Software Architect - ZipRecruiter

Job Title: Software Architect

Location: San Francisco, CA (Hybrid)
Employment Type: Full-time
Salary Range: $160,000 - $220,000 per year

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced Software Architect to join our client's engineering team in San Francisco. The ideal candidate will be responsible for designing and overseeing the technical vision of complex software systems while leading development teams in building scalable, resilient, and maintainable applications.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and architect scalable, high-performance software systems
• Lead technical decision-making processes and establish architectural principles
• Create and maintain technical roadmaps aligned with business objectives
• Mentor development teams and promote best practices
• Evaluate and recommend new technologies and frameworks
• Collaborate with stakeholders to translate business requirements into technical solutions
• Define coding, testing, and architectural standards
• Lead architecture reviews and technical design sessions
• Ensure system security, performance, and reliability
• Drive innovation and technical excellence across engineering teams

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or related field
• 10+ years of software development experience
• 5+ years of architecture experience in enterprise-level applications
• Strong experience with cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, or GCP)
• Expertise in multiple programming languages (e.g., Java, Python, C#, JavaScript)
• Deep understanding of software design patterns and principles
• Experience with microservices architecture and distributed systems
• Strong background in API design and integration patterns
• Proven track record of delivering large-scale software projects
• Experience with DevOps practices and CI/CD pipelines

Technical Skills

Core Technologies

• Cloud Platforms (AWS/Azure/GCP)
• Containerization (Docker, Kubernetes)
• Microservices Architecture
• RESTful APIs and GraphQL
• Database Design (SQL and NoSQL)
• Message Queuing Systems
• Distributed Systems
• Security Protocols and Best Practices

Architecture & Design

• System Design Patterns
• Enterprise Architecture Frameworks
• Performance Optimization
• Scalability Planning
• High Availability Design
• Disaster Recovery
• Cost Optimization

Soft Skills

• Excellent communication and presentation abilities
• Strong leadership and mentoring capabilities
• Strategic thinking and problem-solving skills
• Ability to influence and drive consensus
• Project and time management expertise
• Strong documentation and diagramming skills

What We Offer

• Competitive base salary ($160,000 - $220,000)
• Annual performance bonus
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) with generous company match
• Stock options
• Unlimited PTO
• Professional development allowance
• Home office setup allowance
• Wellness benefits
• Flexible work arrangements

Work Environment

• Hybrid work model (2-3 days in office)
• Collaborative team environment
• Modern tech stack
• Opportunity to work on cutting-edge technologies
• Regular architecture forums and tech talks

Growth Opportunities

• Lead enterprise-wide architectural initiatives
• Mentor and develop junior architects
• Participate in technology selection and strategic planning
• Contribute to open-source projects
• Speak at industry conferences

Requirements

• Must be authorized to work in the United States
• Ability to occasionally travel to other office locations (10%)
• Available for occasional on-call duties
• Based in or willing to relocate to San Francisco Bay Area