Chief Architect

The posting, as Thunder wrote it

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 so

[…]
rk, 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.

At Thunder, we are committed to pay equity and transparency. The annual salary range for this position is $210,000 to $250,000 and represents the national base pay targets for this role across all U.S. locations. This disclosed range does not include additional compensation components such as discretionary bonuses, equity, or our standard employee benefits package. Actual individual pay decisions are based on a rigorous assessment of job-related factors, including the candidate’s geographic location, relevant certifications, and specific level of professional experience. Please note that it is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top of the range, as compensation is tailored to the unique facts and circumstances of each specific case.

Research shows that women and people from underrepresented groups often apply to jobs only if they meet 100% of the qualifications. We recognize that it is highly unlikely that someone meets 100% of the qualifications for a role. If most of this job description describes you, then we encourage you to please apply for this role. Thunder is proud to be an Equal Opportunity employer, and is deeply committed to building and supporting our diverse team through inclusive, equitable hiring practices.

Thunder does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruitment agencies. All resumes submitted by recruitment agencies to any employee via email, the Internet (including LinkedIn), or directly without a fully-executed search agreement will be deemed the sole property of Thunder, and no fee will be paid in the event the candidate is hired.