IT Cloud Software Architect

Nelnet is a diversified and innovative company committed to enriching lives through the power of service as a student loan servicer, professional services company, consumer loan originator and servicer, payments processor, renewable energy solutions, and K-12 and higher education expert. For over 40 years, Nelnet has been serving its customers, associates, and communities.

The perks of working at Nelnet go beyond our benefits package. When you join the Nelnet team, you're part of a community invested in the success of each individual. That support comes through in our work, as we are united by our mission of creating opportunities for people where they live, learn, and work.

The IT Cloud Software Architect will drive the enterprise technology vision by designing and scaling modern cloud-native software solutions. This role combines deep expertise in software engineering with cloud architecture to deliver secure, resilient, and cost-efficient applications across the enterprise. Acting as both a technical leader and trusted advisor, the architect will work closely with internal teams, partners, and clients to translate business needs into innovative cloud-based solutions. The architect will provide technical direction, mentorship, and leadership, ensuring best practices in architecture, DevOps, and security are followed.

In addition to core architecture responsibilities, the architect will support the sales team as a pre-sales technical resource (approximately 10-25% of the role), helping shape and present solutions to prospective clients. With a strong focus on scalability, client engagement, and continuous learning, the IT Cloud Software Architect will also evaluate and integrate emerging technologies — including AI/ML — to help the organization stay ahead of evolving business and technology demands.

Solution Design & Architecture:

• Lead the design of scalable, secure, and cost-optimized cloud-native applications.

• Define and implement software patterns for microservices, APIs, containers, and serverless.

• Ensure solutions are designed for performance, resilience, and business continuity.

Client & Partner Engagement:

• Work with internal stakeholders and external clients to gather requirements, present design options, and propose best-fit solutions.

• Translate complex technical concepts into business-relevant recommendations.

• Act as a trusted advisor on cloud adoption, modernization, and emerging technologies.

Pre-Sales & Client Solutioning (approximately 10-25% of role):

• Serve as the technical resource for Account Executives during sales cycles, including discovery sessions, technical deep-dives, and architecture workshops.

• Develop architecture diagrams, technical proposals, and RFP responses.

• Present cloud solutions to technical and executive audiences.

• Partner with Delivery and Product teams to confirm solution viability and ensure smooth handoffs to implementation.

Technical Leadership & Mentorship:

• Provide direction and leadership to engineering teams on cloud development and architecture.

• Mentor developers and junior architects in modern software engineering and AI/ML integration.

• Champion best practices in DevOps, CI/CD, and agile delivery.

Innovation & Emerging Technology Adoption:

• Stay at the forefront of advancements in cloud platforms, AI/ML, and software engineering frameworks.

• Evaluate and pilot new tools, frameworks, and services for enterprise adoption.

• Lead proofs-of-concept to validate emerging technologies for scalability, security, and business value.

Governance, Security, & Compliance:

• Ensure solutions meet enterprise security, compliance, and governance standards.

• Apply Infrastructure as Code (IaC), automation, and DevSecOps practices.

• Partner with security and operations teams to deliver compliant, resilient, and reliable solutions.

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or related field (or equivalent combination of education and experience)

• 10+ years in software engineering with at least 5+ years in cloud architecture or solution architecture.

• Expertise in cloud-native application development on a major cloud platform: GCP, AWS, or Azure.

• Strong proficiency in Node, Angular, C#, and Python.

• Experience designing and scaling microservices, APIs, serverless, and containerized workloads (GKE, Cloud Run, Cloud Functions, Kubernetes, ECS, Lambda).

• Familiarity with AI/ML services and integration (Google Vertex AI, Gemini, AWS SageMaker, Azure ML, OpenAI, etc.).

• Proven experience engaging with business and client stakeholders at multiple levels.

• Exceptional ability to communicate technical concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences.

• Strongly Preferred: Hands-on experience with Google Cloud Platform (GCP).

• Strongly Preferred: GCP Professional Cloud Architect certification. Candidates without this certification are expected to earn it within [6-12] months of hire; the company will support this with training time and exam costs.

• Preferred: Experience supporting pre-sales, proposals/RFPs, or client-facing solution design.

Nelnet believes in a hybrid work environment that accommodates both in-office and remote work. This model promotes a positive work-life balance and culture, enabling in-person collaboration when possible while also providing benefits associated with remote work. The standard hybrid work schedule includes a 3/2 (in-office/work-from-home) split for associates that reside within 30 miles of an office. This is subject to change, based on manager discretion.

At this time, Nelnet is looking to hire candidates who live within 30 miles of the following locations: - Lincoln, NE- Centennial, CO- Madison, WI- Brownsville, TX

NOTE: Internal Associates working in a remote capacity may be considered for this position.

Starting Salary Range for this role: $140k - 170k Annually, DOE

Our benefits package includes medical, dental, vision, HSA and FSA, generous earned time off, 401K/student loan repayment, life insurance & AD&D insurance, employee assistance program, employee stock purchase program, tuition reimbursement, performance-based incentive pay, short- and long-term disability, and a robust wellness program. Click here to learn more about our benefits: Benefits & Perks - Nelnet Inc.

Nelnet is committed to providing a welcoming and respectful workplace where all associates have the opportunity to succeed. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we ensure that all qualified applicants are considered for employment. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion/creed, national origin, gender, sex, marital status, age, disability, use of a guide dog or service animal, sexual orientation, military/veteran status, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local law. We value the unique contributions of every team member and believe that a positive work environment benefits everyone.

Qualified individuals with disabilities who require reasonable accommodations in order to apply or compete for positions at Nelnet may request such accommodations by contacting Talent Acquisition at 402-486-5725 or TalentAcquisition@nelnet.net.

Nelnet is a Drug Free and Tobacco Free Workplace.

Use of Artificial Intelligence in Hiring

We may use automated or artificial intelligence enabled tools to assist with the initial review of applications, such as identifying relevant skills or experience. These tools are used to support human review and do not make hiring decisions. A recruiter reviews applications and determines which candidates move forward in the hiring process. For more information, see our Privacy Policy and Pre-Use Notice: Automated Tools in Hiring