Lead Technical Architect

Placements24; Upington; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,600,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Remote contract

Contract extension opportunity

Exposure to cutting-edge technologies

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Lead Technical Architect for a fully remote contract role. Based in Upington, Northern Cape, SA, you will define the overall technical architecture, guide the development team, and drive technology decisions to scale robust solutions.

You will collaborate with product managers and engineers to design scalable, secure systems across cloud platforms (AWS/Azure/GCP). Strong leadership and communication are essential for a remote-first environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field.
• 8+ years of experience in software development and technical architecture.
• Proven track record designing and delivering scalable, complex systems.
• Strong expertise in cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP) and microservices architecture.
• Proficiency in multiple programming languages and modern development practices.
• Experience with containerization (Docker, Kubernetes) and CI/CD pipelines.
• Deep understanding of database design, API strategies, and system integration.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and strategic thinking skills.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills for a remote role.

Responsibilities

• Define and architect the overall technical strategy and roadmap for products.
• Design scalable, reliable, and secure architectures using modern technologies.
• Select technologies, frameworks, and tools for development and deployment.
• Provide technical leadership to engineering teams throughout the lifecycle.
• Ensure architecture aligns with business objectives and growth plans.
• Develop and maintain architectural documentation and diagrams.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams for successful implementation.
• Conduct feasibility studies and proofs-of-concepts.
• Identify and address technical risks and challenges proactively.
• Mentor and guide junior technical staff.

Skills

Technical leadership

Software architecture

Cloud platforms

Microservices

CI/CD

Docker/Kubernetes

Programming languages

System integration

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in CS/Engineering

Tools

Docker

Kubernetes

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a highly innovative startup focused on cutting-edge digital solutions, is seeking a Lead Technical Architect for a remote contract position. This role is ideal for a seasoned architect who thrives in a fast-paced, agile environment and is passionate about building scalable, resilient, and efficient technical systems from the ground up. You will be responsible for defining the overall technical architecture, guiding the development team, and making key technology decisions that will shape the future of our client's products. While the role is based in Upington, Northern Cape, ZA, it is fully remote, offering significant flexibility. You will work closely with product managers, engineers, and other stakeholders to ensure the successful design and implementation of robust technological solutions that drive business growth. This is an exciting opportunity to have a significant impact on a growing company.

Key Responsibilities

• Define and architect the overall technical strategy and roadmap for new and existing products.
• Design scalable, reliable, and secure system architectures using modern technologies and patterns.
• Select appropriate technologies, frameworks, and tools for development and deployment.
• Provide technical leadership and guidance to engineering teams throughout the development lifecycle.
• Ensure the technical architecture aligns with business objectives and future growth plans.
• Develop and maintain architectural documentation, including diagrams and specifications.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure successful implementation and integration of solutions.
• Conduct technical feasibility studies and proof-of-concepts.
• Identify and address technical risks and challenges proactively.
• Mentor and guide junior technical staff.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field.
• 8+ years of experience in software development and technical architecture.
• Proven track record of designing and delivering complex, scalable systems, preferably in a startup environment.
• Strong expertise in cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP) and microservices architecture.
• Proficiency in multiple programming languages and modern software development practices.
• Experience with containerization (Docker, Kubernetes) and CI/CD pipelines.
• Deep understanding of database design, API strategies, and system integration.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and strategic thinking skills.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills, suitable for a remote role.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities effectively.

Benefits

• Highly competitive contract rate.
• Opportunity to work on exciting, innovative projects with a growing company.
• Flexible remote working arrangements.
• Potential for contract extension based on performance.
• Exposure to cutting-edge technologies and methodologies.
• Collaborative and entrepreneurial work environment.