Solutions Architect

SmartEdge, Lda; England; On-site; GBP 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

SmartEdge, Lda is seeking a Solutions Architect to lead cloud-native architectures using Java/Spring Boot and GCP. You will design microservices, implement robust API security, and guide cross-functional teams to deliver scalable, secure cloud solutions.

Applicants should have 15+ years in software development and at least 3+ years as a Solutions Architect, with hands-on expertise in Java, Spring, and GCP services, plus Kubernetes, Terraform and CI/CD pipelines.

Qualifications

• 15+ years of software development experience with at least 3+ years in a Solution Architect role.
• Hands-on Java 11+/Spring Boot, Spring Security and Spring Cloud expertise.
• Deep understanding of GCP services including IAM and security.
• Experience designing microservices, event-driven architectures and API management.
• Strong knowledge of IAM concepts, authentication/authorization mechanisms and security best practices.
• Experience with Kubernetes (GKE), Docker, Terraform and CI/CD pipelines.
• Familiarity with GraphQL, gRPC and service mesh (Istio/Linkerd).
• Exposure to AI/ML integrations and observability tools.

Responsibilities

• Design end-to-end architecture for cloud-native apps using Java and Spring Boot.
• Define architectural standards and frameworks for GCP-based solutions.
• Ensure security, scalability and high availability of applications.
• Design microservices with RESTful APIs and event-driven patterns.
• Implement API security with OAuth2, JWT and API Gateways.
• Guide DevOps and security teams to deliver solutions successfully.
• Conduct code reviews, performance tuning and architectural reviews.
• Collaborate with Product Owners and teams to ensure delivery.

Skills

Java/Spring Boot

Cloud Architecture

Security & IAM

Kubernetes & Docker

CI/CD

OAuth2/JWT/OpenID Connect

Event-driven patterns

GraphQL/gRPC

AI/ML integrations

Tools

GKE

Docker

Terraform

CI/CD tooling

Cloud IAM

Job description

Solution Architect – Java/Spring Boot/GCP/Microservices/IAM

Key Responsibilities:

• Design end-to-end architecture for cloud-native applications using Java, Spring Boot, and Microservices.
• Define architectural best practices, standards, and frameworks for GCP-based solutions.
• Ensure security, scalability, and high availability of applications.
• Design microservices architecture with RESTful APIs and event-driven patterns (Kafka/Pub-Sub).
• Good experience in Authentication and Authorisation implementations
• Good understanding on Fine grain and policy-based authorisation
• Exposure and deep understanding on Agentic AI guardrails
• Implement API security with OAuth2, JWT, OpenID Connect, and API Gateway (Apigee/Cloud Endpoints).
• Implement authentication and authorization mechanisms for applications and APIs
• Guide development teams on best practices, design patterns, and cloud security.
• Collaborate with Product Owners, DevOps, and Security teams to ensure successful solution delivery.
• Conduct code reviews, performance tuning, Architectural reviews and troubleshooting.
• 15+ years of experience in software development, with at least 3+ years as a Solution Architect.
• Strong hands-on expertise in Java 11+/Spring Boot, Spring Security, Spring Cloud.
• Deep understanding of GCP services (Compute, Networking, Storage, IAM, Security).
• Experience designing and implementing Microservices, Event-driven architecture, and API Management.
• Strong knowledge of IAM concepts, Forgerock, authentication/authorization mechanisms, and security best practices.
• Experience with Kubernetes (GKE), Docker, Terraform, and CI/CD pipelines.
• Strong problem-solving, communication, and leadership skills.
• Experience with GraphQL, gRPC, and Service Mesh (Istio/Linkerd).
• Familiarity with AI/ML integrations, observability tools (Dynatrace, Grafana, ELK).
• Experience or good understanding in Agentic AI