Principal Software Architect

Role Summary:

As a Principal Software Architect, you will be responsible for the overall technical architecture of Qualgo's platform and products. This is a high-impact, strategic role that shapes the long-term technical direction of the company. You will work across all engineering teams (backend, frontend, mobile, data, security) to ensure that our systems are well-designed, scalable, reliable, secure, and maintainable. You will not be tied to a specific technology stack (like Go or Android), but rather will have a broad understanding of different technologies and how they can be used to achieve our business goals. You will be a key advisor to the CTO and other technical leaders, and a mentor to engineers across the organization. You are hands-on and will prototype solutions.

• Focuses on defining and guiding the architecture of major systems and initiatives. Collaborates closely with Principal Engineers on specific platforms.
• Defines and champions the overall, company-wide architectural vision. Influences technology choices and architectural standards across all teams and products. Mentors and guides Principal Architects and other senior technical leaders.

Key Responsibilities:

Architectural Vision & Strategy:

• Define and communicate the overall architectural vision for Qualgo's platform and products.
• Develop and maintain architectural roadmaps, ensuring alignment with business objectives and product strategy.
• Evaluate and select appropriate technologies and architectural patterns.
• Stay up-to-date on emerging technologies and trends, assessing their potential impact on Qualgo's architecture.

System Design & Review:

• Lead the design of major systems and components, ensuring scalability, reliability, security, and performance.
• Conduct architectural reviews of new and existing systems.
• Provide guidance and support to engineering teams on architectural issues.
• Prototype key architectural components and solutions.

Cross-Functional Collaboration:

• Work closely with product management, engineering, security, and operations teams to ensure architectural alignment.
• Communicate architectural decisions and principles to stakeholders across the company.
• Collaborate with external partners and vendors on technology integrations.

Technical Leadership & Mentorship:

• Provide technical leadership and guidance to the entire engineering organization.
• Mentor and coach engineers, helping them grow their architectural skills.
• Promote a culture of technical excellence and innovation.

Problem Solving:

• Identify and address critical architectural challenges and risks.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex technical issues that span multiple systems.

Hands-on contribution:

• Prototype solutions and validate the technical feasibility.

Qualifications and Skills

Education: Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field. Master's degree preferred.

Experience:

• Minimum of 12 years of software engineering experience, with at least 5 years in an architectural role, including experience defining and leading the architecture for large-scale, complex systems.
• Proven experience designing and building distributed systems.
• Deep understanding of architectural patterns (e.g., microservices, event-driven architecture, layered architecture).
• Experience with a variety of technologies and platforms (e.g., cloud platforms, databases, messaging systems, programming languages).
• Experience with security architecture and secure development practices.
• Experience with performance optimization and scalability.
• Experience working in an Agile environment.

Skills:

• Exceptional architectural design and problem-solving skills.
• Strong communication, collaboration, and influence skills.
• Ability to think strategically and see the "big picture."
• Ability to communicate complex technical concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Ability to lead and mentor other engineers.
• Passion for building high-quality, scalable, and secure systems.
• Fluency in English is a plus.