Lead GIS Architect

The position requires 100% onsite work.

Type of Interview -  Teams

Key Responsibilities

Enterprise GIS Architecture

• Lead solution architecture for ArcGIS Enterprise (Portal, Server,
Pro), ArcGIS Online, and associated services including feature services, map
services, and geoprocessing.
• Architect data integration solutions using FME Flow/Server, ETL pipelines,
and APIs.
• Define architecture patterns for performance, resilience, and backup/recovery
and CAB governance processes.
• Partner with product owners to translate use cases into scalable solution
designs; guide designs through security, network, and data architecture
reviews.
• Create roadmaps, architecture decision records (ADRs), and solution
blueprints; mentor engineering staff on architectural patterns and high‑quality
implementation practices.
• Establish non‑functional requirements (availability, RTO/RPO, latency,
throughput) and implement performance tuning strategies for GIS services.
• Drive operational excellence through observability standards (logging,
metrics, tracing), runbook creation, post‑incident reviews, and continuous
system hardening.
• Provide architectural leadership for Esri Roads & Highways and other
enterprise GIS programs as needed.

• Lead architectural direction and oversight for NDOT’s GIS Upgrade
Automation initiatives, including coordination with Esri on automated ArcGIS
Enterprise upgrade processes, runbook development, and ensuring reliable,
repeatable upgrade pipelines across DEV, TEST, and PROD environments.

Service Desk & Operational Support

• Serve as the tier‑three architectural escalation point for GIS‑related
incidents and service requests routed through NDOT’s IT Service Desk, ensuring
timely diagnosis, technical guidance, and durable resolution paths.
• Collaborate proactively with Service Desk technicians to troubleshoot complex
GIS platform issues (ArcGIS Enterprise, SQL Server, FME Flow,
identity/authentication, performance) and ensure clear, actionable resolution
steps.
• Provide technical direction and repeatable patterns to reduce recurring
incidents and improve user experience across divisions.
• Review ticket trends with IT GIS leadership to identify opportunities for
platform hardening, architectural refactoring, or process improvement.
• Support communication related to planned changes, outages, or service impacts
in coordination with Service Desk notification processes.
• Partner with departmental users to understand issues raised in Service Desk
tickets and translate systemic needs into architectural improvements or
actionable backlog items.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, GIS, Information Systems,
Engineering, or related field.
• 9+ years of experience in solution architecture, with 5+ focused on
enterprise GIS.
• Deep hands‑on experience with ArcGIS Enterprise, ArcGIS Online, and related
components.
• Strong background in SQL Server, identity management, networking, and
security principles.
• Experience with FME Flow/Server and advanced data integration patterns.
• Proven ability to design and document hybrid cloud/on‑prem architectures.
• Demonstrated ability to work across teams and lead architectural decisions.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with Esri Roads & Highways, and enterprise GIS
modernization programs.
• Familiarity with Change Management Principles/IT governance processes and
enterprise backup/recovery strategies.
• Certifications such as Esri Enterprise System Design, FME Certified
Professional, GISP, or ITIL.
• Prior experience supporting large, distributed operational environments
(transportation, utilities, public sector).