Senior Solutions Architect

<p class="MsoNormal">Code Wizards is a 60-person UK games technology company specializing in work-for-hire services for game studios. We deliver cutting-edge technical solutions that power some of the industry's most ambitious gaming projects.</p><p class="MsoNormal">We are seeking an experienced Solutions Architect to design and deliver scalable cloud infrastructure for AAA game studios. This role combines technical leadership, client engagement, and pre-sales support, with a strong focus on AWS and multiplayer gaming platforms.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><strong>DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES</strong></p><p class="MsoNormal"><strong>Solutions Architecture &amp; Technical Leadership</strong></p><p class="MsoListParagraph"><span>· </span>Design scalable, secure, and cost-efficient cloud architectures for AAA gaming clients</p><p class="MsoListParagraph"><span>· </span>Translate business requirements into robust technical solutions</p><p class="MsoListParagraph"><span>· </span>Provide technical leadership and best practices across the project lifecycle</p><p class="MsoListParagraph"><span>· </span>Produce architecture designs, diagrams, and technical documentation</p><p class="MsoListParagraph"><span>· </span>Evaluate and recommend appropriate tools, platforms, and services</p><p class="MsoListParagraph"><span>· </span>Ensure solutions meet performance, scalability, and reliability requirements</p><p class="MsoNormal"><strong>Client Engagement &amp; Pre-Sales</strong></p><p class="MsoListParagraph"><span>· </span>Lead technical discovery sessions, workshops, and client assessments</p><p class="MsoListParagraph"><span>· </span>Develop and present solution proposals, architectures, and proof-of-concepts</p><p class="MsoListParagraph"><span>· </span>Act as technical authority during pre-sales engagements</p><p class="MsoListParagraph"><span>· </span>Collaborate with business development teams on project scoping and estimation</p><p class="MsoListParagraph"><span>· </span>Build strong relationships with client stakeholders</p><p class="MsoNormal"><strong>AWS Migration Acceleration Program (MAP)</strong></p><p class="MsoListParagraph"><span>· </span>Lead migration assessments, including discovery, portfolio analysis, and business case development</p><p class="MsoListParagraph"><span>· </span>Define migration strategies aligned with AWS MAP methodology</p><p class="MsoListParagraph"><span>· </span>Manage delivery of MAP engagements and ensure compliance with program requirements</p><p class="MsoListParagraph"><span>· </span>Coordinate with AWS partner teams and track migration progress</p><p class="MsoNormal"><strong>Amazon GameLift &amp; Multiplayer Architecture</strong></p><p class="MsoListParagraph"><span>· </span>Architect and implement GameLift-based multiplayer backends</p><p class="MsoListParagraph"><span>· </span>Design matchmaking, session management, and scaling strategies</p><p class="MsoListParagraph"><span>· </span>Integrate GameLift with AWS services (Lambda, DynamoDB, API Gateway, etc.)</p><p class="MsoListParagraph"><span>· </span>Optimise cost, performance, and multi-region deployments</p><p class="MsoListParagraph"><span>· </span>Implement monitoring, logging, and observability solutions</p><p class="MsoNormal"><strong>Qualifications</strong></p><p class="MsoListParagraph"><span>· </span>AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Professional (required)</p><p class="MsoListParagraph"><span>· </span>Additional AWS certifications (e.g., DevOps, Security) desirable</p><p class="MsoNormal"><strong>SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE</strong></p><p class="MsoListParagraph"><span>· </span>Proven experience in solutions architecture or senior technical roles</p><p class="MsoListParagraph"><span>· </span>Strong background in gaming (preferably AAA or gaming platforms)</p><p class="MsoListParagraph"><span>· </span>Track record delivering scalable cloud-based solutions</p><p class="MsoListParagraph"><span>· </span>Experience leading client-facing workshops and pre-sales activities</p><p class="MsoListParagraph"><span>· </span>Familiarity with AWS MAP processes</p><p class="MsoNormal"><strong>Technical Skills</strong></p><p class="MsoListParagraph"><span>· </span>AWS: EC2, S3, RDS, Lambda, VPC, IAM, CloudFormation/CDK</p><p class="MsoListParagraph"><span>· </span>GameLift: Fleet management, matchmaking, scaling, cost optimisation</p><p class="MsoListParagraph"><span>· </span>DevOps: CI/CD (GitHub Actions, GitLab, Jenkins), Docker, Kubernetes/EKS</p><p class="MsoListParagraph"><span>· </span>Infrastructure as Code: Terraform, CloudFormation, AWS CDK</p><p class="MsoListParagraph"><span>· </span>Game Development: Unreal/Unity basics, backend integration patterns</p><p class="MsoListParagraph"><span>· </span>Multiplayer Systems: Backend architecture, session management, real-time systems</p><p class="MsoListParagraph"><span>· </span>Observability: CloudWatch, Prometheus, Grafana, or similar</p><p class="MsoNormal"><strong>Soft Skills</strong></p><p class="MsoListParagraph"><span>· </span>Strong communication and presentation skills</p><p class="MsoListParagraph"><span>· </span>Ability to engage both technical and non-technical stakeholders</p><p class="MsoListParagraph"><span>· </span>Strategic thinking and problem-solving capability</p><p class="MsoListParagraph"><span>· </span>Collaborative, self-driven, and adaptable</p><p class="MsoNormal"><strong>Desirable</strong></p><p class="MsoListParagraph"><span>· </span>Experience with server-authoritative multiplayer architectures</p><p class="MsoListParagraph"><span>· </span>Knowledge of gaming security and anti-cheat systems</p><p class="MsoListParagraph"><span>· </span>Familiarity with LiveOps and analytics platforms</p><p class="MsoListParagraph"><span>· </span>Cross-platform (PC/console/mobile) experience</p><p class="MsoListParagraph"><span>· </span>Database experience (DynamoDB, Aurora, Redis)</p><p class="MsoListParagraph"><span>· </span>Programming experience (C++, Python, Node.js)</p><p class="MsoNormal"><strong>What We Offer</strong></p><p class="MsoListParagraph"><span>· </span>Work with leading AAA studios on cutting-edge projects</p><p class="MsoListParagraph"><span>· </span>Collaborative, high-performing team environment</p><p class="MsoListParagraph"><span>· </span>Exposure to diverse and complex technical challenges</p><p class="MsoListParagraph"><span>· </span>Professional development and AWS certification support</p><p class="MsoListParagraph"><span>· </span>Involvement in pre-sales and strategic initiatives</p><p class="MsoNormal"><strong>Location </strong></p><p class="MsoNormal">UK-based (hybrid) - Studio locations: Theale (Berkshire) and Elgin (Moray)</p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><p class="MsoNormal">Submit your CV and a brief cover letter outlining relevant AWS and gaming experience, including GameLift or MAP involvement.</p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><p class="MsoNormal">Code Wizards is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.</p><p></p><p>#LI-DNI</p>