Solution Architect

We’re seeking a Solution Architect to support and enhance our enterprise software platforms. In this role, you will participate in complex development and design efforts, ensure application performance, manage system patches and upgrades, and provide technical guidance to development teams. You will also participate in code reviews, troubleshoot complex issues, create system documentation, and collaborate closely with internal teams and external vendors.

The ideal candidate has 8+ years of application development experience, strong knowledge of enterprise platforms and programming languages, and familiarity with AI enabled solution architectures and Azure services. Excellent communication, problem solving skills, and the ability to mentor others are essential. Occasional travel and on call support may be required.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Business Acumen

Coding\Testing :

• Ensure Enterprise Architecture software system(s) technical performance. Verify test results meet business requirements. Enterprise Architecture software system upgrades\regression testing. Report findings and provide coding or configuration recommendation. Coding assignments including but not limited to enterprise services, software utilities, components, project assignments, and system integration assignments.
• Coding is typically limited to development of common utilities that will be used by all IT staff or as a method of researching and defining best practices.

Documentation :

• Create system-level documentation for enterprise software, including but not limited to system overviews, change control instructions, and disaster recovery plans. Create upon request documentation including: technical specifications, system integration flow charts, data definitions, and code reviews. Update status and time tracking system weekly.

Software Management :

• Support enterprise software technology platform. Manage patches\upgrades associated with assigned Enterprise Architecture products.
• Participates in self-development to maintain the technical currency necessary to perform the duties of the position as well as to discover and develop innovative state of the art technical solutions for the organization.
• Recommend changes to departmental standards/best practices.

Negotiation

Client Interaction :

• Maintain knowledge of application support team’s initiatives as it pertains to Enterprise Architecture software. Interact heavily with client support and project teams to understand needs and manage expectations.

Vendor Interaction :

• Coordinate with vendor to set up applications and resolve issues associated with purchased\existing software. Stay in contact with technical support\account manager for system upgrades, product offerings, bug tracking and user group activity.

Results Oriented

• Provides on-call or after hours application / technical support.

Time and Priority Management

• Occasional travel may be required.

Decision Making

Analysis/Design :

• Analyze business requirements to design, develop, and assist in end-to-end integrated system solutions. Provide system level analysis for Enterprise Architecture system upgrades. Analyze impact of supporting infrastructure changes on Enterprise systems.

Troubleshooting/Problem Resolution :

• Log identified development and production issues with all enterprise software. Assist development staff with trouble shooting\problem resolution of urgent system issues. Assist with solution modifications\recommendations required for issue resolution.

Leadership :

Provide consulting, support, direction and assistance on solution expertise to development staff\teams. Participate in design and code reviews. Provide training, mentoring to development staff\teams on enterprise applications and best practices. Coordinate and conduct effective meetings and presentations.

May temporarily direct efforts of Enterprise Architecture staff and provide management feedback on their performance as related to project assignments.

Performs other duties as may be assigned by the Director, Enterprise Architecture or Director, Planning & Project Management

SPECIAL RELATIONSHIPS

• Interact with all levels of authority within the organization.
• Interact directly with IT support staff and project team members
• Interact directly with IT infrastructure group
• Interact with external contacts (vendors) to ensure the delivery of effective solutions for the organization

QUALIFICATIONS

Education/Credentials

• Technical degree or associates degree in technical field required or 2 years comparable work experience required

Experience

• A minimum of 8 years application development work experience required
• Property Casualty insurance industry experience preferred

Technical/Professional Knowledge

• Experience in designing AI‑enabled solution architectures.
• Understanding of cloud AI services, including Azure AI Services and Azure AI Foundry preferred.
• Experience with AI Governance frameworks within Microsoft 365 and Azure preferred.
• Understands systems development methodology
• Understands project management guidelines and methodology
• Understands technical environment, architectural framework, and best practices
• Proficient knowledge of enterprise software\platform, example [BizTalk, Pega, Exstream, Web, ImageRight].
• Proficient knowledge of programming languages, example [.NET, C#, T-SQL].
• Experience with application development tools, example [MS Visual Studio, Azure DevOps, SoapUI]
• Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Visio, Teams, SharePoint
• Demonstrated customer service skills
• Demonstrated verbal and written communication skills
• Demonstrated multitasking skills

JOB REQUIREMENTS (as required by ADA – Americans with Disabilities Act)

• This position is primarily a sedentary position that requires occasional standing and walking throughout the office environment.
• Must be able to see and effectively use a computer monitor.
• Must be able to operate a computer, keyboard and applicable printers and other general office equipment.
• Must be able to access and enter information accurately using automated systems.
• Must be able to hear and communicate via the telephone and/or monitoring devices to both internal and external clients.
• Must be able to present information to individuals and groups.
• Must be able to interpret and apply concepts that may or may not be based upon established guidelines.
• Must be able to maintain acceptable attendance and adhere to scheduled work hours.
• Must have a valid driver’s license and be able to operate a motor vehicle.
• Must be able to travel, with overnight stays required.

Why Choose Penn National Insurance?

At Penn National Insurance, we’re on a mission to help people feel secure and make life better when bad things happen . For over 106 years , we’ve been a trusted partner to individuals, families and businesses because we are a mutual insurance company where service and support for our policyholders are at the heart of everything we do.

We’re not just a company—we’re a community united by our core mission to “Make Life Better.” Here, you’ll find a place where your professional growth, success and personal well-being are our top priorities.

Your Career Journey: Empowering Your Growth

Your career should be more than just a job—it should empower you to feel secure, supported and inspired. At Penn National Insurance, we invest in your growth and celebrate your contributions with a comprehensive and competitive total rewards package. We’re committed to supporting your journey and helping you thrive at every stage of your career. Key highlights include:

• Benefits and Compensation : Generous 401(k) match, graded profit sharing, incentive compensation, and a wide range of benefits to support your financial health, physical well-being and career development.
• Flexibility : We offer remote and hybrid work options, flexible scheduling and a “dress-for-your-day” culture.
• Recognition : We celebrate your achievements, big and small, through employee recognition programs designed to honor your contributions.

Your Employer of Choice: A Legacy of Trust and Strength

Joining Penn National Insurance means becoming part of a company with over a century of experience , built on trust, innovation and strong relationships. From our beginnings as a mutual insurance company founded by farmers to our 100th anniversary in 2019, we've stayed true to our relationship-driven model, focusing on direct service and meaningful support.

Your Community: Making an Impact Together

Making life better isn’t just our mission—it’s a value that guides everything we do. Our employees are at the heart of this mission, giving back through community engagement and charitable efforts. We proudly support our community through financial support and employee volunteering opportunities including our annual United Way campaign, where employee contributions and company matches make a significant impact each year.

Your Future: Building a Rewarding Career Path

We’re not just offering a job; we’re providing a fulfilling and rewarding career. We support your growth with a range of resources designed to help you build your skills and achieve your goals, including:

• Continuing Education Support : Access to programs that help you enhance your knowledge, skills and educational goals along with 100% tuition reimbursement for academic studies.
• Professional Development Opportunities : Tailored designation programs to help you advance in your career such as CPCU, AINS, CPA, CISSP, and more.
• Long-Term Career Focus : With an average employee tenure of 14 years and many team members serving for over 40 years, we take pride in fostering a work environment that values long-term growth and development.

When you join us, you’re not just starting a job—you’re becoming part of a team that values your growth and invests in your future. Our commitment to long-term retention and employee development ensures that you will be part of a tradition and legacy of excellence that spans decades.

Only candidates from the following states will be considered for opportunities with Penn National Insurance: Alabama, Delaware, Iowa, Maryland, Minnesota, North Carolina, New Jersey, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, Wisconsin.

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, creed, affectional and sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law . Consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and EEOC guidance, it is the policy of Pennsylvania National Insurance to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in all aspects of the employment process. If you require a reasonable accommodation in completing this application, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, or otherwise participating in the employee selection process, please direct your inquiries to a HR Business Partner via telephone at 800-368-4764, or through email, [email protected] .