Principal Software Architect

We are seeking an accomplished and forward-thinking Principal Software Architect to lead the design and evolution of enterprise-scale software systems in a fully remote environment. This role is responsible for defining technical strategy, establishing architectural standards, and guiding engineering teams in building scalable, secure, and high-performance applications. The ideal candidate brings deep technical expertise, strong leadership capabilities, and a proven track record of architecting complex distributed systems. You will play a critical role in shaping technology direction, mentoring engineers, and ensuring alignment between business objectives and technical solutions. Key Responsibilities Define and drive the overall software architecture strategy across multiple platforms and systems Design scalable, secure, and resilient distributed systems and cloud-native architectures Establish best practices, coding standards, and architectural guidelines for engineering teams Lead technical decision-making and provide guidance on system design, performance, and scalability Collaborate with engineering, product, and executive stakeholders to align technology with business goals Evaluate and implement modern technologies, frameworks, and tools to improve system capabilities Oversee system integration, API design, and microservices architecture Ensure high standards for security, data integrity, and compliance across all systems Mentor senior engineers and technical leads, fostering a culture of excellence and innovation Conduct architecture reviews, risk assessments, and performance optimizations Required Qualifications Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or related field 10+ years of experience in software development, with at least 5 years in an architectural or leadership role Proven experience designing large-scale distributed systems and cloud-based platforms Strong expertise in system design, microservices architecture, and API development Proficiency in modern programming languages (e.g., Java, Python, Go, or similar) Deep understanding of cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, or GCP) and DevOps practices Experience with containerization and orchestration tools (Docker, Kubernetes) Strong knowledge of security, scalability, and high-availability system design Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and leadership skills Strong communication and stakeholder management abilities Must be legally authorized to work in the United States (valid U.S. work permit required) Preferred Qualifications Experience in enterprise SaaS platforms or high-growth technology environments Familiarity with AI/ML system architecture and data engineering pipelines Experience with CI/CD pipelines and infrastructure as code (Terraform, CloudFormation) Background in performance engineering and system optimization Prior experience working in fully remote or distributed global teams What We Offer Competitive hourly compensation at executive level Fully remote work environment with flexible scheduling Opportunity to influence and lead large-scale technical strategy Professional development, certifications, and conference sponsorship Collaborative, innovation-driven culture Career growth into executive or CTO-track roles.