Lead Architect (Data systems, Distributed architecture, and AI/ML infrastructure)

Harvey Nash; Vancouver; On-site; CAD 200,000 - 250,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading technology firm in Vancouver is seeking a Lead Architect to define the next generation of cloud, data, and AI platforms. This role involves high-impact leadership, focusing on scalable systems and architecture. The ideal candidate will have over 15 years of software engineering experience, with deep expertise in data systems, distributed architecture, and AI/ML infrastructure. The position offers a competitive salary range of CA$200,000.00 to CA$250,000.00 annually, and the candidate will be instrumental in guiding technology decisions and mentoring engineers.

Qualifications

• 15+ years of software engineering experience, with 5+ years in senior or architectural roles.
• Expertise in designing and delivering scalable, maintainable systems.
• Strong understanding of data modeling and cloud-native platforms.

Responsibilities

• Define and evolve platform architecture across data, AI, and core systems.
• Guide technology decisions balancing innovation and performance.
• Drive design of scalable, secure, and reliable distributed systems.

Skills

Software engineering experience

Data systems expertise

Distributed architecture

AI/ML infrastructure

Cloud-native platforms (AWS, GCP, Azure)

API design

Event-driven systems

CI/CD practices

Tools

Python

React

TypeScript

Job description

Lead Architect (Data systems, Distributed architecture, and AI/ML infrastructure)

We’re looking for a Lead Architect to define the next generation of cloud, data, and AI platforms. This is a high‑impact technical leadership role that spans system design, platform scalability, and data intelligence, ensuring our architecture remains resilient, extensible, and AI‑ready as we scale.

Core responsibilities:

• Define and evolve platform architecture across data, AI, and core systems.
• Partner with product and engineering leadership to align architecture with long‑term business strategy.
• Guide technology decisions balancing innovation, maintainability, and performance.
• Drive the design of scalable, secure, and reliable distributed systems spanning APIs, data pipelines, integrations, and infrastructure.

Hands‑on technical skills:

• Lead complex architectural and design reviews across multiple teams.
• Build reference architectures, proofs of concept, and technical standards that accelerate velocity, raise the bar in engineering excellence, and improve developer experience.
• Partner with Data and AI teams to design next‑gen AI infrastructure and systems that enable intelligent automation.
• Champion modern engineering practices, including CI/CD, observability, security, and reliability.
• Stay current on emerging technologies (AI/ML, cloud, large‑scale distributed systems) and bring the right innovations into our stack.

Required

• 15+ years of software engineering experience, including 5+ years in senior or architectural roles.
• Deep expertise in data systems, distributed architecture, and AI/ML infrastructure.
• Strong experience with cloud‑native platforms (AWS, GCP, or Azure) and modern frameworks (e.g., Python, React, TypeScript, or similar).
• Proven ability to design and deliver scalable, maintainable systems in production environments.
• Strong understanding of API design, event‑driven systems, data modeling, and CI/CD practices.

Preferred

• Experience integrating AI/ML systems into production environments.
• Experience with data pipelines, warehouses, or streaming systems.
• Track record of mentoring engineers and guiding system‑level technical decisions.
• Experience in SaaS, fintech, or enterprise product environments.

Base pay range

CA$200,000.00/yr - CA$250,000.00/yr

Seniority Level

Mid‑Senior level

Employment Type

Full‑time (Full‑time, Permanent)

Job Function

Information Technology and Other; Industries: Financial Services, IT System Custom Software Development, and Software Development.

EAO: We are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration.