Lead Software Architect - SKY WATCH Platform

ZipRecruiter; Great Falls Crossing (VA); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

An innovative firm is seeking a Lead Software Architect to design the architecture for a cutting-edge AI-driven platform. This role involves collaborating with multiple teams to create scalable and fault-tolerant systems that enhance security for critical infrastructure. You will lead the design of microservices, messaging systems, and databases while mentoring junior engineers. This position offers a unique opportunity to shape the future of technology in a high-growth environment, where your contributions will directly impact the safety and efficiency of operations across various sectors. If you are passionate about technology and ready to take on a leadership role, this is the perfect opportunity for you.

Qualifications

• 5-10 years of experience in designing distributed, real-time platforms.
• Expertise in microservice architectures using .NET Core or Python (FastAPI).
• Proficiency in creating UML models and event-driven architectures.

Responsibilities

• Lead the system architecture for SKY WATCH, including microservices and APIs.
• Produce formal architecture artifacts like UML and data flow diagrams.
• Define and enforce DevSecOps best practices, including CI/CD.

Skills

Microservice Architectures

Real-Time Processing

UML Modeling

Database Design

DevSecOps Practices

Communication Skills

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science

Master's Degree in Computer Science

Tools

Kafka

Docker

Kubernetes

Prometheus

Grafana

ELK Stack

Job description

Job Description

Lead Software Architect — SKY WATCH Platform

Location: Reston, VA (Hybrid Remote Available)

Clearance: Secret (or eligibility to obtain)

Employment Type: Full Time

About the Role

Blue Sky Innovators is seeking a Lead Software Architect to spearhead the architecture and technical design of SKY WATCH, our next-generation, AI-driven, multisensor anomaly detection platform. SKY WATCH combines realtime video analytics, BLE/RSSI detection, audio transcript analysis, and predictive anomaly alerting to secure operational and critical infrastructure environments.

As the Lead Architect, you will be responsible for designing and documenting the entire system architecture — from microservices and Kafka pipelines to database design, scalable realtime processing, and secure API integration. You will collaborate with Product Management, Data Science, Backend, and Security teams to ensure SKY WATCH is scalable, fault-tolerant, and deployment-ready.

This is a career-defining opportunity to architect an innovative platform in a high-growth environment supporting security, critical infrastructure, and private sector clients.

Responsibilities

• Lead the system architecture for SKY WATCH, including microservices, messaging pipelines, databases, APIs, and deployment models (cloud/on-premise).
• Produce formal architecture artifacts, such as:
• UML Diagrams: Component, Deployment, Class, Sequence Diagrams.
• System Context and Data Flow Diagrams.
• API Design Specifications (OpenAPI/Swagger).
• Own scalability and fault tolerance strategies (e.g., Kafka partitioning, database replication, load balancing).
• Design realtime data ingestion and processing pipelines for BLE, video, and audio sensor data.
• Define and enforce DevSecOps best practices, including CI/CD, containerization (Docker/Kubernetes), and secure authentication flows (Keycloak, OAuth2).
• Collaborate with Machine Learning, DevOps, and Frontend teams to ensure seamless integration of inference services and realtime dashboards.
• Create and maintain Architecture Decision Records (ADRs).
• Guide system integration efforts and ensure accurate, complete technical documentation.
• Serve as a technical mentor and participate in code and design reviews.

Requirements

• 5–10 years of experience designing distributed, real-time platforms.
• Expertise in microservice architectures using .NET Core, Python (FastAPI), or equivalent frameworks.
• Deep hands-on knowledge of Kafka or similar message streaming systems.
• Proficiency in creating and interpreting UML models.
• Experience designing event-driven architectures with real-time processing guarantees.
• Strong understanding of database design for hybrid architectures (InfluxDB, PostgreSQL/SQL Server, Redis).
• Proven track record building secure, scalable, fault-tolerant systems deployed in cloud or hybrid environments.
• Familiarity with DevSecOps pipelines and containerized deployments.
• Understanding of security architectures: token-based authentication, TLS, secrets management.
• Excellent communication skills for producing documentation and explaining designs.

Qualifications

• Prior experience supporting DoD, IC, or critical infrastructure security projects.
• Familiarity with AI/ML model integration (ONNX, TorchScript, TensorFlow Serving).
• Knowledge of monitoring and logging tools (Prometheus, Grafana, ELK stack).
• Exposure to anomaly detection, BLE/RSSI sensing, video analytics, or real-time audio analysis applications.
• Clearance (Secret or higher) or eligibility to obtain clearance is highly preferred.

Blue Sky Innovators, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to protected characteristics. If you are a qualified job seeker with a disability or a disabled veteran, you may request accommodations by contacting us at [e-mail]. For more information, visit http://www.blueskyinnovators.com.