Architect

Dev Lead/Architect – Java, Microservices & AWS Work Setup: Hybrid – 4 days onsite preferred Role Type: Contract Compensation: $130k - $140k Role Overview Moodys NWC is seeking a hands-on Dev Lead/Architect to define and execute the technical strategy for Field Operations back-office applications. This role will span architecture, application design, development standards, modernization, and technical leadership. The ideal candidate will help modernize legacy .NET and SQL Server applications toward the organization’s future-state technology direction, including Java, microservices, and AWS Cloud. The role requires someone who can work directly with development teams while also serving as a trusted technical bridge between engineering and C-level leadership. This is a hands-on architecture leadership role. The successful candidate will be comfortable diving into development when needed, mentoring junior developers, coordinating offshore engineering resources, and clearly explaining technical decisions and tradeoffs to senior executives and business stakeholders. Responsibilities Define and execute the technical strategy for Field Operations back-office applications across architecture, design, development standards, and modernization. Lead the modernization of legacy .NET and SQL Server applications toward future-state technologies including Java, microservices, and AWS Cloud. Partner with product, engineering, QA, infrastructure, and other cross-functional teams to scope, design, and deliver solutions that improve field technician efficiency and customer experience. Coordinate engineering resources across the complete delivery lifecycle, including design, development, testing, deployment, and ongoing application support. Establish and enforce standards for application performance, code quality, scalability, maintainability, and operational reliability. Guide infrastructure and technology decisions involving AWS Cloud, API design, data architecture, CI/CD, and application modernization. Participate in code reviews and provide hands-on technical guidance to development teams. Mentor junior developers and help strengthen the technical capabilities of the development organization. Collaborate effectively with offshore development teams and coordinate technical execution across distributed engineering resources. Support DevOps practices including CI/CD pipelines and GitLab. Establish and improve application observability using APM and monitoring technologies such as AppDynamics, Datadog, and Splunk. Evaluate and adopt AI-assisted development practices and emerging technologies, including MCP, steering files, and vibe coding, where appropriate. Continuously improve engineering processes, tooling, development practices, and technical capabilities. Act as the bridge between technical leadership and development teams, translating business and leadership priorities into practical technical direction. Communicate architectural decisions, technical strategy, development approaches, risks, and tradeoffs clearly to C-level executives and other senior stakeholders. Remain hands-on and technically engaged while enabling junior developers and engineering teams to execute the majority of day-to-day development work. Required Skills Java development and application architecture experience. Microservices architecture and development experience. Kafka and event-driven application experience. AWS Cloud architecture and implementation experience. DevOps experience with CI/CD pipelines and GitLab. Experience with APM and observability tools, including AppDynamics, Datadog, or Splunk. Experience modernizing legacy .NET and SQL Server applications toward modern technology architectures. Strong understanding of API design, data architecture, cloud adoption, application performance, and operational reliability. Strong hands-on experience with architecture, design, code reviews, and technical problem solving. Demonstrated ability to mentor junior developers and work effectively with offshore engineering teams. Strong communication skills with the ability to explain complex technical decisions to C-level leadership and non-technical stakeholders. Ability to bridge the gap between executive leadership, architecture, and development teams. Willingness to embrace AI-assisted development and emerging AI development practices. Strong leadership skills with the ability to provide technical direction while remaining hands-on when required. About Us Moodys NWC is a result-driven management consulting firm headquartered in the Seattle metropolitan area. We specialize in best-fit consulting based on client needs, with a focus on all aspects of digital product management. We have an active role that we are looking to assist our premier client with and are looking for an experienced consultant with the right set of values. For us, personality fit is paramount. We are looking for self-starters who are experienced but flexible in their approach and have a customer-focused outlook. Our consultants go above and beyond, focus on the end goal, and do what it takes to deliver the desired results. If you are someone who fits the above job description, then please look at the specific opportunity and let us know why you are a good fit for Moodys NWC. Our compensation reflects the cost of labor across several US geographic markets. The salary for this position ranges from $130,000 in our lowest geographic market up to $140,000 in our highest geographic market. Pay is based on a number of factors including market location and may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. Other forms of compensation are offered in the form of medical, vision, and dental benefits. Moodys NWC believes in a culture of diversity, acceptance, and belonging. We are committed to being an equal opportunity employer and hiring without discrimination, including based on race, color, creed, national origin, sex, marital status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, medical status, or veteran status. Moodys NWC complies with federal and state disability laws and makes reasonable accommodations for applicants and candidates with disabilities. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, please submit a contact form here: #J-18808-Ljbffr