Principal Cloud Architect

Calix provides the cloud, software platforms, systems and services required for communications service providers to simplify their businesses, excite their subscribers and grow their value.This is a remote position that could be based anywhere in the United States or CanadaAs a Principal Cloud Architect, you will lead the architectural design of next-generation cloud solutions across our GCP infrastructure. You will define technical strategy, create architectural standards, and guide the implementation of large-scale distributed systems. Your expertise in cloud architecture patterns, AI/ML systems design, and modern observability frameworks will be critical in shaping Calix's technical direction and enabling our transformation toward intelligent cloud-native solutions.At Calix, purpose runs deep—we’re driven by the conviction that bridging the digital divide can change lives. Here, you’ll thrive in a vibrant, collaborative culture that champions creativity, celebrates out of the box ideas, and fuels continuous personal and professional growth. Working with us means joining hands—virtually or side by side—with industry leaders and subject matter experts, all passionate about building a more inclusive digital future. Together, we spark a culture of relentless innovation and belonging where your contributions don’t just matter—they make a lasting difference.Over the past three years, Calix’s unwavering commitment and relentless pursuit of excellence have been recognized with 145 awards for product superiority, innovation, and workplace culture from renowned organizations such as Fortune, Forbes, Fast Company, Harvard Business Review, Digiday, Great Places to Work, and Comparably.Build a meaningful career. Drive impact. Help us transform society—one community at a time.Key Responsibilities:Cloud Solution ArchitectureDesign and architect enterprise-scale cloud solutions on Google Cloud Platform for telecommunications workloadsCreate technical blueprints for microservices architectures, API gateways, and distributed system patternsDefine cloud migration strategies and modernization roadmaps for legacy telecommunications systemsArchitect multi-tenant, multi-region solutions with focus on scalability, security, and cost optimizationAI/ML Systems ArchitectureDesign cloud infrastructure for AI/ML workloads including model training, inference pipelines, and MLOps frameworksArchitect agentic AI systems and LLM-powered applications with focus on performance and reliabilityCreate technical specifications for intelligent automation and self-healing infrastructure systemsDefine data architecture patterns for AI/ML pipelines and real-time analyticsTechnical Strategy & StandardsEstablish cloud architecture standards, patterns, and best practices across engineering teamsLead technical decision-making for cloud technology selection and architectural trade-offsCreate and maintain architectural documentation, reference architectures, and design guidelinesCollaborate with security and compliance teams to ensure architectural adherence to industry standardsCross-Functional LeadershipPartner with product teams to translate business requirements into scalable technical architecturesProvide technical guidance and mentorship to senior engineers and architecture team membersLead architecture review boards and ensure architectural consistency across multiple projectsDrive innovation initiatives and evaluate emerging cloud technologies for potential adoptionQualifications: Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field, with 15+ years of experience architecting and delivering customer-centric technology solutions.Experience working as a hands-on enterprise application architect implementing architecture integration roadmaps through all phases of the project lifecycle.Knowledge and experience designing solutions with the GCP suite of products as well as using containerization frameworks such as Docker and Kubernetes .Experience in designing solution with NATSProven success creating business-enabling technology roadmaps.Experience in building ML and AI frameworksHands-on engineer who can collaborate with the team from the ground-up.History of introducing new/emerging technology to disrupt business models.Proven success creating business-enabling technology roadmaps#LI-RemoteThe base pay range for this position varies based on the geographic location. More information about the pay range specific to candidate location and other factors will be shared during the recruitment process. Individual pay is determined based on location of residence and multiple factors, including job-related knowledge, skills and experience.San Francisco Bay Area:182,900 - 310,500 USD AnnualAll Other US Locations:159,000 - 270,000 USD AnnualAs a part of the total compensation package, this role may be eligible for a bonus. For information on our benefits click here.