Principal Architect

Come Build Your Career at Aecon!

Aecon delivers some of the most complex and impactful infrastructure projects — from transformative transportation networks to critical energy, industrial and nuclear programs. The projects we build connect communities and power future generations. With deep roots in North America and a strong footprint internationally, Aecon brings global expertise and proudly serves public and private sector clients through its Construction and Concessions segment.

Safety Always is not only our #1 core value – it is the standard that anchors our culture. We believe the most ambitious projects deserve the most committed people. At Aecon, you won’t just build your career — you’ll help build what matters to enable future generations to thrive.

At Aecon, you can count on:

• Safety Always. Our number one core value. The safety of our people, projects, partners, and stakeholders is our priority focus – today and always.
• Integrity. We lead by example, with humility and courage.
• Accountability. We’re passionate about delivering on our commitments.
• Inclusion. We provide opportunities where people feel valued, supported, and empowered to contribute fully.

We deliver infrastructure with purpose, and our people are at the heart of everything we do. Aecon employees are incredibly proud to build some of the most impactful infrastructure of this generation – we call it Aecon Proud.

At Aecon we:

• Ensure you and your family receive the services and benefits needed to support your mental, emotional, and physical well-being.
• Are intentional when it comes to investing in your development. We help you build your career and advance your skills through our Aecon University, tuition reimbursement, and Leadership Programs.
• Are committed to creating work environments focused on mutual respect, teamwork, collaboration, and new ideas, through meaningful initiatives, training, partnerships with Veteran groups, our Aecon Women in Trades and diversity programs, as well as our Employee Resource Groups (ERGs), to ensure we are building with top talent and harnessing our collective strengths within every aspect of our culture.
• Operate responsibly by managing risk, safety, and environmental considerations across all our projects and surrounding communities.

Our success is built on the passion, expertise, and dedication of our people. Together, we embrace strong execution, innovation, and continuous improvement — values that come to life through the unique talents and collaborative spirit of every team member. If you’re inspired to make a difference through future-building projects, join our best-in-class team.

What is the Opportunity?

The Principal Architect leads the Solution Architecture practice and is accountable for the performance, maturity, and consistency of the team. All Solution Architects report to this role. The Principal Architect establishes the practice operating model, assigns and guides architecture engagements, develops team capability, and provides hands-on leadership for complex or enterprise-impacting solutions.

The role partners and coordinates with Enterprise, Data, Integration, Technology, Security, AI, and application architecture teams to produce cohesive end-to-end solutions. You'll also works closely with the Business Process Management Office (BPMO), business units, Information Services, and functional teams to connect business needs, process design, application capabilities, and delivery requirements.

What You'll Do Here:

Lead the Solution Architecture Practice

• Lead, manage, coach, and develop the Solution Architecture team, including work assignment, priorities, quality expectations, and performance objectives.
• Define and continuously improve the Solution Architecture operating model, engagement approach, methods, templates, standards, and governance touchpoints.
• Ensure Solution Architects are engaged early and remain involved through discovery, design, delivery, and transition to operations.
• Build reusable solution patterns, reference architectures, decision records, and knowledge-sharing practices that improve consistency and reduce rework.
• Monitor practice demand, capacity, capability gaps, and delivery risks, and recommend actions to maintain effective architecture coverage.

Partner with BPMO, Business Units, and Information Services

• Partner with BPMO, business leaders, Information Services, functional teams, project and program managers, business analysts, and product or process owners to shape initiatives and clarify outcomes.
• Translate business capabilities, processes, functional requirements, and operational needs into coherent solution options and architecture direction.
• Coordinate architecture engagement with delivery planning, functional design, application configuration, implementation, and operational readiness.
• Communicate solution options, trade-offs, risks, dependencies, and recommendations in clear business and technical language.

Lead Solution Design and Assurance

• Lead architecture for complex, high-risk, cross-platform, or enterprise-impacting initiatives.
• Ensure end-to-end designs address business process, applications, integrations, data, platforms, identity, security, non-functional requirements, and supportability.
• Guide option assessments using business value, cost, feasibility, risk, scalability, interoperability, and strategic alignment.
• Maintain architecture involvement during delivery to resolve design issues, assess material changes, and support implementation and operational transition.

Coordinate with Other Architecture Teams

• Partner with Enterprise Architecture to align solutions with enterprise principles, target-state direction, standards, and roadmaps.
• Coordinate with Data, Integration, Technology, Security, AI, and application architects or SMEs to incorporate domain requirements and resolve cross-domain dependencies.
• Facilitate architecture reviews and escalate enterprise-level risks, exceptions, or conflicts through the appropriate governance forums.
• Maintain clear accountability between Solution Architecture and domain architecture teams while promoting collaborative decisions and cohesive outcomes.

What You Bring to the Team:

• Bachelor’s degree or diploma in Computer Science, Information Systems, Engineering, Information Technology, or another related IT program, or equivalent practical experience.
• 12+ years of progressive experience in solution architecture, enterprise architecture, systems integration, technology strategy, or large-scale IT delivery.
• Demonstrated experience leading Solution Architects or a comparable architecture team and maturing an architecture practice, operating model, or governance process.
• Experience partnering with business leaders, BPMO or PMO functions, Information Services, functional teams, and technology delivery teams in a complex enterprise environment.
• Broad architecture experience across packaged and SaaS applications, cloud and infrastructure, integration, data, cybersecurity, identity, and operational service models.
• Experience leading complex solution design, vendor evaluation, option analysis, implementation support, and transition to operations.
• Construction, engineering, infrastructure, or project-based industry experience is an asset.
• People leadership and coaching skills and cross-functional partnership and influencing abilities.

Reason for vacancy: Replacement

The expected salary range for this role is $130,000-$165,000 per year

Individual pay is determined based on several factors, including work location, education, experience, unique skills and job conditions. Other considerations may includecertifications, specialized training, and the complexity or scope of the role.

Aecon fosters diversity, inclusion and belonging within and across our organization. We welcome all to apply including, women, visible minorities, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, and persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity.

We are committed to adhering to the objectives and requirements outlined in the Accessible Canada Act (ACA), and to meeting the accessibility needs of persons with disabilities in a timely manner. Through the implementation of the requirements of the ACA and its applicable regulations, appropriate accommodations will be provided upon request throughout the interview and hiring process.

As part of our commitment to fair and transparent hiring practices, Aecon may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to assist in screening and reviewing candidates. These tools are applied responsibly and in accordance with applicable privacy laws and Aecon’s AI Usage Policy. All final decisions are made by qualified Aecon team members.