Principal Software Architect

StellarMettle is seeking a hands-on Principal Software Architect to lead the design, modernization, and evolution of enterprise software platforms. This individual will play a key role in defining scalable cloud architectures, driving backend engineering best practices, and modernizing legacy systems into cloud-native microservices-based environments., * Design and implement scalable cloud-native architectures within AWS.

• Lead modernization initiatives, transforming monolithic applications into distributed microservices-based systems.
• Develop reference architectures, proof-of-concepts, and production-ready solutions.
• Establish API standards and best practices across RESTful and event-driven architectures.
• Design and implement asynchronous, event-driven systems leveraging messaging and orchestration patterns.
• Lead architecture reviews, technical deep dives, and engineering design sessions.
• Partner closely with engineering leadership, DevOps, and product teams to ensure scalable and maintainable solutions.
• Drive adoption of modern software engineering practices, automation, and AI-assisted development workflows.
• Create architecture documentation, technical standards, and decision records to support long-term platform scalability.
• Mentor engineering teams and influence technical direction across multiple initiatives.

This is a highly technical role requiring a strong engineering mindset, with approximately 60% of time spent contributing directly to architecture, design, proof-of-concepts, code reviews, and technical implementation. The ideal candidate is equally comfortable discussing high-level architecture strategy and diving into production code when needed., * 10+ years of software engineering experience with significant backend development expertise.

• Strong programming experience in Java and/or Python.
• Extensive experience designing and building microservices-based architectures.
• Deep expertise with AWS cloud services and cloud-native application design.
• Experience building and consuming RESTful APIs and distributed systems.
• Strong understanding of system design, scalability, performance optimization, and troubleshooting.
• Experience modernizing legacy applications into cloud-native platforms.
• Strong knowledge of security best practices, authentication, authorization, and enterprise application architecture.
• Proven ability to lead technical initiatives while remaining hands-on with engineering teams.
• Experience with AI-assisted software development tools such as Claude Code, OpenAI Codex, Cursor, GitHub Copilot, or similar agentic AI development platforms.

NOTE: The main technology exposure qualified candidates should have is Backend Development related to Java/Python, microservices, AWS, and AI Agentic tool experience.