Overview
Principal Architect – Cargo Operational Applications – Hybrid (Chicago or Houston)
Position Overview
We are seeking a visionary Principal Architect to lead architectural strategy and design for next-generation cargo operations systems. This individual will play a central role in transforming and modernizing cargo warehouse infrastructure by implementing cutting-edge technologies, including generative AI and automation. The ideal candidate combines deep technical knowledge with strategic insight and leadership, guiding cross-functional teams toward scalable and sustainable technology solutions that align with evolving business needs.
Key Responsibilities
Design and guide the architecture for cargo operational applications, ensuring alignment with both immediate business needs and long-term strategy.
Develop and maintain a forward-thinking architectural roadmap for cargo systems.
Collaborate with stakeholders to translate business requirements into actionable technical plans.
Evaluate and recommend innovative technologies to improve cargo operations efficiency and reliability.
Ensure seamless system integration and interoperability across the cargo application landscape.
Lead technical decision-making processes and provide mentoring and support to developers and junior architects.
Uphold best practices in architecture design, security, and performance optimization.
Support production releases and occasional maintenance work during evenings or weekends.
Required Skills & Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field; Master’s degree preferred.
10+ years of experience in IT architecture, with a minimum of 5 years in logistics or cargo operations.
Proven experience designing and implementing solutions in cloud platforms such as AWS, Azure, or GCP.
Expertise in microservices and service-oriented architecture (SOA).
Proficiency in multiple programming languages and frameworks relevant to logistics or enterprise-scale systems.
Experience working with big data technologies and analytics platforms.
Strong communication skills with the ability to explain complex technical concepts to technical and non-technical audiences.
Strong leadership and mentoring capabilities with a collaborative mindset.
Familiarity with cargo industry standards and regulatory considerations.
Preferred Skills & Certifications
AWS Certified Solutions Architect
PMP Certification
Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)
Work Schedule & Location
Work Model: Hybrid – must be able to be onsite as needed
Preferred Locations: Houston or Chicago
Work Hours: Primarily weekdays, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM CST; occasional evenings/weekends for release support
Travel: Up to 20%, with travel expenses reimbursed per policy
Contract Details
Contract Length: 9–12 months, with strong potential for extension or conversion
Contract-to-Hire: Yes; target conversion date January 2026
Employment Type: Contract
Rate Range: $65+ per hour
If you’re a technology leader passionate about driving innovation in logistics and cargo systems, we invite you to apply and shape the future of cargo operations.
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