The Solutions Architect serves as a technical builder and implementation partner, translating business needs into production-grade solutions that drive operational efficiency and innovation across Sport Clips. This role combines rapid prototyping with disciplined execution, leveraging AI and traditional technologies strategically to solve real business problems. The Solutions Architect works closely with the Sr. Solutions Architect to design, build, and deploy scalable solutions while maintaining high quality standards and stakeholder satisfaction.
The Solutions Architect reports to the Sr. Solutions Architect within IT Operations, serving as the primary execution arm for technology solutions across the business. This role independently delivers net-new applications, integrations, and automation while maintaining existing solutions as needed. The Solutions Architect engages directly with business stakeholders across all departments: operations, marketing, franchise support, and corporate teams; to understand requirements, prototype solutions, and deliver production-ready systems.
Working within a Linux/Python/web technology stack with cloud infrastructure (Azure/AWS), this role emphasizes speed without sacrificing quality, building solutions that are monitorable, maintainable, and supportable. The Solutions Architect exercises judgment in selecting appropriate technologies, determining when AI capabilities add value versus when traditional approaches are more effective. This position operates with significant autonomy, managing projects from conception through deployment while maintaining alignment with enterprise architecture standards and business objectives.
The Solutions Architect serves as the rapid response capability when the business needs solutions "soonish", faster than the traditional development team's timeline allows, while still delivering enterprise-grade quality with proper error handling, monitoring, and documentation.
This role is based in Georgetown, TX and you MUST be able to work onsite a minimum of 3 days a week.
Key Criteria/Requirements
Technical Experience (5+ years):
Required:
- Hands-on Linux systems administration and scripting
- Python development for production applications (APIs, automation, integrations)
- Windows and macOS operating system proficiency
- Cloud platform experience (Azure and/or AWS)
- SSH and remote system management
- Web development (HTML, CSS, JavaScript/modern frameworks)
- Database design and management (SQL and NoSQL)
- API development and integration
- Version control (Git) and deployment practices
Strongly Preferred:
- Network fundamentals (routing, firewalls, VPNs, QoS)
- Infrastructure as Code and automation tools
- Security best practices and authentication patterns
- CI/CD pipeline implementation
- Containerization (Docker, Kubernetes)
- Experience with AI/LLM APIs and integration (ChatGPT, Claude, etc.)
- Retail, franchise, or multi-location operations technology experience
Delivery Experience:
- Proven track record building and shipping production systems still in active use
- Experience working directly with non-technical stakeholders to gather requirements
- Demonstrated ability to move from ambiguous problem to working solution
- Portfolio of completed projects showing end-to-end ownership
- Experience with rapid prototyping and iterative development
- Customer-facing solution development experience
Technical Judgment:
- Strong generalist mindset: comfortable across full technology stack
- Ability to discern appropriate technology choices for specific problems
- Understanding of when to use AI vs. traditional approaches
- Pragmatic approach to technical debt (manages it, doesn't ignore it or over-optimize)
- Balance between speed and quality (ships fast without creating disasters)
Communication & Collaboration:
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Comfortable presenting technical concepts to non-technical audiences
- Proactive communication style (provides updates, surfaces blockers early)
- Ability to translate business needs into technical requirements
- Strong documentation skills (can create both quick guides and comprehensive docs)
Flexible work from home options available.