Architect, Senior (Java AWS)

As a key leader in the architecture team, the Senior Software Architect will define and evolve the architectural blueprint for complex distributed systems built using Java, Spring Boot, Apache Kafka, and cloud-native technologies. This individual will ensure that system designs align with enterprise architecture principles, business objectives, and performance/scalability requirements.

The architect will also work closely with engineering leads, DevOps, data engineering, product managers, and customer-facing teams to drive architectural decisions, mentor technical teams, and foster a culture of technical excellence and innovation.

Key Responsibilities:

• Own and evolve the overall system architecture for Java-based microservices and data-intensive applications.
• Define and enforce architecture best practices, including clean code principles, DDD, event-driven design, and cloud-native patterns.
• Lead and guide technical design sessions, architecture reviews, and design walkthroughs for high-impact features and integrations.
• Design solutions with a focus on performance, scalability, security, and reliability in high-volume, multi-tenant environments.
• Collaborate with product and engineering teams to convert business requirements into scalable technical architectures.
• Conduct technical due diligence, risk assessments, and make build vs. buy recommendations.
• Drive the use of DevSecOps, automated testing, and CI/CD to improve development velocity and code quality.
• Act as a mentor for senior developers, and play a hands-on role when necessary in prototyping or unblocking critical issues.
• Own and contribute to architecture documentation, including high-level design diagrams, flowcharts, and decision records.
• Lead architecture governance efforts and influence platform roadmaps.

Basic Qualifications:

• 12–15 years of hands-on experience in Java-based enterprise application development, with at least 4–5 years in an architectural leadership role.
• Deep expertise in microservices architecture, Spring Boot, RESTful services, and API design.
• Strong understanding of distributed systems design, event-driven architecture, and domain-driven design.
• Proven experience with Kafka, Spark, Kubernetes, Docker, and AWS ecosystem (S3, EC2, IAM, Lambda, etc.).
• In-depth experience with MongoDB, SQL databases, and data streaming & ingestion pipelines.
• Proficiency in multithreaded programming, asynchronous communication, and defensive programming techniques.
• Experience driving SLA-bound, high-availability systems and designing for observability (logs, metrics, tracing).
• Strong foundation in security principles, including data encryption, identity management, and secure APIs.
• Working knowledge of Agile practices, DevOps pipelines, and CI/CD automation.
• Exceptional communication, leadership, and cross-functional collaboration skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Exposure to C4 Model, Lucidchart, or similar tools for system architecture and diagramming.
• Experience leading architectural transformations (e.g., monolith to microservices).
• Knowledge of Data Mesh, Data Governance, or Master Data Management (MDM) concepts.
• Experience with stream processing, schema registry, or Protobuf/Avro.
• Certification in AWS, Kubernetes, or Software Architecture (e.g., TOGAF, SAFe Architect).
• Experience in regulated environments with compliance (GDPR, HIPAA, etc.) is a plus.