CTO / Principal Solution Architect

About the Position

CTO / Principal Solution Architect

Hybrid in Serbia, Bulgaria

We are looking for an exceptional CTO-level Solution Architect who operates at the intersection of technology strategy, business outcomes, AI Architecture and AI-native engineering. This is a senior, client-facing role for a “caterpillar-shaped” technologist - someone with deep expertise across multiple business domains and technology stacks, spanning Enterprise & Business strategy, Technology Organization & Strategy, Solution Architecture, and Implementation. You will be both a strategic advisor to C-level clients and a hands-on technologist willing to roll up your sleeves to prove ideas through POCs.

Responsibilities

• Act as a trusted advisor to client CTOs, CIOs, CDOs and other C-suite stakeholders on technology strategy, target operating models and large-scale digital and AI transformation
• Own client relationships and shape future opportunities - extend your network deep into ED, MD and C-level decision-makers; sell vision at the highest level and pitch capabilities directly to executives
• Lead complex consulting engagements of large scale and international scope; oversee multiple client accounts; drive strategy and transformation programs from discovery through roadmap to execution
• Run executive workshops, technology assessments and architecture reviews; translate complex IT concepts for non-technical executives and guide them through technical intricacies
• Operate as a fluent AI-native technologist, aligned with EPAM's AI/Run™ Transform strategy - AI-Native Delivery (AI-powered SDLC with agentic workflows), AI-Driven Modernization and Agentic Solutions across the Product Development Lifecycle
• Define target-state AI reference architectures at enterprise scale; design AI Centers of Excellence, governance bodies and operating models that combine platform, product and federated team patterns
• Operate fluently in AI-native development environments daily; able to teach delivery teams how to do the same
• Maintain working fluency with GenAI / LLM stacks, agentic frameworks and AI-native engineering tools (e.g., Cursor and similar)
• Represent EPAM as a speaker at major external industry conferences and analyst events (Gartner, Forrester, IDC summits, hyperscaler/partner conferences, industry-vertical events)
• Present at EPAM internal C-level and senior leadership forums
• Author technology points of view, whitepapers, blueprints and reference architectures published through EPAM's Presales Portal, Technology platform and external channels
• Personally build AI POCs and proofs of value during pursuits and early-stage engagements - end-to-end, in code, deployed and demonstrable. Not just slideware
• Produce architectural artifacts: reference architectures, blueprints, target operating models, governance frameworks, transition roadmaps
• Lead pre-sales response on strategic, complex pursuits; partner with sales, account and consulting leadership on multi-million-dollar opportunities
• Evolve service offerings, accelerators and reusable IP; contribute to EPAM's offering portfolio
• Recommend top talent and senior staff for engagements; recruit, upsell and expand within accounts
• Mentor and coach Senior SAs, Lead Engineers and emerging architects; act as a mentor/coach to others advancing into senior leadership positions

Requirements

• Deep, multi-stage career across software engineering, architecture and technology consulting, with significant time in client-facing senior advisory roles
• Demonstrable track record of leadership on large, international, transformational engagements end-to-end - from C-level discovery through architecture and delivery
• Proven success on multi-million-dollar technology programs
• Existing personal brand and senior network in the technology community
• "Caterpillar-shaped" expertise: deep in multiple technology stacks AND multiple business domains across enterprise, solution and implementation layers
• Strong command of cloud (AWS, Azure, GCP), microservices, event-driven architectures, integration and security-by-design
• AI-native fluency: GenAI / LLMs, RAG, agentic systems, MLOps, AI governance and ethics, AI-augmented SDLC; able to lead an AI POC personally
• Comfortable with industry-endorsed frameworks (TOGAF, ArchiMate, Zachman, BIAN, etc.)
• Outstanding executive communication and negotiation skills - proven track record of influence on C-level decisions
• Thought leadership in industry - recognized speaker and contributor in domain or technology communities
• Open-minded, curious and intellectually honest - actively seeks dissenting views, comfortable being challenged and changes course on evidence
• Ability to simplify the complex for non-technical audiences without loss of fidelity level; leads pre-sales response on EPAM's most strategic pursuits

Nice to Have

• Prior production experience with operation and construction of AI systems, beyond POCs, is a huge plus

We Offer

• Hybrid work arrangement in Serbia and Bulgaria
• Opportunity to work with leading-edge technologies in AI and cloud computing
• Exposure to high-profile clients and industry events

About the Company

EPAM Systems is a global software engineering and product development company with a focus on delivering innovative solutions in the fields of AI, cloud, and digital transformation. We are committed to empowering our clients with cutting-edge technology and expert guidance.