Solutions Architect

As THE leader in transit technology, Clever Devices' vision is to make meaningful contributions to worldwide mobility. Our goal is to be the leading provider of exciting technology that improves the quality of mobility in communities around the world. We are continuing to grow, and are looking for a Solutions Architect.

While this position is a hybrid position requiring 2 days per week in the office, we may consider remote employment based on a number of factors including candidate location.

The Solutions Architect is responsible for leading and writing the technical content for ITS system solutions, from concept to submission.  The definition and writing of the system architecture and technical solution involves building a compliance matrix; gathering, analyzing, and compiling information from external vendors and Clever Devices product group; preparing drafts and final documentation for the technical solution to ensure compliance with the RFP/RFI technical requirements, and; obtaining  the appropriate internal approvals for submission. Of particular importance is experience with rail solutions.

The Solutions Architect will support the proposal activity by working with the Account Manager in deriving the proposal concepts and win strategies. The Solutions Architect will coordinate and support the proposal review process with the sales, product, project management, systems engineering, and other organizations. Ultimately, the Solutions Architect is responsible for the technical proposal package from bid-board to submission to potential client.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Works with Account Manager to provide technical support for pre-sales meetings, discussions, pre-bid and bid meetings etc.  
• Develops and maintains proposal library content of product specifications that highlight our unique solutions and competitive advantages to provide prospective clients prior to RFP release
• Coordinates with Product Management and other departments for updated technical content.
• Develops and defines the system architecture / technical solution for complex proposals and Scopes of Work (SOWs)
• Determines the proposal concept by identifying and clarifying opportunities and requirements, studying Requests for Proposal (RFPs), attending bid-board and attending/leading strategy meetings
• Prepares and leads technical content review in the proposal kick-off meeting
• Reviews and outlines the proposal to meet the RFP requirements and ensures the proposal clearly addresses the evaluation criteria, special requirements, and complies with all the specifications within the RFP
• Ensures the proposal clearly defines the proposed technical solution and works with product management team to identify any clarifications or exceptions to the customer’s requirements
• Meets the proposal deadline by establishing priorities and target dates for information gathering, writing, review, and approval; entering and monitoring tracking data; coordinating requirements with contributors from other departments contributing proposal status information to review meetings; transmitting proposals
• Responsible for developing the compliance matrix and assigning responsibilities
• Ensures that all addendums are reviewed and acted upon
• Distributes inquiry documents to others involved in the proposal, estimates and coordinates the preparation as required
• Coordinate with other departments to provide the content for the pricing team to complete the pricing effort (BOMs, modules, licenses, third-party solutions, etc.)
• Leads delivery of all technical clarification questions to be for the proposal.
• Works closely with the pricing analyst to ensure the RFP requirements are accurately reflected in the pricing
• Participates in pricing discussions and meetings, addenda impact meetings, and leads solutions meetings.
• Solicits quotes from necessary vendors and subcontractors to provide a complete solution; maintains knowledge of approved company vendors, estimating methods as well as project execution procedures
• Supports oral presentations during the proposal evaluation stage, if needed
• Supports post-award debriefs with transit agency to learn the strong and weak points of the proposal and address the weaknesses as deemed necessary in order to make successive proposals stronger
• Stays connected to the industry and seeks out industry and competitor trends, and communicates such trends to management. Updates job knowledge by participating in educational opportunities and maintaining personal networks. Understands new product development as it relates to developing the proposal technical solution
• Improves proposal-writing results by evaluating and re-designing processes, approach, coordination, and boilerplate; implementing changes. Gathers proposal information by identifying sources of information; coordinating submissions and collections; identifying and communicating risks associated with proposals
• Maintains high-quality and quick results by using templates; following proposal-writing standards including readability, consistency, and tone; maintains proposal support databases
• Obtains approvals by reviewing proposal with key providers and management
• Mentors the   Proposal Engineers / Solutions Architects, as well as any associates.
• Obtains feedback from the project deployment/sales organization for “lessons learned” to incorporate in future proposals
• Serves as technical resource to the deployment team (during implementation)
• Updates the bid library as required

Skills Required:

• Minimum 7 years’ experience in systems engineering involving hardware, software, data and communications technologies 
• Experience in deploying Transit solutions, especially Rail solutions
• Experience in interfacing systems with a focus on integrating software, hardware and databases
• Preferred experience in developing software and database systems
• Preferred experience and understanding of Intelligent Transportation Systems used in inner-city public transportation
• Ability to meet deadlines in a comprehensive manner; ability to handle multiple tasks and prioritize
• Self-motivated analytical thinker that can provide solutions within the time allotted
• Comfortable presenting to Senior Management and prospects/clients
• Ability to analyze risk and to develop risk mitigation strategies
• Exceptional written, presentation, interpersonal and communications skills
• Strong technical writing skills
• Knowledge/experience in networking, networking products
• Expert in Word, Excel, Project, Visio, and PowerPoint
• Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent in engineering, computer engineering, software development, database development 
• Ability to travel when required, work late/work over the weekend on occasion to meet deadlines

The compensation range posted for this position represents the anticipated minimum and maximum compensation for this position based upon a good faith and reasonable estimate. The exact compensation offered will depend on several factors such as the candidate’s experience, skills, training, education and/or physical location; internal equity; and, budget.

In addition, Clever Devices Ltd. offers a variety of benefits to eligible employees, including health insurance coverage, wellness and family support programs, life and disability insurance, retirement savings plans, paid leave programs, education-related programs, paid holidays and time off, and many others, depending on the level and position offered. Many of these benefits are subsidized or fully paid for by the company.

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice based on business need.