Principal Enterprise Solutions Architect \u2013 Strategic Pursuits (RapidScale)

At RapidScale, exceptional technology is powered by exceptional people. As a growing leader in secure, reliable managed cloud solutions, we help mid-market and enterprises alike simplify IT and unleash innovation. With a broad portfolio spanning AWS, Azure and Google to a full set of Private Cloud and Cybersecurity solutions, RapidScale helps companies turn technology into their biggest competitive advantage. As part of the Cox family of companies, we offer best-in-class benefits, a commitment to work-life balance, and an award-winning workplace experience.
Are you a high-impact cloud architect who thrives on designing complex solutions and guiding executive decision-makers toward transformative outcomes? As a Principal Enterprise Architect - Strategic Pursuits, you'll be a critical member of our new strategic big deal team, working alongside elite account executives to land RapidScale's most significant enterprise opportunities. You'll shape solution strategies for hybrid cloud, modernization, and managed services engagements-bringing technical depth, business acumen, and executive presence to every pursuit.
What You'll Do
As the senior solutioning voice in the pursuit, you'll drive the architectural vision, design innovative solutions that align to customer outcomes, and serve as a trusted advisor to executive stakeholders throughout the sales cycle.
Key Responsibilities:

• Architect Enterprise-Scale Solutions: Lead the solutioning of complex, multi-tower managed cloud services across AWS, Azure, Google Cloud, Private Cloud, and Cybersecurity. Translate customer business objectives into scalable, secure, and cost-effective architectures.
• Pursuit Strategy & Technical Leadership: Partner with strategic account executives to qualify and pursue net-new enterprise logos. Shape deal strategy, participate in executive briefings, and own the solution architecture narrative.
• Executive Advisory & Influence: Guide C-level stakeholders (CIOs, CTOs, CISOs) through modernization decisions, risk tradeoffs, and transformation roadmaps. Establish RapidScale as a long-term strategic partner.
• Collaborative Solution Development: Work cross-functionally with delivery, product, finance, and legal teams to build and position compelling, feasible, and differentiated solutions. Contribute to proposals, pricing strategy, and SOW creation.
• Cloud Partner Collaboration: Engage directly with hyperscalers (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud) and leverage joint programs, incentives, and technical resources to strengthen solution value and co-sell outcomes.
• Innovation & IP Development: Contribute to reusable solution assets, reference architectures, and pursuit playbooks. Stay ahead of cloud trends and advise internal teams on market shifts and customer priorities.
• Pre-Sales Engineering Leadership: Mentor and guide less senior solution engineers and architects across strategic pursuits, helping to elevate the team's technical credibility and consulting capability.

Minimum Qualifications

• Experience & Education: Bachelor's degree and 10+ years of progressive experience in enterprise IT architecture, solution engineering, or technical pre-sales. The right candidate could also have a different combination, such as a master's degree and 8 years' experience; a Ph.D. and 5 years' experience or 14+ years' experience.
• Cloud Expertise: Advanced knowledge of cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud), hybrid environments, security models, and enterprise architectures. Active cloud certifications (e.g., AWS Solutions Architect - Professional, Azure Solutions Architect Expert, GCP Cloud Architect) strongly preferred.
• Hybrid Cloud: Experience across Private Cloud and Public Cloud environments, with a strong track record of helping close complex hybrid cloud enterprise deals in large-scale organizations.
• Strategic Deal Experience: Demonstrated success influencing and winning large, complex deals ($10M-$50M+ TCV) as part of a pursuit team. Experience working with global enterprise customers ($500M-$5B+ revenue).
• Executive Presence: Proven ability to engage, present to, and build trust with C-suite stakeholders on both technical and business issues.
• Solutioning Skills: Expertise in designing managed services solutions that span AI/ML, cloud infrastructure, app modernization, networking, storage, DevOps, security, and compliance.
• Travel: Willingness to travel up to 35-40% for executive meetings, workshops, and industry events.

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with enterprise AI/ML workloads and how organizations are leveraging generative AI, large language models, and data platforms to transform operations and drive innovation.
• Experience working within or selling through hyperscaler partner ecosystems.
• Familiarity with key verticals such as Healthcare, Financial Services, SaaS, or Retail.
• Experience within a Managed Service Provider (MSP), global systems integrator, or cloud consulting organization.
• Strong written communication skills and experience contributing to RFPs, proposals, and customer-facing presentations.