Senior Software Architect - Research Computing Platform

Placements24; Bloemfontein; Hybrid; ZAR 1,100,000 - 1,700,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Remote work package

Home office allowance

Private health insurance

Life cover

Retirement plan

Professional development

Remote culture

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Senior Software Architect for a fully remote role. You will design and evolve a high-performance Research Computing Platform, guiding teams and defining standards for distributed, cloud-native systems.

The position requires deep HPC knowledge, expertise across AWS/Azure/GCP, and strong leadership within a research-focused environment. The role involves collaborating with researchers and data scientists to translate computational needs into scalable

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in CS/Software Engineering or related field.
• Minimum 10 years in software development and architecture, with 5+ years in a senior role.
• Experience designing large distributed systems and cloud-native apps (AWS/Azure/GCP).
• Deep HPC knowledge: architectures, parallel programming, schedulers (Slurm, PBS).
• Containerization experience with Docker and Kubernetes.
• Proficiency in Python, Go, Java, C++ or similar languages.
• Strong data management for large datasets and scientific workflows.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder management.
• Experience with CI/CD and modern software methods.

Responsibilities

• Architect scalable, fault-tolerant, high-performance software for research computing.
• Define standards, patterns, and best practices for the platform.
• Lead and mentor engineering teams implementing architectural designs.
• Collaborate with researchers to translate needs into system requirements.
• Evaluate technologies and tools for the computing infrastructure.
• Oversee APIs, microservices, and data management solutions.
• Ensure security, reliability, and maintainability of the platform.
• Drive innovation by integrating AI/ML for optimization.

Skills

Distributed systems

Cloud computing

HPC

Leadership

CI/CD practices

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree in CS/Software Engineering

Tools

Docker

Kubernetes

Slurm

PBS

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leader in scientific research and development, is seeking an experienced Senior Software Architect to spearhead the design and evolution of their high-performance Research Computing Platform. This is a fully remote position, requiring a seasoned professional to architect scalable, robust, and efficient software solutions that support complex scientific computations and data analysis across various disciplines. You will be instrumental in defining the technical roadmap, guiding development teams, and ensuring the platform meets the demanding needs of researchers nationwide. The ideal candidate will have a deep understanding of distributed systems, cloud computing, HPC environments, and a passion for enabling scientific discovery through cutting-edge technology. This remote role allows you to work from anywhere while contributing to critical R&D initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

• Architect and design scalable, fault-tolerant, and high-performance software systems for research computing.


• Define technical standards, best practices, and architectural patterns for the platform.


• Lead and mentor software engineering teams in the implementation of architectural designs.


• Collaborate closely with researchers and data scientists to understand their computational needs and translate them into system requirements.


• Evaluate and select appropriate technologies, frameworks, and tools for the research computing infrastructure.


• Oversee the development of APIs, microservices, and data management solutions.


• Ensure the security, reliability, and maintainability of the platform.


• Drive innovation in research computing by exploring and integrating emerging technologies like AI/ML for infrastructure optimization.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related field.


• Minimum of 10 years of experience in software development and architecture, with at least 5 years in a senior architectural role.


• Proven expertise in designing and building large-scale distributed systems and cloud-native applications (AWS, Azure, or GCP).


• Deep understanding of High-Performance Computing (HPC) architectures, parallel programming, and job schedulers (e.g., Slurm, PBS).


• Experience with containerization technologies (e.g., Docker, Kubernetes).


• Proficiency in multiple programming languages (e.g., Python, Go, Java, C++).


• Strong knowledge of data management strategies for large datasets and scientific workflows.


• Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.


• Experience with CI/CD pipelines and modern software development methodologies.

Benefits

• Our client offers a highly competitive salary, performance bonuses, and a comprehensive remote work benefits package.


• This includes a generous allowance for home office setup, private health insurance, life cover, and a substantial retirement savings plan.


• We provide ample opportunities for professional development, including access to online courses, virtual conferences, and certifications.


• Our company culture emphasizes innovation, collaboration, and work-life balance, recognizing the unique needs of our remote workforce.


• You will be part of a cutting-edge R&D environment, making significant contributions to scientific advancement from the convenience of your home office.


• This role is based out of Bloemfontein, Free State, but is fully remote.