Principal Software Architect

TEKsystems; Irvine (CA); On-site; USD 182,000 - 251,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Healthcare benefits

Wellness program

Generous paid time off

Tuition assistance

Job summary

TEKsystems is seeking a Principal Software Architect to shape enterprise technology strategy from Irvine, CA. You will lead architectural direction, drive modernization, and partner with engineering teams to deliver scalable, cloud-native platforms while staying hands-on when necessary.

You will mentor teams, establish standards, and evaluate emerging tech such as AI/ML, aiming for measurable business impact and strong platform reliability.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in software architecture and large-scale enterprise systems.
• 5+ years deep expertise in cloud architecture, microservices, AI/ML, or data/streaming platforms.
• Expert-level .NET, C#, SQL Server.
• Strong Azure expertise including AKS, ARM Templates, Bicep, Terraform.
• Experience building cloud-native and distributed applications.
• Strong understanding of asynchronous system design patterns.
• Experience implementing observability, monitoring, performance engineering, and self-healing systems.
• Proven success driving enterprise-wide technology adoption and architecture governance.

Responsibilities

• Define and evangelize enterprise architecture standards, patterns, and best practices.
• Lead cloud modernization and digital transformation initiatives.
• Design scalable, secure, and highly available distributed systems.
• Create reference architectures, proof-of-concepts, and reusable engineering frameworks.
• Partner with engineering leadership to drive strategic technology decisions.
• Establish governance policies and promote architectural consistency across teams.
• Evaluate emerging technologies and guide enterprise adoption efforts, including AI/ML and LLM-based solutions.
• Improve software delivery effectiveness, engineering productivity, and platform reliability.
• Contribute hands-on through architecture reviews, prototyping, and coding when needed.
• Mentor engineers and architects while fostering a culture of technical excellence.

Skills

Cloud Architecture

Microservices

AI/ML

Data & Streaming

Asynchronous Design

Observability & Performance

Leadership & Governance

Hands-on Architecture

Tools

.NET

C#

SQL Server

Azure Kubernetes Service

ARM Templates

Bicep

Terraform

Job description

• Azure Kubernetes Service (AKS)

Location: Plano, TX or Irvine, CA (Onsite)

Type: Full-Time W2

Shape the Future of Enterprise Technology

Are you a hands-on technology leader who enjoys setting architectural direction while still contributing to code? We're seeking a Principal Software Architect to help drive enterprise-wide modernization initiatives, establish engineering standards, and accelerate adoption of cloud-native technologies, AI/ML solutions, and scalable software platforms.

In this highly visible role, you'll influence technology strategy, guide architectural best practices, and partner with engineering teams to deliver innovative solutions that make a measurable business impact.

What You'll Do

• Define and evangelize enterprise architecture standards, patterns, and best practices
• Lead cloud modernization and digital transformation initiatives
• Design scalable, secure, and highly available distributed systems
• Create reference architectures, proof-of-concepts, and reusable engineering frameworks
• Partner with engineering leadership to drive strategic technology decisions
• Establish governance policies and promote architectural consistency across teams
• Evaluate emerging technologies and guide enterprise adoption efforts, including AI/ML and LLM-based solutions
• Improve software delivery effectiveness, engineering productivity, and platform reliability
• Contribute hands-on through architecture reviews, prototyping, and coding when needed
• Mentor engineers and architects while fostering a culture of technical excellence

Required Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in software architecture and large-scale enterprise systems
• 5+ years of deep expertise in one or more of the following areas:
  • Cloud Architecture
  • Microservices
  • AI/ML
  • Data & Streaming Platforms
• Expert-level experience with:
  • .NET
  • C#
  • SQL Server
• Strong Azure expertise, including:
  • Azure Kubernetes Service (AKS)
  • Azure Managed Services
  • ARM Templates
  • Bicep
  • Terraform
• Experience building cloud-native and distributed applications
• Strong understanding of asynchronous system design patterns
• Experience implementing observability, monitoring, performance engineering, and self-healing systems
• Proven success driving enterprise-wide technology adoption and architecture governance

Preferred Experience

• Designing highly scalable platform architectures
• Leading organizational architecture strategy
• Creating engineering standards and governance frameworks
• Scaling emerging technologies from pilot programs to enterprise-wide adoption
• Driving modernization initiatives within complex enterprise environments

Why Join Us?

• Opportunity to influence enterprise technology strategy at scale
• High-impact leadership role with organization-wide visibility
• Hands-on work with emerging technologies, including AI/ML and large language models
• Ability to shape future architecture standards and engineering platforms
• Collaborative and innovation-focused engineering culture
• Strong investment in professional development and continued learning
• Comprehensive health, wellness, and employee benefits programs
• Tuition assistance and career growth opportunities

If you're passionate about enterprise architecture, cloud innovation, and leading large-scale technology transformation while remaining technically hands-on, we'd love to hear from you.

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Irvine, CA.

Pay And Benefits

The pay range for this position is $182000.00 - $251000.00/yr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

• Comprehensive benefits package including Medical/Dental/Vision.
• Wellness program to support both mental and physical health.
• Generous paid time off options to support work-life balance.

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Irvine, CA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Nov 6, 2026.

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Irvine,CA.

About TEKsystems

We're partners in transformation. We help clients activate ideas and solutions to take advantage of a new world of opportunity. We are a team of 80,000 strong, working with over 6,000 clients, including 80% of the Fortune 500, across North America, Europe and Asia. As an industry leader in Full-Stack Technology Services, Talent Services, and real-world application, we work with progressive leaders to drive change. That's the power of true partnership. TEKsystems is an Allegis Group company.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regards to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

About TEKsystems And TEKsystems Global Services

We're a leading provider of business and technology services. We accelerate business transformation for our customers. Our expertise in strategy, design, execution and operations unlocks business value through a range of solutions. We're a team of 80,000 strong, working with over 6,000 customers, including 80% of the Fortune 500 across North America, Europe and Asia, who partner with us for our scale, full-stack capabilities and speed. We're strategic thinkers, hands-on collaborators, helping customers capitalize on change and master the momentum of technology. We're building tomorrow by delivering business outcomes and making positive impacts in our global communities. TEKsystems and TEKsystems Global Services are Allegis Group companies. Learn more at TEKsystems.com.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance

Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI)

We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.