Chief Architect
Location: Remote (United States)
The Head of Architecture (Chief Architect) is Thunder's senior technical
authority, owning the architecture practice end to end and carrying the
architecture leadership seat on the Delivery team. You define and enforce
Thunder's architecture standards, govern cross-cloud, data, and AI solution
design, provide oversight on technical solutioning through pre-sales, and own
the technical bar that defines architectural excellence at Thunder. You set the
Thunder's direction on how data and AI show up in client solutions, ensuring
they rest on a sound data foundation rather than just sitting on top. You are
also the architect Thunder turns to on its most critical engagements, the
judgment that protects our delivery reputation when the stakes are highest. This
role is equal parts technical authority, executive influence, and stewardship of
the Thunder's architectural identity.
Key Accountabilities:
Lead, Manage, & Accountability
Own the architecture function. Set direction, run the operating cadence, and
hold the architect community accountable to standards and outcomes.
Serve as the single point of accountability for architecture quality across
the portfolio.
Architectural Governance & Standards
Define, publish, and enforce Thunder's architecture standards, including
design patterns, documentation templates, integration standards, and
DevOps/CI-CD guardrails.
Run architecture review boards and design gates; own the customization versus
configuration line.
Extend Thunder's standards to cover data architecture and AI/agent design, so
emerging solution patterns are held to the same governance bar as established
ones.
Make standards real and operational.
Cross-Cloud Architecture Strategy
Serve as the connective tissue on multi-cloud and multi-system programs,
ensuring workstreams align on a coherent data model and platform strategy.
Govern how Salesforce integrates into the broader technology ecosystem,
including ERP, data platform, middleware, and identity, ensuring seamless,
scalable interoperability.
Data & AI Architecture Strategy
Own the architecture strategy for data and AI across client solutions,
including data platforms, Data 360, Agentforce and agentic patterns, ensuring
solutions are grounded in a sound data model and governed data foundation.
Set the design standards and guardrails for AI and agent solutions, covering
data readiness, trust and security, human-in-the-loop design, and
responsible-use considerations, so that what we deliver is scalable and
defensible.
Serve as the Thunder's senior authority on when AI genuinely fits a client
problem and when it does not, protecting clients and Thunder from AI
over-reach.
Provide technical input to Thunder's internal delivery-transformation
efforts, partnering with delivery leadership on how AI strengthens how we
architect and deliver.
Pre-Sales Solution Oversight
Set the standards for how Thunder solutions and estimates before it commits,
establishing the estimation discipline and design principles that govern
technical scoping.
Vet proposed architectures on strategic and complex pursuits against delivery
capacity and skill sets to prevent sales over-reach.
Provide architectural oversight and review on the highest-stakes pursuits;
guide technical discovery and shape the technical narrative that wins
executive trust.
Architectural Excellence & Technical Bar
Own the technical bar for the architect community. Define what "good" looks
like, the design and code-quality standards architects are held to, and the
certification and capability roadmap as a technical artifact.
Partner with practice and delivery leadership on the architect career ladder,
hiring bar, and career development, ensuring the people model is anchored to
the technical standard you set.
Coach and elevate the architect community through review, mentorship, and
knowledge-sharing.
Escalations & Account Recovery
Step into escalated or at-risk engagements to diagnose technical root cause,
reset the design or direction, and stabilize.
When a critical engagement requires it, go deep. Lead solution design
sessions, review complex integration and data-migration strategies, and make
the hard architecture calls directly.
Thought Leadership
Represent Thunder externally through client executive presentations, public
speaking, and published thought leadership.
Stay current on Salesforce product and platform capabilities, emerging
patterns, and product updates.
QUALIFICATIONS:
12–15+ years within Enterprise and/or Salesforce ecosystem as an architect,
solution engineer, or technical consulting leader in customer-facing roles,
including complex, multi-cloud programs.
4+ years leading architects, whether as a manager, Principal/Enterprise
Architect, or architecture practice lead, with a proven track record of
setting standards and driving organizational technical strategy, not just
delivering projects.
Executive presence: able to own a room, earn trust with client C-suite and
technical teams alike, and turn a technical narrative into a business
decision.
Deep expertise across Salesforce architecture and platform capabilities
(Sales, Service, Experience, and custom solutions), plus cross-cloud and
cross-system fluency.
Expert in custom and managed-package API integrations (RESTful + SOAP) and
proven implementation using Salesforce Integration Patterns, including
MuleSoft and middleware.
Demonstrated depth in data architecture, including data modeling, data
quality, migrations, and integration into governed data platforms (Data 360
and comparable), as the foundation for the platform, analytics and AI.
Working fluency in AI and agentic solution design on the Salesforce platform
(Agentforce and related patterns), with the judgment to separate durable
architecture.
Sound judgment on the profitability line, architecting for scalability and
quality.
Certifications:
Strongly Preferred: Salesforce Certified Technical Architect (CTA). If not
held you must demonstrate the ability to operate at a CTA level.
Required: Salesforce Admin, plus a credible depth of architect-track
certifications, ideally 5+ across Sharing & Visibility Architect, Data
Architect, Application Architect, System Architect, Platform Developer I/II,
Platform App Builder, and Integration Architect.
Valued: Sales/Service/Experience/Revenue Cloud Consultant, MuleSoft
Integration Architect, Identity & Access Management Architect, Data 360,
Agentforce, Development Lifecycle & Deployment Architect.
Active certifications with a willingness to achieve additional certifications
on emerging technologies as Thunder's roadmap moves.
Why Thunder? Because You Deserve More Than Just a Job.
A Culture of Builders – We’re a remote-first, global team of curious,
collaborative problem-solvers. You’ll have the opportunity to refine
processes, solve challenges, and help shape the future of Salesforce and
Amazon consulting. If you’re excited to build, innovate, and grow, you’ll fit
right in.
Forge Your Own Path – At Thunder, you’re not just filling a role—you’re
shaping it. Whether it’s jumping into presales, refining our methodology, or
building something entirely new, the opportunity to innovate is yours to
take.
Perks In Store for You:
Comprehensive Benefits with Sequoia – Medical, Dental, Vision, and
Employer-Paid Life/Disability Insurance to keep you and your loved ones
covered.
Ownership & Impact – Stock options in a fast-moving, high-growth company.
Every employee plays a part in what we’re building. Come make your mark!
Level Up Your Career – Real opportunities to grow your Salesforce and Amazon
expertise through mentorship, certifications, and hands-on experience with
cutting-edge technology.
Work from anywhere (well, almost 😉) - Enjoy the freedom of remote work,
flexible PTO (with a 2-week minimum!), and generous leave policies - because
the best work happens where you’re happiest.
People-First Flexibility – We’re always listening, evolving, and adapting.
Your feedback helps shape our policies, ensuring you can thrive -
professionally and personally.
Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a
full-time basis.