Solution Architect (Sales)

Itron is innovating new ways for utilities and cities to manage energy and water. We create a more resourceful world to protect essential resources for today and tomorrow. Join us.

Itron is seeking a strategic and technically sophisticated Solution Architect (SA) with broad architectural awareness and strong solutions thinking to serve as the cross-functional owner of solution definition during the sales process. The SA plays a pivotal role in shaping how Itron positions its value-by translating technical capabilities into relatable, compelling stories that address real customer problems.

Solution Architects are assigned to named accounts and serve as the 'solution wingman' to the Enterprise / Client Executive (E / CE). They are expected to build relationships with technical buyers as trusted advisors and partner with Sales to define integrated offerings that are technically sound and commercially aligned.

The SA is primarily focused on securing new business and shaping pursuit strategy, while also ensuring delivery continuity and integrity of the solution. This includes validating architecture, confirming scope and pricing alignment, and enabling clean handoff to delivery.

Duties and Responsibilities

Solution Ownership & Definition

Define and maintain both internal-facing Solution Definitions and external-facing Solution Overviews to articulate the complete technical and commercial solution.

Ensure these documents align with the Pursuit Strategy, pricing structure, and proposed customer value. Develop and maintain reusable Level 1 (platform-wide) and Level 2 (use-case-specific) architecture diagrams.

Act as the final technical reviewer of content before RFP submission to ensure accuracy, clarity, and compliance.

Sales Process Role & Deal Support

Act as the Solution Owner for assigned pursuits, working with the E / CE to align win themes, pricing strategy, and delivery feasibility.

Support the preparation of Opportunity Review Board (ORB) materials to gain internal alignment.

Ensure continuity between pre-sale and delivery by confirming technical scope, integration feasibility, and contract clarity.

Strategic Focus Areas

Lead articulation of Grid Edge Intelligence use cases, helping justify value in AMI 2.0 programs beyond AMI 1.0 benefits.

Consult on Intelligent Network Connectivity tradeoffs (e.g., mesh vs. cellular) for performance, resilience, and cost alignment.

Partner with the E / CE to shape new opportunities and expand solution scope to increase Total Contract Value (TCV).

Enablement & Internal Alignment

Maintain a library of reusable solution artifacts (blueprints, diagrams, and messaging).

Provide structured feedback to PLMs regarding readiness gaps and alignment issues.

Collaborate with PSEs to ensure demos support the proposed architecture and value proposition.

Support internal education and training to increase awareness of solution capabilities and patterns.

Success in this role requires the ability to :

Storyboard Level 1 platform-wide architectures and drill into Level 2 use-case-specific designs

Translate customer goals into solution narratives using use-case mapping and high-level architectures

Act as an integrator across Itron, partner, and utility elements to ensure feasibility and value

Partner with the E / CE to expand deal scope, increase total contract value, and grow the pipeline.

Bring awareness of utility operations to position value with the right audience-from engineering to regulatory staff

Demonstrate understanding of alternative technologies and competitor approaches to clearly articulate Itron's differentiation for a given use case.

Required Skills & Experience

8+ years of experience in technical pre-sales, solution architecture, product management, or related roles within the utility, telecom, or enterprise technology sectors.

Demonstrated ability to develop and communicate Level 1 and Level 2 solution architectures across diverse technologies, partners, and deployment environments.

Proven experience storyboarding customer use cases and translating them into executable technical solutions with clear business value.

Strong familiarity with AMI systems, Grid Edge Intelligence, MDMS, DI platforms, and Intelligent Network Connectivity (cellular and mesh).

Ability to articulate regulatory and business case justification for AMI 2.0 solutions, especially where AMI 1.0 benefits have already been realized.

Deep understanding of solution scoping, SOW development, and the components required for a complete, cross-functional offering.

Strong communication skills with confidence presenting to both technical and executive audiences.

Bachelor's degree in engineering, computer science, information systems, or a related technical field-or equivalent experience.

Travel : 50-60%

Physical Demands : This is a typical office job, with no special physical requirements or unusual work environment.

This position also includes a competitive benefit package including; financial, social, health and wellbeing programs, paid vacation, 401k matching, employee stock purchase program, hybrid work schedule, and more!

This position is eligible for our sales incentive program.

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Itron is committed to building an inclusive and diverse workforce and providing an authentic workplace experience for all employees. If you are excited about this role but your past experiences don't perfectly align with every requirement, we encourage you to apply anyway. In the end, you may be just who we are looking for!

The successful candidate's starting wage will be determined based on permissible, non-discriminatory factors such as skills and experience.

Itron is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. If you require an accommodation to apply, please contact a recruiting representative at 1-800-635-5461 or email Accessibility@itron.com .

Itron is transforming how the world manages energy, water and city services. Our trusted intelligent infrastructure solutions help utilities and cities improve efficiency, build resilience and deliver safe, reliable and affordable service. With edge intelligence, we connect people, data insights and devices so communities can better manage the essential resources they rely on to live. Join us as we create a more resourceful world : www.itron.com