Senior Solution Architect

Summary

Join Instacart as a Senior Solution Architect and own the technical design and solutioning for enterprise-scale retail partners. You will build strategic relationships, navigate complex system integrations, and create innovative solutions bridging business needs with technical possibilities. Collaborate with Instacart's Product & Engineering teams and various internal and external stakeholders. This role offers the opportunity to solve complex challenges in retail technology, logistics, and consumer experience. The position requires end-to-end solution design, stakeholder collaboration, cross-functional leadership, technical expertise, operational excellence, and integration mastery. You will be responsible for problem-solving and designing scalable solutions.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering or equivalent technical field
• Proven track record (7+ years) as a Solution Architect or Software Engineer working on complex system integrations
• Strong sense of ownership and ability to drive results in ambiguous environments
• Experience with code/scripting/automation or data engineering (primarily SQL) with hands-on technical capabilities
• Excellent communication skills with demonstrated ability to translate technical concepts to non-technical audiences
• Strong collaboration skills, particularly in partnering with Technical Project Managers
• Experience designing and implementing API and integration solutions at scale
• Experience in client-facing or consulting roles working with enterprise customers
• Track record of solving complex business challenges with external partners

Responsibilities

• End-to-End Solution Design: Own comprehensive solution architecture from conception to implementation, identifying system & business needs, generating innovative proposals, and driving execution through to successful launch
• Stakeholder Collaboration: Build and nurture relationships with both technical and business stakeholders at Enterprise Retail Partners, communicating complex technical concepts in clear, actionable terms for various audiences
• Cross-Functional Leadership: Partner and coordinate with multiple internal Instacart teams, ensuring alignment between Product, Design, and Engineering to drive project success
• Technical Expertise: Serve as the technical authority on Instacart's scalable platform and external-facing APIs, ensuring integration excellence and architectural integrity
• Operational Excellence: Develop tools, processes, and documentation with intent to scale partnerships and continuously improve solution delivery
• Integration Mastery: Design and implement seamless integration strategies between Instacart's systems and partner technologies, ensuring interoperability and performance
• Problem Solving: Analyze complex technical challenges and business requirements to design elegant, scalable solutions that address current needs while supporting future growth

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with retail technology systems and e-commerce platforms
• Knowledge of cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP) and modern software engineering practices
• Background in working with stakeholders at various levels, with an ability to align business needs to practical, impactful solutions
• Deep understanding of integration technologies (API Gateway, ESB, middleware, etc.)
• Expert experience in rest API development and debugging

Benefits

• Instacart provides highly market-competitive compensation and benefits in each location where our employees work
• This role is remote
• This role is eligible for a new hire equity grant as well as annual refresh grants