Jobs › RLI Corp

Solutions Architect - Applications

RLI Corp · Chicago, IL · $139,797–$203,755 a year · Full time

Posted Jun 1, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

Tell me about an architecture decision you made that you would make differently now.

What they are checking: Whether they reflect honestly on tradeoffs and learn from them.

Tell me about a time you influenced a technology direction without having final authority.

What they are checking: Whether they can persuade leaders and teams with clear reasoning and evidence.

What would you do

The business wants a new feature fast, but it would add technical debt to a core policy system. How do you handle it?

What they are checking: Whether they can explain tradeoffs in business terms and find a path that balances speed and health.

Development teams keep going off the agreed architecture. What do you do?

What they are checking: Whether they can enforce standards through partnership and clear guidance rather than just policing.

About the work

How do you build and maintain a solution architecture plan for a large program?

What they are checking: Whether they can create a roadmap that fits enterprise architecture and changes as priorities change.

How would you decide whether to build, buy or extend an existing system for a new business need?

What they are checking: Whether they weigh cost, fit, integration and long-term support instead of defaulting to one answer.

How do you design integrations between insurance applications like policy, billing and claims?

What they are checking: Whether they understand integration patterns, data consistency and how failures should be handled.

How do you keep up with industry and technology trends, and how do you decide what's worth adopting?

What they are checking: Whether they evaluate new technology critically against real business value.

How do you think about security and compliance when designing applications in insurance?

What they are checking: Whether they build in data protection and regulatory needs from the start.

How do you document an architecture so both executives and developers can use it?

What they are checking: Whether they can communicate at different levels, which a solutions architect must do daily.

Practice this interview out loud.

Offer builds a real interview for this exact role at RLI Corp from your resume and this job description, asks the questions one at a time, and tells you what landed. The first one is free.

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The full job description

As published by RLI Corp.

About Us We’re not like other insurance companies. From our specialty products to our business model, our culture to our results — we’re different. Different is who we are, and how we work, interact, deliver and succeed together. Creating a different and better insurance experience doesn’t just happen. It takes focus and a shared passion for going beyond the expected to forge relationships and deliver care that makes a difference. This approach rises from and is supported by our talented, ethical and smart team of employee owners united around a single purpose: to work alongside our customers and partners when they need us, in unexpected ways, with exceptional results. Apply today to make a difference with us. RLI is a Glassdoor Best Places to Work company with a strong, successful background. For decades, our financial track record has been stellar — a testament to our culture and validation of our reputation as an excellent underwriting company. Position Purpose Under general direction, maintains and manages a solution architecture plan for a broad program which aligns and supports the overall architecture. Leverages business priorities, strategies and process, IT strategy and capabilities, technology, industry and market trends to determine how the current and future needs of the organization will be met. Plays a key role determining technology evolution needed for future goals. Principal Duties & Responsibilities • Analyzes information from various sources both external and internal to identify options, make fact based recommendations, and resolve conflicts in the architecture. • Develops and maintains measures to ensure architecture objectives are met. • Leads cross-functional groups of architects and others to establish the architecture. • Sets architecture direction for and leads implementation of IT Programs. • Consults with business and IT teams on the application of information technology to achieve desired business outcomes. • Mentors and coaches others to enhance leadership and architecture skills. • Drives the maturity and effectiveness of the Enterprise Architecture capability. Education & Experience • Typically requires a Bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related field • 10+ years of relevant experience in solution development using Microsoft or Salesforce technology • [OR] equivalent level of education and experience • Insurance knowledge a preferred • Agentic and Generative AI assisted coding knowledge preferred Knowledge, Skills, & Competencies • Expertise in the entire Software and Architecture Lifecycle from Analysis to Deployment of Software/Apps. • Expertise in business area, with a deep understanding of the service, quality and cost of that business area. • Knowledge of systems engineering techniques such as portfolio analysis, analysis of alternatives, and architecture modeling. • Knowledge of Enterprise Architecture frameworks and current architectural concepts. • Ability to design, develop and implement CI/CD pipelines. • Ability to manage multiple engagements while developing key architecture solutions on significant efforts. • Ability to leverage technical and business knowledge to develop innovative strategies and solutions for achieving business objectives. • Skilled at translating strategies and conceptual models into actionable plans and architectures. • Skilled at conducting cost/benefit and risk/reward analyses and incorporating into solution recommendations. • Ability to consider technical decisions as part of a multi-dimensional problem, balancing standards, principles, project management disciplines (cost, time, schedule), team norms (consultation, decision making, communication) and process. • Ability to balance long-term ("big picture") and short-term implications of decisions. Compensation Overview The base salary range for the position is listed below. Please note that the base salary is only one component of our robust total rewards package at RLI. The salary offered will take into account a number of factors including, but not limited to, geographic location, experience, scope & responsibilities of the role, qualifications/credentials, talent availability & specialization, as well as business needs. The below range may be modified in the future. Base Pay Range $139,797.00 - $203,755.00 Total Rewards At RLI, we're all owners. We hire the best and the brightest employees and allow them to share in the company's success through our Total Rewards. With the Employee Stock Ownership plan at its core, the Total Rewards program includes all compensation, benefits and perks that come with being an RLI employee. Financial Incentives • Annual bonus plans • Employee stock ownership plan (ESOP) • 401(k) — automatic 3% company contribution • Annual 401k and ESOP profit-sharing contributions (Up to 15% of eligible earnings) Work & Life • Paid time off (PTO) and holidays • Paid volunteer time off (VTO) to support our communities • Parental and family care leave • Flexible & hybrid work arrangements • Fitness center discounts and free virtual fitness platform • Employee assistance program Health & Wellness • Comprehensive medical, dental and vision benefits • Flexible spending and health savings accounts • 2x base salary for group life and AD&D insurance • Voluntary life, critical illness, & accident insurance for purchase • Short-term and long-term disability benefits Personal & Professional Growth RLI encourages its employees to pursue professional development work in insurance and job-related areas. We make a commitment to employees to provide educational opportunities that help them enhance their skills and further their career advancement. RLI fosters a true learning culture and encourages professional growth through insurance courses, in-house training and other educational programs. RLI covers the cost for most programs and employees typically earn a bonus upon successful completion of approved courses and certifications. Our personal and professional growth benefits include: • Training & certification opportunities • Tuition reimbursement • Education bonuses Diversity & Inclusion Our goal is to attract, develop and retain the best employee talent from diverse backgrounds while promoting an environment where all viewpoints are valued and individuals feel respected, are treated fairly, and have an opportunity to excel in their chosen careers. We actively support, and participate in, initiatives led by the American Property Casualty Insurance Association that aim to increase diversity in the insurance industry. Cultivating an exceptional and diverse workforce to deliver excellent customer service reinforces our culture and is a key to achieving superior business results. RLI is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, citizenship, gender, marital status, sexual orientation, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.

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