Lead Software Architect

Placements24; Upington; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual leave

Training opportunities

Medical aid

Retirement fund contributions

Professional development allowances

Job summary

Placements24 in Upington, Northern Cape, is seeking an experienced Lead Software Architect to steer technical strategy and solution design for scalable, secure software systems. You will collaborate with stakeholders, guide development teams, and shape architectural vision across critical projects.

The ideal candidate has 10+ years in software development with architecture focus, strong leadership, and deep cloud experience (AWS/Azure/GCP).

Qualifications

• Master's or Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related field.
• 10+ years of software development with a strong focus on architecture.
• Proven experience designing and implementing complex, scalable software systems.
• Deep knowledge of multiple architectural styles (microservices, monolithic, event-driven).
• Proficiency in cloud platforms and databases, and familiarity with DevOps/CI-CD.

Responsibilities

• Define and evolve the software architecture for new and existing systems.
• Lead architectural design sessions and provide technical guidance to development teams.
• Translate business requirements into technical specifications and blueprints.
• Ensure architectural integrity, scalability, performance, and security of solutions.
• Evaluate technologies, frameworks, and platforms and mentor engineers on best practices.
• Collaborate with product and project managers to ensure alignment.
• Identify and mitigate technical risks across the lifecycle.
• Promote code quality and adherence to standards; stay updated on trends.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Mentoring

Strategic thinking

Education

Masters/Bachelors in CS

Tools

AWS

Azure

GCP

Docker

Kubernetes

SQL

NoSQL

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent player in the digital transformation space, is seeking an experienced Lead Software Architect to drive technical strategy and solution design from their office in Upington, Northern Cape . This leadership role is critical in shaping the architectural vision for complex software systems, ensuring they are scalable, maintainable, and aligned with business objectives. You will collaborate with stakeholders across departments, guide development teams, and stay at the forefront of technological innovation. This is an exceptional opportunity for a seasoned architect to make a significant impact and lead the technical direction of key projects within a growing organization. The ideal candidate possesses a strong blend of technical expertise, strategic thinking, and leadership acumen, with a passion for building robust and elegant software solutions.

Key Responsibilities

• Define and evolve the software architecture for new and existing systems.
• Lead architectural design sessions and provide technical guidance to development teams.
• Translate business requirements into detailed technical specifications and architectural blueprints.
• Ensure architectural integrity, scalability, performance, and security of software solutions.
• Evaluate and select appropriate technologies, frameworks, and platforms.
• Mentor and guide software engineers on architectural best practices and design patterns.
• Collaborate with product managers, project managers, and other stakeholders to ensure alignment.
• Identify and mitigate technical risks throughout the development lifecycle.
• Promote code quality, consistency, and adherence to standards.
• Stay abreast of emerging technologies and industry trends, recommending adoption where beneficial.

Requirements

• Master's or Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related field.
• 10+ years of experience in software development, with a significant focus on architecture.
• Proven experience designing and implementing complex, scalable software systems.
• Strong knowledge of various architectural styles (e.g., microservices, monolithic, event-driven).
• Proficiency in multiple programming languages and technologies.
• Deep understanding of cloud computing principles (AWS, Azure, GCP).
• Experience with database design and management (SQL and NoSQL).
• Familiarity with DevOps practices, CI/CD pipelines, and containerization (Docker, Kubernetes).
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Exceptional communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated leadership capabilities and experience mentoring technical teams.

Benefits

Our client offers a highly competitive salary, significant bonus potential, and a comprehensive executive benefits package, including medical aid, retirement fund contributions, and professional development allowances. This position is based in Upington, Northern Cape , offering a great opportunity to work in a regional hub. We provide ample opportunities for career advancement, continuous learning, and exposure to challenging, innovative projects. Employees enjoy a positive and collaborative work culture, modern facilities, and a commitment to work-life balance. Additional perks include annual leave and company-sponsored training programs.