Lead Application Architect

Placements24; Upington; Hybrid; ZAR 1,000,000 - 2,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Health benefits

Retirement plan

Bonus potential

Hybrid work model

Training & certifications

Job summary

Placements24 in Upington, Northern Cape, ZA, is seeking a Lead Application Architect to guide the design and development of scalable, resilient software systems. The role requires shaping the architectural vision, establishing best practices, and driving adoption across product teams and IT leadership.

You will lead architecture strategy, mentor engineers, and ensure alignment with business goals while embracing hybrid work and modern development practices in a dynamic renewable energy context.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field.
• 8+ years of software development experience, with at least 4 years in an application architecture role.
• Proven experience designing and building complex, scalable enterprise applications.
• Strong knowledge of architectural patterns such as Microservices, SOA, Event-Driven Architecture.
• Proficiency in programming languages (Java, C#, Python, JavaScript).
• Experience with cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP) and containers (Docker, Kubernetes).
• Familiarity with API design, data modeling, and integration patterns.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and leadership skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal abilities, with experience in hybrid work settings.
• Experience with Agile methodologies and DevOps practices.

Responsibilities

• Define and own the application architecture strategy and roadmap.
• Lead the design of scalable, secure, and high-performance software applications.
• Establish architectural standards, patterns, and best practices for application development.
• Collaborate with development teams to ensure successful implementation of architectural designs.
• Evaluate and select appropriate technologies, frameworks, and tools for application development.
• Mentor and guide software engineers and architects, fostering technical excellence.
• Conduct architectural reviews and provide constructive feedback.
• Ensure application architecture aligns with enterprise architecture and business goals.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex application-related technical issues.
• Stay informed about emerging technologies and trends in application architecture.

Skills

Architectural leadership

Microservices architecture

SOA

Event-driven architecture

API design

Data modeling

Integration patterns

Agile/DevOps

Problem solving

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or related field

Tools

Docker

Kubernetes

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leader in the renewable energy sector located in Upington, Northern Cape, ZA , is seeking an accomplished Lead Application Architect to guide the design and development of their mission-critical software applications. This role is essential for ensuring that our client's application landscape is scalable, resilient, and aligned with strategic business objectives. You will work closely with product owners, development teams, and IT leadership to define architectural vision, establish best practices, and oversee the implementation of robust application solutions. This hybrid position offers a blend of remote work flexibility and necessary in-office collaboration, fostering a connected and productive team environment. The ideal candidate will possess strong technical leadership skills, a deep understanding of modern software architecture patterns, and a passion for driving innovation in application development. You will play a key role in shaping the technical direction of the organization.

Key Responsibilities

• Define and own the application architecture strategy and roadmap.
• Lead the design of scalable, secure, and high-performance software applications.
• Establish architectural standards, patterns, and best practices for application development.
• Collaborate with development teams to ensure successful implementation of architectural designs.
• Evaluate and select appropriate technologies, frameworks, and tools for application development.
• Mentor and guide software engineers and architects, fostering technical excellence.
• Conduct architectural reviews and provide constructive feedback.
• Ensure application architecture aligns with enterprise architecture and business goals.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex application-related technical issues.
• Stay informed about emerging technologies and trends in application architecture.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 8 years of experience in software development, with at least 4 years in an application architecture role.
• Proven experience in designing and building complex, scalable enterprise applications.
• Strong knowledge of architectural patterns such as Microservices, SOA, Event-Driven Architecture.
• Proficiency in one or more programming languages (e.g., Java, C#, Python, JavaScript).
• Experience with cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP) and containerization (Docker, Kubernetes).
• Familiarity with API design, data modeling, and integration patterns.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and leadership skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal abilities, with experience in hybrid work settings.
• Experience with Agile methodologies and DevOps practices.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary, comprehensive health benefits, a retirement savings plan, and performance-based bonuses. The hybrid work model provides flexibility while ensuring team cohesion. We are committed to employee development, offering ongoing training, certifications, and opportunities for career advancement. This role provides a chance to lead critical application development initiatives within a growing and impactful organization, contributing to the advancement of renewable energy solutions.