Principal Architect (Presales) - Integration & Automation

Principal Architect – Integration & AutomationLocation: Dubai, UAEAbout the RoleWe are looking for an experienced Principal Architect – Integration & Automation to take a senior technical leadership role across enterprise integration, API management, messaging, middleware and automation solutions.This is a customer-facing architecture and technical sales position supporting large enterprise transformation programmes across the UAE. You will work closely with CIOs, CTOs, Enterprise Architects and technology leaders to define modernisation roadmaps, API strategies, event-driven architectures and workflow automation solutions across hybrid-cloud environments.The role combines enterprise architecture, solution design, technical pre-sales and complex deal shaping.Key ResponsibilitiesLead enterprise integration and automation architecture engagements with large customers.Define API-first, microservices and event-driven architecture strategies.Shape complex integration and automation opportunities from initial technical discovery through solution design and deal closure.Develop solution blueprints, reference architectures, HLDs, LLDs and sizing documentation.Architect solutions across enterprise integration, API management, messaging and business automation technologies.Advise customers on modernising legacy middleware and integration environments.Design integration architectures spanning on-premise, cloud and hybrid-cloud environments.Work alongside vendor and technology partners on joint solution design and go-to-market initiatives.Deliver technical workshops, architecture sessions and customer presentations.Develop reusable reference architectures and technical best practices.Support competitive positioning against leading integration platforms including MuleSoft, Oracle, SAP and Microsoft.Provide technical leadership and enablement to internal sales, pre-sales and engineering teams.Required ExperienceBachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering or a related discipline.10+ years of enterprise IT experience.7+ years within Integration, Middleware and/or Automation architecture.Strong experience designing enterprise-scale integration solutions.Previous experience supporting complex enterprise technical sales or pre-sales cycles.Experience within the UAE or wider Middle East enterprise market would be advantageous.Technical ExpertiseCandidates should have strong knowledge across:Enterprise integration architecture and design patterns.API-led architecture and API management.Enterprise Service Bus (ESB) technologies.Microservices architectures.Event-driven architecture and messaging.Middleware platforms.Hybrid-cloud architecture.Container platforms and containerised middleware.Workflow and business process automation.High-level and low-level solution architecture.Solution sizing and technical documentation.Experience with technologies such as Red Hat OpenShift or equivalent container platforms is highly desirable.Exposure to leading enterprise integration and automation platforms from vendors such as IBM, MuleSoft, Oracle, SAP, Microsoft or Red Hat would be particularly relevant.What We're Looking ForBeyond technical architecture expertise, you should be comfortable operating as a trusted technical advisor to senior customer stakeholders.You will need to demonstrate:Strong customer-facing and consulting capabilities.Ability to communicate with CIO, CTO and Enterprise Architect-level stakeholders.Experience translating business requirements into enterprise architecture solutions.Strong commercial awareness and understanding of complex technology sales cycles.Ability to influence technical strategy and architecture decisions.Excellent presentation, workshop and solution-positioning skills.Ability to work across sales, technical and partner teams.Desirable ExperienceEnterprise API management platforms.Enterprise messaging and event-streaming technologies.Containerised middleware deployments.Business process and workflow automation.Robotic Process Automation (RPA).Hybrid-cloud integration.Relevant certifications across Integration, Automation, Cloud or Enterprise Architecture.This is an excellent opportunity for a senior integration architect who enjoys combining deep technical architecture with customer engagement, solution strategy and technical deal leadership.