Staples is business to business. You’re what binds us together.

Our digital solutions team is more than a traditional IT organization. We are passionate, collaborative, agile, inventive, customer-centric, and results-oriented problem solvers. We are intellectually curious, love advancements in technology, and seek to adapt technologies to drive Staples forward. We anticipate the needs of our customers and business partners and deliver reliable, customer-centric technology services.

Role summary:

The Senior Architect II will act as a strategic advisor within the software domain, utilizing their broad and deep technical knowledge to influence, guide, and implement highly strategic, complex, and high-risk projects. This role is central to the company's software development strategy, ensuring the development and deployment of innovative, state-of-the-art software solutions that align with company objectives. The Senior Architect II will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of our company's software endeavors, ensuring we remain at the forefront of technological innovation. Your expertise and leadership will not only guide our software team but will also have a lasting impact on our company's overall strategic direction.

What you’ll be doing:

• Lead the design and architecture of large-scale software projects, ensuring they align with the company's strategic goals and objectives.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop technical/business approaches and create enhanced technical tools.
• Recommend and incorporate innovative software design methodologies to optimize performance and scalability.
• Ensure all software solutions are aligned with industry best practices and compliance standards.
• Evaluate emerging technologies and propose their adoption where applicable.
• Guide, mentor, and support less experienced software developers and architects.
• Collaborate closely with senior management to translate complex business needs into technical objectives, plans, and specifications.
• Represent the software department in strategic discussions, both internally and externally.
• Advocate for the continuous improvement of software development processes and methodologies.

What you bring to the table:

• Exceptional problem-solving and analytical abilities.
• Strong leadership and mentoring skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strategic thinking and business acumen.
• Ability to work effectively in a dynamic, rapidly changing environment.
• Strong negotiation skills.

What’s needed- Basic Qualifications:

• BA/BS degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related technical field or equivalent work experience.
• 10+ years of experience in software design and architecture.
• Proven track record in architecting scalable and fault-tolerant systems.
• Proficiency in multiple programming languages, e.g., Java, C#, Python.
• Deep understanding of modern software design patterns and data structures.
• Comprehensive knowledge of both relational databases (e.g., PostgreSQL, MySQL) and familiarity with NoSQL databases (e.g., MongoDB).
• Proficiency in major cloud platforms like AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud Platform.
• Solid understanding of RESTful API design principles.
• Knowledge of software security best practices and compliance standards.
• Familiarity with CI/CD tools and infrastructure as code concepts.

What’s needed- Preferred Qualifications:

• Masters or Doctoral degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related field preferred
• Advanced Degree: Masters or Doctoral degree in Computer Science or a related field.
• Emerging Technologies: Experience with cutting-edge software technologies and methodologies.
• API Extensions: Experience with GraphQL or other advanced API query languages.
• Security Certifications: Recognized certifications in cybersecurity or software security.
• Cloud Certifications: Certifications from major cloud providers (e.g., AWS Certified Solutions Architect, Google Cloud Professional Architect).
• Leadership: Proven experience leading technical teams or strategic projects.
• Industry Network: Established connections within the software and technology industry.

We Offer:

• Inclusive culture with associate-led Business Resource Groups 
• Flexible PTO (22 days) and Holiday Schedule (7 observed paid holidays) 
• Online and Retail Discounts, Company Match 401(k), Physical and Mental Health Wellness programs, and more! 

At Staples, “inclusion” is an action word. It represents what we do to ensure that all employees feel valued and supported to contribute to their fullest potential. When we operate inclusively, diversity naturally follows. This is why we work hard to foster an inclusive culture, as we seek employees with unique and varied perspectives and areas of expertise. The result is a better workplace and innovative thinking that helps us exceed our customers’ expectations -- through the power of the people behind our iconic brand.

Staples is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, or any other basis protected by federal, state, or local law.

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.