: *A combination of relevant work experience and/or education sufficient to perform the duties of the job may substitute to meet the total years required on a year-for-year basis
- High School diploma or equivalent.
- Bachelor’s degree in computer science, engineering, or related field. *
- Minimum of six (6) years of experience in a Telecommunications or Computer Sciences/Enterprise field. *
Preferred:
- Industry Certifications (non-technical): TOGAF, CEA, Certified SOA Architect, CITA, EACOE, Open CA, FEAC, SAFe.
- Industry Certifications (technical): CCNA, CCNP, JNCIA, JCNIP, VCP, VVF, VCAP, VCDX, AWS CSAP, AWS CDA, Azure.
- Telecommunications experience.
- Other relevant telecom industry or job specific certifications.
DRIVING REQUIREMENTS:
- This position may require access to reliable transportation for occasional travel between retail store locations, offices, worksites, or other locations as needed.
- Work is primarily sedentary, requiring daily routine computer usage.
- Ability to work shifts as assigned, work in standard office/home office setting, and operate standard office equipment.
- Ability to accurately communicate information and ideas to others effectively.
- Physical agility and effort sufficiently to perform job duties safely and effectively.
- Ability to make valid judgments and decisions.
- Available to work additional time on weekends, holidays, before or after normal work hours when necessary.
- Must work well in a team environment and be able to work with a diverse group of people and customers.
- Virtual workers must comply with remote work policies and agreements.
Headquartered in Alaska with additional locations throughout the U.S., GCI has worked for more than 40 years to deliver communication and technology services to some of the most remote communities and in some of the most challenging conditions in North America. GCI is a pioneer in its field, bringing telemedicine and online education capabilities to communities across the state and continuing efforts to connect the Arctic globally as well as providing strong services to consumer and business markets. GCI’s introduction of 1 GIG internet speeds in the state as well as its innovative partnership with Apple are among the countless ways the company has transformed communication and quality of life for Alaskans.
EEO: We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or another characteristic protected by law.
Skills Required
- High School diploma or equivalent
- Bachelor's degree in computer science, engineering, or related field
- Minimum of six (6) years of experience in Telecommunications or Computer Sciences/Enterprise field
- Experience with cloud service platforms (AWS, Azure, VMware)
- Experience with automation and orchestration tools such as Kubernetes, Ansible, vRealize Automation, or similar
- Experience implementing highly available and scalable solutions and understanding HA concepts
- Experience with network delivery architectures (NSX, IP Fabric, Direct Connect, ExpressRoute)
- Knowledge and/or experience with containerization technologies and full lifecycle management
- Knowledge and/or experience with Service Registry and Discovery tools
- Understanding of contemporary architectures such as microservices and containers
- Proficient computer skills and MS Office (Outlook, Teams, Word, Excel)
- Access to reliable transportation for occasional travel between locations
- Industry certifications (TOGAF, CEA, CCNA, VCP, AWS certifications, Azure certifications)
- Telecommunications industry experience
What We Do
Hi, we’re glad you’re here! GCI is Alaska’s largest telecommunications provider. We’re headquartered in Anchorage where we’ve served our neighbors for more than 40 years. GCI employs nearly 2,000 Alaskans and has invested more than $4 billion in its Alaska network and facilities. Today, GCI serves more than 200 communities including some of the most remote in North America. GCI's services are connected through fiber optic, satellite, and microwave network facilities, which are connected to the lower 48 states by geographically diverse fiber. This is the only network of its kind in Alaska. It allows the company to provide customized services to healthcare, education, enterprise, and residential customers in the Alaska market, which covers an area larger than Texas, California, and Montana combined. More information about GCI and Alaska’s Most Advanced Network can be found at www.gci.com. GCI is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.









