Lead Software Architect - Stellenbosch

Placements24; Stellenbosch; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 2,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Stock options

Hybrid work model

Professional development budget

Office space in Stellenbosch

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Lead Software Architect in Stellenbosch to define and drive the technical vision for a growing suite of software products. You will mentor engineers, collaborate with product managers and designers, and shape scalable, secure systems in a fast-paced startup environment.

The role combines hybrid collaboration at the Stellenbosch office with remote work flexibility, emphasizing architecture leadership, modern tech stacks, and strong stakeholder communication

Qualifications

• Degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or related field.
• 10+ years of software development experience with leadership exposure.
• Proven track record delivering scalable software.

Responsibilities

• Define and evolve the overall software architecture for the company’s product suite.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to software engineering teams.
• Establish coding standards, design patterns, and best practices for software development.
• Collaborate with product management to define technical roadmaps and strategy.
• Design and oversee the implementation of scalable, resilient software systems.
• Evaluate and select appropriate technologies, frameworks, and tools.
• Conduct architectural reviews and ensure code quality.
• Identify and mitigate technical risks and challenges.
• Drive innovation and adoption of new technologies.

Skills

Leadership

Software architecture

System design

Microservices

Cloud platforms

Programming: Python/Java/Go/JS

Docker/Kubernetes

Data modeling

Agile/Scrum

Startup experience

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in CS/Engineering

Tools

Docker

Kubernetes

AWS/Azure/GCP

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading innovator in the tech startup scene located in the picturesque town of Stellenbosch, Western Cape , is seeking an experienced and forward-thinking Lead Software Architect. This key role will define and guide the technical vision for our innovative software products, ensuring they are scalable, robust, and meet the highest quality standards. You will lead a talented team of engineers, mentor junior developers, and collaborate closely with product managers and designers to translate groundbreaking ideas into functional realities. The position operates on a hybrid model, combining collaborative team sessions at our Stellenbosch office with the flexibility of remote work. We are looking for a passionate architect who thrives in a fast-paced, agile environment and has a strong desire to shape the future of technology in a dynamic startup setting. Your leadership will be instrumental in driving technical excellence and fostering a culture of innovation.

Key Responsibilities

• Define and evolve the overall software architecture for the company's product suite.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to software engineering teams.
• Establish coding standards, design patterns, and best practices for software development.
• Collaborate with product management to define technical roadmaps and strategy.
• Design and oversee the implementation of scalable, resilient, and secure software systems.
• Evaluate and select appropriate technologies, frameworks, and tools.
• Conduct architectural reviews and ensure code quality.
• Identify and mitigate technical risks and challenges.
• Drive innovation and the adoption of new technologies.
• Facilitate effective communication between development teams and stakeholders.
• Ensure software solutions are optimized for performance and maintainability.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of development processes and methodologies.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in software development, with at least 4 years in a senior architectural or leadership role.
• Proven experience designing and delivering complex, scalable software applications.
• Deep understanding of various architectural styles (e.g., microservices, event-driven, monolithic) and their trade-offs.
• Proficiency in modern programming languages (e.g., Python, Java, Go, JavaScript) and frameworks.
• Experience with cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP) and containerization (Docker, Kubernetes).
• Strong knowledge of database technologies (SQL, NoSQL) and data modeling.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and strategic thinking skills.
• Exceptional communication, collaboration, and leadership abilities.
• Familiarity with Agile/Scrum methodologies is essential.
• Experience in a startup environment is a significant plus.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary, potential for stock options, and a comprehensive benefits package.
• The hybrid work model supports work-life balance, with dedicated office space available in Stellenbosch for collaborative work.
• Employees benefit from generous professional development budgets, opportunities to attend industry conferences, and a dynamic, innovative work culture.
• You will be part of a passionate team working on cutting-edge technology and have a direct impact on the company's growth and success.
• We foster a culture of learning and encourage personal and professional development.