Lead Solution Architect – Airports

About the Role

We are seeking a Lead Solution Architect to spearhead the design and architecture of integrated airport technology systems at a major organization based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This role focuses on passenger processing technologies (including check-in, self-service kiosks, bag drop, boarding), baggage handling and reconciliation, common-use terminal platforms (CUPPS, CUSS, CUTE), and operational airport systems such as AODB, RMS, FIDS, and BHS interfaces.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development of comprehensive airport technology architectures encompassing applications, data management, integration, cloud and network infrastructure, and security while aligning with industry and enterprise reference frameworks.
• Create and maintain high and low-level architectural artifacts, solution blueprints, interface specifications, and decision documentation.
• Make strategic build-versus-buy and platform selection decisions, carefully balancing resilience, cost, vendor capabilities, and long-term maintainability.
• Design robust integration architectures involving APIs, ESB/iPaaS, messaging, and event-driven systems interfacing with airlines, airports, government bodies, and retail stakeholders.
• Ensure all systems meet demanding availability, performance, failover, and business continuity criteria suitable for the 24/7 safety- and security-focused airport environment.
• Incorporate cybersecurity, data protection, and regulatory compliance requirements into architectural designs from inception (security-by-design).
• Serve as the senior technical authority across project lifecycles including bidding, mobilization, design, development, testing, transition, and ongoing operations.
• Lead, mentor, and oversee solution and domain architect teams, establishing design standards and ensuring delivery quality.
• Manage technical risks by identification, mitigation, and escalation; lead architecture review boards and design authorities.
• Provide accurate effort, cost, and resource estimates to support commercial proposals and project planning.
• Develop trusted advisory relationships with airport executives, operational stakeholders, airlines, regulators, and technology partners.
• Translate complex technical scenarios into clear, business-focused recommendations understandable by non-technical executives.
• Contribute actively to pre-sales, proposal development, and innovation to deliver winning solutions.

Required Expertise

• Significant background as a solution or enterprise architect managing major complex programs in aviation, airports, or critical infrastructure sectors.
• Deep knowledge of airport operational systems and IT/OT ecosystems including AODB, RMS, FIDS, BHS, CUPPS/CUSS/CUTE, BRS, A-CDM, passenger flow, and biometric processing.
• Robust architecture experience spanning applications, integration, data platforms, cloud services (Azure, AWS, GCP), network infrastructure, and cybersecurity.
• Expertise in designing integrations among diverse systems and stakeholders adhering to industry standards like IATA messaging and ACI/IATA guidelines.
• Demonstrated ability to architect solutions that ensure high availability, resilience, and security in mission-critical 24/7 operations.
• Proven leadership capabilities with experience in multi-disciplinary architecture teams and governance of design quality including architecture review processes.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills, capable of engaging effectively with senior executives.

Preferred Qualifications

• Certifications such as TOGAF and cloud architecture accreditations.
• Familiarity with airport-specific standards and initiatives including IATA, ACI, A-CDM, NDC, and biometric or Digital Travel Credential programs.
• Exposure to large-scale airport terminal opening, expansion, or greenfield technology initiatives.
• Experience with managed-services and systems integration operational models including transitions into live operations.
• Knowledge of OT, SCADA, IoT, and building management system integration within airport settings.

Educational Background

A degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Information Systems, or a related field is required, or equivalent professional experience. Relevant architecture, cloud, and security certifications are strongly preferred.

Key Competencies

• Strategic and systems thinking
• Strong leadership in design and technical discipline
• Influential stakeholder engagement
• Commercial understanding
• Risk management aptitude
• Effective collaboration across multi-vendor teams
• Maintaining resilience under operational pressures
• Customer-centric approach

Company Culture and Work Model

The company values strong personal connections and community as fundamental to success. Its work approach emphasizes in-person collaboration combined with flexibility to support wellbeing, productivity, individual working preferences, and life circumstances. The environment promotes inclusivity for all employees to thrive.

Recruitment Integrity

Applicants should be aware of fraudulent recruitment activities impersonating the company. Genuine recruitment does not involve offers via social media, requests for payments, or purchasing equipment on behalf of the company. Candidates are advised to remain vigilant against scams.