CTO / Principal Solution Architect

We're looking for a CTO / Principal Solution Architect to join our team in Lisbon, Portugal in a hybrid working mode. This highly senior role operates at the intersection of technology strategy, business outcomes and AI-native engineering. As a trusted advisor to C-level clients, you will lead large-scale technology and AI transformation programs, design reference architectures and target operating models, and personally contribute to AI-native solution delivery and proof-of-concept development. You will combine strategic thought leadership with hands-on execution to shape the technology vision and deliver innovative solutions for complex enterprise challenges.

Act as a strategic advisor to client CTOs, CIOs and other C-level stakeholders on technology strategies and operating models Lead large-scale, multi-country digital and AI transformation engagements — from strategy through roadmap and delivery Design enterprise-level AI reference architectures, governance frameworks and AI Center of Excellence operating models Maintain fluency in AI-native engineering, including GenAI and agentic development frameworks; build and demo AI POCs for pursuits Oversee pre-sales for strategic programs; shape proposals and position EPAM offerings with senior executives Produce architectural artifacts such as blueprints, transition roadmaps and governance structures Present thought leadership at major conferences, client forums and internal leadership events Author technical points of view and whitepapers for internal and external publications Mentor senior architects, solution leaders and engineering leads to grow organizational capability Extensive experience across software engineering, architecture and technology consulting, including C-level advisory roles Proven track record in leading large-scale, international technology transformation initiatives from discovery to execution Deep technical expertise across cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP), microservices, event-driven architectures, and security-by-design Strong understanding of AI-native development paradigms including GenAI / LLMs, RAG, MLOps, governance and AI-augmented SDLC Demonstrated ability to lead AI POCs hands-on, beyond conceptual design Familiarity with industry reference frameworks (TOGAF, ArchiMate, Zachman, BIAN) Exceptional executive communication, negotiation and relationship-building skills Recognized thought leader with an established presence in architecture or technology communities Experience managing multi-million-dollar technology programs and driving business development at the enterprise level