We are seeking a Systems Architect to guide the design and evolution of enterprise technology solutions. This role offers the opportunity to shape system architecture patterns, mentor technical teams, and influence technology strategy within a collaborative, forward-thinking environment. Please note the content of this advert does not represent a live vacancy. About the opportunity This is an opportunity to register your interest in future Systems Architect opportunities, roles that could support the delivery of robust, scalable enterprise solutions. Positions of this type may sit within organizations advancing their technical capabilities through thoughtful architecture design, cross-functional collaboration, and strategic technology decisions. The work could involve partnering across engineering, product, and operations teams to define system design patterns, evaluate technology choices, and maintain architectural coherence as systems grow in complexity and scope. You could have the opportunity to mentor technical teams, influence technical vision, and contribute to technology strategy that shapes how solutions are built and delivered. Typical role overview

Location:

Chicago, Illinois, USA — on-site or hybrid, based on project requirements

Type:

Contract Rate:

$720 - $960 per day Experience level: 10-15 years in architecture or systems design roles

Domain:

Enterprise solutions architecture

• systems design

• technology strategy What you would do Typical responsibilities could include: Designing and documenting system architectures that balance scalability, performance, security, and maintainability Defining architecture patterns and technology standards that guide development teams Conducting technical evaluations of platforms, frameworks, and infrastructure options to inform strategic decisions Collaborating with product, engineering, and operations teams to translate business requirements into technical solutions Reviewing and refining designs created by technical teams, providing mentorship and raising architectural standards Contributing to technology roadmaps and helping shape the evolution of system capabilities Documenting architecture decisions and maintaining clear communication with stakeholders across technical and business domains What you could bring Most roles of this type require the following: Must-have 10-15 years of experience in systems architecture, solutions architecture, or equivalent technical leadership roles 5+ years leading, mentoring, or guiding technical teams in architectural decisions Deep knowledge of system design principles, architectural patterns (microservices, distributed systems, etc.), and enterprise solution design Strong experience with UML and architecture documentation standards AWS Certified Solutions Architect certification or equivalent cloud architecture credential Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or related field Authorization to work in the United States Nice-to-have TOGAF 9 Certified or equivalent enterprise architecture certification Experience architecting cloud-native, distributed, or highly scalable systems Track record of mentoring architects and senior engineers Exposure to DevOps practices, infrastructure-as-code, or platform engineering What roles of this type could offer Most roles of this type offer the following, dependent on the industry and seniority of the role: Opportunity to shape technical vision and influence how systems are designed and delivered Scope to mentor and guide technical teams, raising architectural standards and capabilities Exposure to complex, strategic technology challenges across enterprise environments Potential for professional development through exposure to emerging technologies and architectural patterns Flexibility in contract-based engagement, allowing you to select opportunities aligned with your interests and availability Collaboration with diverse technical teams and exposure to varied technology stacks and business domains About Specialist Staffing Group We connect talented professionals with opportunities that match their expertise and career goals. Our focus is on understanding your technical strengths, career aspirations, and the types of challenges you want to tackle. We work with leading organizations across industries to identify roles where your skills and experience can make a meaningful impact. How to register interest If you are interested in being added to our database to be considered for future opportunities, registering is quick and easy. No cover letter required. We will be in touch when we are instructed on these roles to discuss the next step in your career.