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, Dev Ops, 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 Dev Ops, 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 Dev Sec Ops  practices.

Partner with security and operations teams to…