Lead Solution Architect - Airport Applications

Overview

The Lead Solution Architect for Airport Applications is responsible for designing and managing the application architecture across various airport systems. This includes passenger processing, common-use platforms, operational and business systems, ensuring a seamless, integrated, and efficient application environment that supports airport operations and passenger experience, along with future scalability.

Key Responsibilities

• Own and define the application architecture for critical airport systems including AODB (Airport Operational Database), RMS (Resource Management System), FIDS (Flight Information Display System), CUPPS/CUSS (Common Use Passenger Processing Systems), and other operational and business applications.
• Develop application standards, architectural patterns, portfolio management, and roadmap planning.
• Lead decisions regarding build versus buy, product evaluation, and design for application integration.
• Maintain application design documentation and architectural decision records.
• Ensure that applications fulfill both functional requirements and non-functional criteria such as reliability, performance, security, and resilience.
• Govern and maintain the quality of application design through design authority processes.
• Provide leadership and mentorship to a team of application architects and analysts.
• Collaborate effectively with business and operational stakeholders as well as vendors.
• Contribute to estimation, project planning, and risk management related to application domains.

Required Skills and Experience

• Broad experience in application architecture within large, complex programs.
• In-depth knowledge of aviation and airport-related applications including AODB, RMS, FIDS, CUPPS/CUSS, and passenger processing systems.
• Practical expertise in application design, integration, cloud technologies, and product selection.
• Proven ability to design for non-functional requirements, such as availability, performance, security, and resilience.
• Strong leadership capabilities with excellent communication skills to manage teams and engage stakeholders effectively.

Preferred Qualifications and Experience

• Professional architecture certifications such as TOGAF and cloud certifications like Azure or AWS.
• Familiarity with aviation standards and frameworks such as IATA, ACI, and Airport Collaborative Decision Making (A-CDM).
• Experience involved in airport terminal openings or greenfield program implementations.
• Knowledge of MSI operating models.

Educational Requirements

A bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or relevant discipline is required; equivalent practical experience is also acceptable. Architecture or cloud certifications are highly regarded.

Core Competencies

• Leadership in domain and design
• Systematic and systems thinking approach
• Strong focus on quality and design assurance
• Effective stakeholder management and influence
• Collaboration and teamwork
• Risk management awareness
• Clear and precise communication