Principal Software Architect - Richards Bay

Placements24; Mtubatuba Local Municipality; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 2,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Insurance

Retirement savings contributions

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

We are seeking a Principal Software Architect for an on-site role in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal. You will define the overall software architecture, set technical standards, and guide multiple teams to deliver robust, scalable software.

A track record in leading architecture for large distributed systems and hands-on leadership are essential. The role demands deep proficiency with Java/C#/Python, cloud platforms (AWS/Azure), containers (Docker/Kubernetes), and DevOps practices.Join a rapidly

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Computer Science or Software Engineering.
• Minimum 12 years of software development experience with 5+ years in senior architecture or lead roles.
• Proven ability to architect large-scale, distributed systems.
• Strong knowledge of languages (e.g., Java, C#, Python) and modern development practices.
• Deep experience with cloud platforms (AWS, Azure) and containerization (Docker, Kubernetes).
• Experience in DevOps and CI/CD pipelines; excellent leadership and mentoring skills.

Responsibilities

• Define and evolve software architecture for products ensuring scalability and reliability.
• Lead coding standards, best practices, and design patterns across teams.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to engineers and leads.
• Collaborate with product management to translate requirements into designs.
• Evaluate technologies and oversee APIs, microservices, and architecture components.
• Conduct architectural reviews and mitigate technical risks.
• Drive innovation and develop technical roadmaps and strategies.
• Ensure security and compliance of software solutions.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic thinking

Communication

Problem solving

Mentoring

Education

Master's degree in Computer Science or Software Engineering

Tools

AWS

Azure

Docker

Kubernetes

CI/CD

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a rapidly expanding industrial technology firm based in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal , is looking for a highly accomplished and visionary Principal Software Architect . This critical role involves leading the design and development of innovative software solutions that drive operational efficiency and technological advancement within the company. You will be responsible for defining the overall software architecture, setting technical standards, and guiding development teams to ensure the delivery of high-quality, scalable, and maintainable software products. This is an on-site position, requiring your presence in our Richards Bay offices, offering a hands‑on leadership opportunity within a key industrial hub. We seek an individual with a proven track record in architecting complex software systems and a passion for tackling challenging technical problems. Your expertise will be instrumental in shaping the future of our software engineering capabilities and delivering robust solutions for our demanding operational environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Define and evolve the software architecture for new and existing products, ensuring scalability, performance, and reliability.
• Establish and enforce coding standards, best practices, and design patterns across development teams.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to software engineers and development leads.
• Collaborate with product management and business stakeholders to translate requirements into technical designs.
• Evaluate and select appropriate technologies, frameworks, and tools for software development.
• Design and oversee the implementation of APIs, microservices, and other architectural components.
• Conduct architectural reviews and code inspections to ensure quality and adherence to standards.
• Identify and mitigate technical risks throughout the software development lifecycle.
• Drive innovation by researching and proposing new technologies and approaches.
• Develop technical roadmaps and strategies for software development initiatives.
• Ensure the security and compliance of developed software solutions.
• Facilitate technical discussions and knowledge sharing within the engineering team.

Requirements

• A Master's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related discipline.
• A minimum of 12 years of progressive experience in software development, with at least 5 years in a senior architectural or lead role.
• Demonstrated experience in architecting large-scale, distributed software systems.
• In-depth knowledge of modern programming languages (e.g., Java, C#, Python) and software development methodologies.
• Strong expertise in cloud platforms (e.g., AWS, Azure) and containerization technologies (Docker, Kubernetes).
• Excellent understanding of database technologies (SQL and NoSQL) and data modeling.
• Exceptional analytical, problem-solving, and strategic thinking skills.
• Outstanding leadership, communication, and interpersonal abilities.
• Experience with DevOps practices and CI/CD pipelines.
• Proven ability to mentor and guide technical teams.
• Familiarity with industrial automation or relevant industry technologies is a plus.

Benefits

Our client offers a highly competitive salary package, including potential for performance-based bonuses. Employees benefit from a comprehensive health insurance plan, retirement savings contributions, and opportunities for continuous professional development, including attendance at industry conferences and specialized training. The company provides a state‑of-the‑art work environment in Richards Bay , fostering collaboration and innovation. You will have the chance to work on cutting‑edge projects with a direct impact on industrial operations and contribute significantly to the technological future of the company. We believe in investing in our employees and offer clear career progression pathways.