Principal Technical Engineer

Roles and responsibilities

A Principal Technical Consultant is a senior-level expert who provides high-level technical advice, guidance, and support to organizations or clients, typically within a specific industry or technical domain. This role involves strategic planning, process improvement, and system implementation, often requiring a combination of technical expertise, leadership skills, and deep industry knowledge. The Principal Technical Consultant is responsible for driving technological innovation, optimizing technical solutions, and ensuring that the organization or client achieves its business objectives through the effective use of technology.

Here is a comprehensive skill set for a Principal Technical Consultant:

Technical Skills

1. Technical Expertise and Domain Knowledge:

   • In-depth knowledge of specific technologies, systems, and processes relevant to the industry or client.
   • Expertise in areas such as software architecture, cloud computing, data analytics, enterprise solutions, cybersecurity, and digital transformation.
   • Ability to stay current with emerging technologies and trends to recommend innovative solutions that align with the client’s business goals.

2. System Integration and Architecture:

   • Expertise in system design and architecture, including designing scalable, secure, and efficient technology solutions.
   • Proficient in integrating complex systems, ensuring interoperability between software applications, hardware, and networks.
   • Experience with enterprise architecture frameworks such as TOGAF or Zachman, and understanding how to align IT infrastructure with business strategies.

3. Consulting Methodologies and Best Practices:

   • Knowledge of best practices for consulting engagements, including needs analysis, requirements gathering, solution design, implementation, and post-implementation support.
   • Familiar with consulting frameworks and methodologies like Agile, Scrum, Lean, or ITIL to guide and structure the consulting process.
   • Strong understanding of project management processes, including managing scope, timelines, and resources.

4. Solution Design and Customization:

   • Expertise in designing custom technical solutions tailored to the client’s needs, whether for enterprise systems, cloud solutions, or specialized software platforms.
   • Experience with designing and deploying end-to-end solutions that address business challenges while maximizing operational efficiency.
   • Proficient in creating technical specifications, blueprints, and roadmaps that guide the implementation of technology solutions.

5. Cloud and IT Infrastructure Expertise:

   • Extensive experience with cloud platforms (AWS, Microsoft Azure, Google Cloud) and virtualization technologies.
   • Expertise in setting up and managing cloud infrastructures, ensuring scalability, security, and compliance.
   • Familiarity with DevOps, automation, containerization (Docker, Kubernetes), and microservices architecture.

6. Cybersecurity and Risk Management:

   • Strong understanding of cybersecurity principles, including risk assessment, threat modeling, and the implementation of security controls.
   • Ensuring that solutions meet industry-specific regulatory compliance requirements (e.g., GDPR, HIPAA, PCI DSS).
   • Knowledge of network security, firewalls, encryption, access control, and incident response.

7. Data Analytics and Business Intelligence:

   • Expertise in data modeling, data warehousing, and business intelligence platforms (e.g., Power BI, Tableau, SAP BusinessObjects).
   • Experience in big data technologies (e.g., Hadoop, Spark) and machine learning (ML) models to provide data-driven insights.
   • Ability to design and implement data analytics solutions that enable clients to make informed, strategic decisions.

8. Technology Vendor Management:

   • Expertise in selecting, evaluating, and managing third-party vendors or technology providers to deliver optimal solutions.
   • Leading negotiations and contract management for technology services, ensuring that SLAs (Service Level Agreements) are met.
   • Managing vendor relationships to ensure timely delivery of products and services in accordance with client specifications.

As a more experienced individual on our staff, the Lead and/or Principal Consultant performs their own work in terms of collecting information, developing deliverables, analysing for trends and key findings, and preparing Word or PowerPoint reports.

Recognising their project management responsibilities, Lead and/or Principal Consultant should have excellent organisational skills and be good at communicating and guiding others. He or she typically manages and/or works on a few projects at one time, thereby necessitating excellent ability to multi-task, work without supervision, exercise good judgment and communicate with colleagues of a wider KBR organisation.

Desired candidate profile

Leadership and Consulting Skills

1. Strategic Consulting and Advisory:

   • Providing high-level strategic advice to clients on how technology can be leveraged to achieve business objectives.
   • Offering guidance on long-term IT strategies, technology roadmaps, and digital transformation initiatives.
   • Helping clients understand the broader impact of technology decisions on their operations and business models.

2. Project Leadership and Management:

   • Leading large-scale, complex projects, from scoping and planning through to execution and delivery.
   • Overseeing cross-functional teams, managing resources, and ensuring that projects are completed on time and within budget.
   • Coordinating with senior stakeholders to define project objectives, set priorities, and ensure alignment with business goals.

3. Change Management:

   • Assisting organizations in managing the change that accompanies technology implementation, ensuring smooth transitions.
   • Leading the development and execution of change management strategies, including training, communication, and support systems.
   • Providing post-implementation support to ensure the sustainability and scalability of new systems.

4. Client Relationship Management:

   • Building and maintaining strong, long-term relationships with clients, acting as a trusted advisor and technical expert.
   • Communicating complex technical information to non-technical stakeholders in a clear and understandable way.
   • Understanding client needs, identifying opportunities for value-added services, and ensuring client satisfaction.

5. Mentoring and Coaching:

   • Providing guidance and mentorship to junior consultants, engineers, and technical staff within the organization or client teams.
   • Sharing best practices, insights, and knowledge to help develop the skills of the next generation of consultants.
   • Creating training materials, workshops, and resources to foster continuous learning within the organization.

Soft Skills

1. Communication and Presentation:

   • Strong verbal and written communication skills to clearly convey technical concepts, project status, and recommendations to stakeholders at all levels.
   • Ability to present complex technical ideas to executive leadership, often translating technical jargon into business language.
   • Preparing and delivering compelling presentations, reports, and proposals for clients or internal teams.

2. Problem-Solving and Analytical Thinking:

   • Excellent problem-solving skills to address complex challenges, analyze root causes, and implement effective solutions.
   • Ability to break down large, complex problems into manageable components, making it easier to find solutions that align with business objectives.
   • Conducting thorough analysis of client requirements, business processes, and technical environments to develop appropriate solutions.

3. Collaboration and Teamwork:

   • Promoting a collaborative environment within client teams and cross-functional groups.
   • Actively participating in team meetings, offering insights, and working toward collective goals.
   • Fostering a culture of knowledge sharing and collective problem-solving among team members and clients.