Architect Jobs in Illinois
Architect jobs in Illinois are in steady demand, with a market concentrated in commercial design, institutional projects, and urban redevelopment work at levels from emerging professional through principal. Chicago anchors most of the hiring, with secondary activity in Peoria and Rockford, where firms like Skidmore Owings and Merrill, Gensler, and Perkins and Will maintain long-established Illinois offices and design studios. The specialties drawing the most consistent openings are sustainable design, healthcare facility planning, and mixed-use urban development. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Showing 5 of 152+ Architect jobs
Job Title: VMware & Windows Infrastructure Architect
Job Location: Remote- USA
We are seeking a highly experienced VMware & Windows Infrastructure Solution Architect to join our CIO IT Solution Design team. This strategic architecture role is responsible for designing, governing, and evolving enterprise infrastructure solutions across cloud, virtualization, and on-premises environments.
The successful candidate will lead end-to-end infrastructure solution architecture initiatives, partnering with business stakeholders, application architects, cloud engineering teams, infrastructure delivery teams, and operations teams to deliver secure, scalable, resilient, and cost-effective technology solutions.
This role requires deep expertise in infrastructure architecture, VMware virtualization, Windows platforms, capacity planning, high availability, disaster recovery, storage, backup solutions, and enterprise infrastructure transformation programs. The architect will be responsible for translating business requirements into technical architectures while ensuring alignment with organizational technology standards, service objectives, and long-term strategic roadmaps.
Salary and Other Compensation:
The annual base salary for this position is between $100,000 to $115,000 depending on experience and other qualifications of the successful candidate.
This position is also eligible for Cognizant’s discretionary annual incentive program, based on performance and subject to the terms of Cognizant’s applicable plans.
In this role, you will
Lead end-to-end infrastructure solution architecture initiatives, including requirements analysis, solution design, technology evaluation, and implementation guidance for cloud, hybrid, and on-premises environments.
Design scalable, secure, and highly available infrastructure solutions utilizing VMware virtualization, Windows platforms, compute, storage, networking, backup, and disaster recovery technologies.
Perform infrastructure sizing, capacity planning, and architectural assessments for new application onboarding, greenfield deployments, modernization programs, and migration initiatives.
Collaborate with application architects, infrastructure architects, cloud engineering teams, database teams, and operations stakeholders to develop integrated and sustainable technology solutions.
Translate business requirements into technical architectures, developing High-Level Designs (HLDs), Low-Level Designs (LLDs), infrastructure blueprints, Bills of Materials (BOMs), and implementation roadmaps.
Define technology standards, architecture principles, reference architectures, best practices, and governance frameworks to ensure consistency and alignment across enterprise infrastructure initiatives.
Develop and maintain infrastructure roadmaps that support application strategies, business objectives, service-level commitments, and long-term technology transformation goals.
Evaluate solution feasibility, complexity, risks, and design trade-offs while providing expert recommendations that balance scalability, performance, security, resiliency, and cost considerations.
Provide architectural leadership throughout project lifecycles, ensuring successful delivery, integration, and operational readiness while maintaining adherence to enterprise standards and design intent.
Communicate architecture strategies, technical concepts, and solution recommendations to both technical and non-technical audiences, influencing stakeholders and driving consensus across business and technology teams.
What you’ll need to succeed (required skills)
8+ years of experience in Infrastructure Solution Architecture, including end-to-end solution design, enterprise architecture development, and delivery of large-scale infrastructure transformation initiatives.
Expert-level experience with VMware, private cloud, and virtualization technologies, including the design, integration, and management of complex on-premises and hybrid infrastructure environments.
Strong expertise in infrastructure sizing, capacity planning, performance optimization, and workload assessment for greenfield deployments, migrations, and enterprise-scale environments.
Hands-on experience designing High Availability (HA), Disaster Recovery (DR), storage, backup, and business continuity solutions that ensure resiliency, scalability, and operational stability.
Proven ability to translate business and technical requirements into architecture deliverables, including High-Level Designs (HLDs), Low-Level Designs (LLDs), infrastructure roadmaps, and Bills of Materials (BOMs).
Deep understanding of architecture governance, design reviews, technology evaluation, and solution trade-off analysis, ensuring alignment with enterprise standards, security requirements, and business objectives.
Demonstrated leadership in cross-functional stakeholder engagement, with the ability to collaborate effectively with business leaders, architects, engineering teams, operations teams, and executives while influencing strategic technology decisions and solution direction.
Preferred Skills
Post-graduate degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Information Technology, or related discipline.
Experience within the Financial Services industry.
Experience supporting large-scale cloud migration and modernization initiatives.
Understanding of enterprise architecture frameworks and model-driven architecture methodologies.
Industry certifications related to VMware, cloud, infrastructure architecture, or enterprise architecture.
Benefits: Cognizant offers the following benefits for this position, subject to applicable eligibility requirements:
Medical/Dental/Vision/Life Insurance
Paid holidays plus Paid Time Off
401(k) plan and contributions
Long-term/Short-term Disability
Paid Parental Leave
Employee Stock Purchase Plan
Work model:
At Cognizant, we strive to provide flexibility wherever possible, and we are here to support a healthy work-life balance though our various wellbeing programs. Based on this role’s business requirements, this is a remote role in US.
Disclaimer: The salary, other compensation, and benefits information is accurate as of the date of this posting. Cognizant reserves the right to modify this information at any time, subject to applicable law.
“Cognizant is an equal opportunity employer. Your application and candidacy will not be considered based on race, color, sex, religion, creed, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
Job Title: VMware & Windows Infrastructure Architect
Job Location: Remote- USA
We are seeking a highly experienced VMware & Windows Infrastructure Solution Architect to join our CIO IT Solution Design team. This strategic architecture role is responsible for designing, governing, and evolving enterprise infrastructure solutions across cloud, virtualization, and on-premises environments.
The successful candidate will lead end-to-end infrastructure solution architecture initiatives, partnering with business stakeholders, application architects, cloud engineering teams, infrastructure delivery teams, and operations teams to deliver secure, scalable, resilient, and cost-effective technology solutions.
This role requires deep expertise in infrastructure architecture, VMware virtualization, Windows platforms, capacity planning, high availability, disaster recovery, storage, backup solutions, and enterprise infrastructure transformation programs. The architect will be responsible for translating business requirements into technical architectures while ensuring alignment with organizational technology standards, service objectives, and long-term strategic roadmaps.
Salary and Other Compensation:
The annual base salary for this position is between $100,000 to $115,000 depending on experience and other qualifications of the successful candidate.
This position is also eligible for Cognizant’s discretionary annual incentive program, based on performance and subject to the terms of Cognizant’s applicable plans.
In this role, you will
Lead end-to-end infrastructure solution architecture initiatives, including requirements analysis, solution design, technology evaluation, and implementation guidance for cloud, hybrid, and on-premises environments.
Design scalable, secure, and highly available infrastructure solutions utilizing VMware virtualization, Windows platforms, compute, storage, networking, backup, and disaster recovery technologies.
Perform infrastructure sizing, capacity planning, and architectural assessments for new application onboarding, greenfield deployments, modernization programs, and migration initiatives.
Collaborate with application architects, infrastructure architects, cloud engineering teams, database teams, and operations stakeholders to develop integrated and sustainable technology solutions.
Translate business requirements into technical architectures, developing High-Level Designs (HLDs), Low-Level Designs (LLDs), infrastructure blueprints, Bills of Materials (BOMs), and implementation roadmaps.
Define technology standards, architecture principles, reference architectures, best practices, and governance frameworks to ensure consistency and alignment across enterprise infrastructure initiatives.
Develop and maintain infrastructure roadmaps that support application strategies, business objectives, service-level commitments, and long-term technology transformation goals.
Evaluate solution feasibility, complexity, risks, and design trade-offs while providing expert recommendations that balance scalability, performance, security, resiliency, and cost considerations.
Provide architectural leadership throughout project lifecycles, ensuring successful delivery, integration, and operational readiness while maintaining adherence to enterprise standards and design intent.
Communicate architecture strategies, technical concepts, and solution recommendations to both technical and non-technical audiences, influencing stakeholders and driving consensus across business and technology teams.
What you’ll need to succeed (required skills)
8+ years of experience in Infrastructure Solution Architecture, including end-to-end solution design, enterprise architecture development, and delivery of large-scale infrastructure transformation initiatives.
Expert-level experience with VMware, private cloud, and virtualization technologies, including the design, integration, and management of complex on-premises and hybrid infrastructure environments.
Strong expertise in infrastructure sizing, capacity planning, performance optimization, and workload assessment for greenfield deployments, migrations, and enterprise-scale environments.
Hands-on experience designing High Availability (HA), Disaster Recovery (DR), storage, backup, and business continuity solutions that ensure resiliency, scalability, and operational stability.
Proven ability to translate business and technical requirements into architecture deliverables, including High-Level Designs (HLDs), Low-Level Designs (LLDs), infrastructure roadmaps, and Bills of Materials (BOMs).
Deep understanding of architecture governance, design reviews, technology evaluation, and solution trade-off analysis, ensuring alignment with enterprise standards, security requirements, and business objectives.
Demonstrated leadership in cross-functional stakeholder engagement, with the ability to collaborate effectively with business leaders, architects, engineering teams, operations teams, and executives while influencing strategic technology decisions and solution direction.
Preferred Skills
Post-graduate degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Information Technology, or related discipline.
Experience within the Financial Services industry.
Experience supporting large-scale cloud migration and modernization initiatives.
Understanding of enterprise architecture frameworks and model-driven architecture methodologies.
Industry certifications related to VMware, cloud, infrastructure architecture, or enterprise architecture.
Benefits: Cognizant offers the following benefits for this position, subject to applicable eligibility requirements:
Medical/Dental/Vision/Life Insurance
Paid holidays plus Paid Time Off
401(k) plan and contributions
Long-term/Short-term Disability
Paid Parental Leave
Employee Stock Purchase Plan
Work model:
At Cognizant, we strive to provide flexibility wherever possible, and we are here to support a healthy work-life balance though our various wellbeing programs. Based on this role’s business requirements, this is a remote role in US.
Disclaimer: The salary, other compensation, and benefits information is accurate as of the date of this posting. Cognizant reserves the right to modify this information at any time, subject to applicable law.
“Cognizant is an equal opportunity employer. Your application and candidacy will not be considered based on race, color, sex, religion, creed, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
See All 152+ Architect Jobs in Illinois
Find roles in Illinois that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Architect JobsArchitect Jobs by City in Illinois
Where Illinois roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Architect Job Market in Illinois
A snapshot from current Illinois openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Technology & Software
- Consulting & Professional Services
- Telecommunications
- Staffing & Recruiting
What Illinois Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in architect jobs across Illinois.
- Active Illinois Registered Architect license issued by the Illinois Design Professionals Licensing Board
- Professional degree in architecture from an NAAB-accredited program required
- Completion of the Architectural Experience Program and passage of all ARE divisions
- Proficiency in Revit, AutoCAD, and BIM workflow tools for project documentation
- Experience with Illinois Building Code and local municipal permitting processes
- Strong portfolio demonstrating schematic design through construction administration phases
Architect Jobs in Illinois: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become an architect in Illinois?
To become a licensed architect in Illinois you must earn a professional degree from an NAAB-accredited program, complete the Architectural Experience Program, and pass all divisions of the Architect Registration Examination. The Illinois Design Professionals Licensing Board, which oversees registration in the state, then issues your Registered Architect credential. Illinois also participates in reciprocity through NCARB, so architects licensed in other states can transfer their credentials without repeating the full exam sequence.
How much do architects make in Illinois?
Architects in Illinois earn a median of about $81,780 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $59,890 for the lowest 10% to over $130,670 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire architects in Illinois?
Employers hiring architects in Illinois right now include JPMorganChase, Capgemini, and Logic, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Illinois's deep concentration of nationally recognized design firms and major public-sector clients in Chicago means openings appear across both private practice and institutional settings throughout the year.
Which Illinois cities have the most architect jobs?
Chicago, North Chicago, and Springfield lead Illinois for architect job openings. Chicago dominates because it is home to several of the largest architecture firms in the country alongside a continuous pipeline of civic, commercial, and residential projects, while smaller metros like Peoria and Rockford generate openings through healthcare system expansions and municipal infrastructure work with regional firms.
Are there remote architect jobs in Illinois?
Yes, but they're limited. Architecture is a largely hands-on discipline that requires site visits, client meetings, and coordination with contractors, so fully remote roles are uncommon. About 87% of architect openings tied to Illinois are remote or hybrid as of November 2026, and these arrangements tend to apply most to schematic design, rendering, and specifications work rather than project management or construction administration phases.
How can I get hired as an architect in Illinois with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry point is an intern architect or architectural associate role at a mid-size Chicago firm while you are still completing the Architectural Experience Program hours. Large Illinois healthcare systems such as Rush University Medical Center and Northwestern Medicine contract regularly with design firms that run structured internship pipelines for emerging professionals. Building a portfolio that includes academic or competition work, pursuing LEED Green Associate accreditation early, and joining AIA Illinois for networking with firms actively mentoring new graduates all strengthen your candidacy before licensure.
Where can I find and apply to architect jobs in Illinois?
You can find and apply to architect jobs in Illinois on Migrate Mate, which lists current Illinois openings across firms, institutions, and public agencies. Search the listings, find roles that match your experience and specialization, and apply directly to the employers posting them.
See All 152+ Architect Jobs in Illinois
Find roles in Illinois that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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