Title:  Solutions Architect - Modernization

LOCATION

This position supports MidWest and Canadian customers. Candidates must be based in the Mid-West region of the United States to be considered. 

JOB SUMMARY

NetApp’s Solutions Architecture (SA) organization is a specialized technical team that partners closely with Enterprise Sales to drive complex customer conversations that require deep subject-matter expertise. SAs step in when customers need high-level architectural guidance, strategic planning, and trusted advisory. As a Senior SA, you influence customer direction, help shape refresh and modernization strategies, and guide customers through key decisions about how they consume NetApp technology. 

In this role, you will support the Modernization & Keystone pillar for the Mid-West and Canada, helping customers understand their current lifecycle timelines, refresh options, and consumption model choices, including Keystone, subscription licensing programs, etc. You will partner closely with Enterprise Client Executives (who own the customer relationship), while serving as the specialist architect who leads higher-level conversations with customers, including at the C-suite level. This role is highly consultative, data-informed, and proactive, focused on helping customers modernize, optimize, and plan their long-term storage strategy. 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Customer Engagement & Modernization Strategy 

• Lead high-level modernization, lifecycle, and refresh strategy conversations with Enterprise customers across the Midwest and Canada.
• Assess customer install base to identify modernization opportunities, software adoption gaps, and upcoming lifecycle events.
• Provide customers with clear architectural and financial guidance, including TCO comparisons, refresh options, consumption models, Keystone programs, and long-term SLA/upgrade pathways.
• Educate customers on Keystone and SLP offerings, including how subscription-based consumption supports continuous upgrades and simplified operations. 

Field Partnership & Account Alignment 

• Work diplomatically with Client Executives to support account strategy.  
• Coach field teams on identifying refresh triggers, positioning modernization value, and navigating financial/technical option conversations. 

Technical Leadership & Solution Development 

• Develop modernization architectures, refresh roadmaps, and consumption-model recommendations aligned to customer SLAs and business objectives.
• Build reverse timelines and structured upgrade plans that help customers proactively prepare for lifecycle changes.
• Guide customers through the financial and technical implications of different modernization paths, including PS service options, evergreen upgrades, and  subscriptions.
• Support the technical validation process (POCs, workshops, planning sessions) for modernization and consumption model decisions. 

Pipeline Development & Cross-Functional Collaboration 

• Drive modernization pipeline by identifying opportunities within the existing install base and partnering with marketing, SE leadership, and regional sales teams.
• Contribute to RFPs/RFIs, proposals, and customer-facing materials that articulate modernization value, lifecycle strategy, and Keystone economics.
• Provide field insights to product and business teams to improve modernization tools, lifecycle visibility, and Keystone adoption programs. 

QUALIFICATIONS

• 7+ years in a Solutions Architect, Systems Engineer, or customer-facing technical role.
• Strong understanding of enterprise storage architectures, lifecycle management, refresh planning – required.  
• Ability to translate complex storage modernization options into clear financial and technical guidance, including TCO, CapEx vs OpEx models, SLAs, and upgrade pathways.
• Experience discussing consumption models such as Keystone and subscription licensing (SLP).
• Excellent presentation skills with the ability to communicate at the C-suite level, as well as with directors and administrators.
• Strong customer diplomacy, able to influence without owning the account and collaborate effectively with Client Executives and SEs.
• Demonstrated ability to coach field teams and partners on positioning value, differentiation, and modernization opportunities.
• Experience with lifecycle engineering, refresh planning, or install-base strategy.
• Background supporting modernization or consumption-model transitions in enterprise environments.
• Proven success building modernization roadmaps and facilitating long-term customer planning discussions.