Principal IT Consultant / IT Architect

About the role

Archetype SC is looking for an elite-level Principal IT Consultant / IT Architect to lead the design, strategy and implementation of complex IT solutions for a diverse client base. The role combines deep technical expertise in IT architecture (cloud, systems and infrastructure, security, automation) with commercial responsibility: sizing effort, recommending hours and resource mix, and aligning client budgets to outcomes. It suits someone who thrives on innovation, solves high-level IT challenges and mentors senior engineers.

Location: Myrtle Beach, SC preferred; open to qualified candidates throughout the Southeast.

Key responsibilities

• Define the strategic vision for IT architecture and act as the top technical authority on advanced IT solutions.
• Lead complex, multi-disciplinary IT projects from conception to completion, including cloud infrastructure, data centers, virtualization and IT automation.
• Work with executive leadership and clients on technology roadmaps that align with business goals.
• Design scalable, secure, high-performance IT infrastructures and oversee integration of new technologies with minimal disruption.
• Lead pre-sales: present technical solutions, assist with proposals and contribute to business development.
• Provide consulting on IT security, high availability, disaster recovery and compliance.
• Estimate level of effort, recommend hours and resources, and align client budgets with outcomes.
• Author and review statements of work, scope documents and change orders.
• Partner with sales and delivery on pricing, margins and risk, and monitor burn rate and utilization.
• Advise clients on TCO, ROI and cloud/licensing cost optimization.
• Mentor senior IT consultants and engineers and keep pace with emerging technologies.

Required profile

• 10+ years in IT engineering, architecture or IT consulting, focused on large-scale enterprise environments.
• Proven consulting ability, including discovery, requirements definition and managing client expectations.
• Experience scoping and estimating engagements, including SOW development.
• Knowledge of consulting commercial models (fixed-fee, time-and-materials, retainer, managed services).
• Leadership experience managing cross-functional teams and mentoring senior staff.
• Client-facing experience with executive-level relationships.

Required skills

• Architecture of data centers, enterprise systems, virtualization and cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP).
• Enterprise technologies from Microsoft, Cisco, VMware, Palo Alto and Fortinet.
• IT security: identity and access management, endpoint and perimeter security, zero trust.
• Preferred: CISSP, TOGAF, AWS Solutions Architect or Azure Solutions Architect Expert; DevOps, PSA tools, hybrid/multi-cloud and edge computing.

What we offer

• Competitive salary and performance-based bonuses.
• Health, dental and vision insurance, 401K with company match, life insurance and disability coverage.
• Professional development and career advancement opportunities.