Software Architect

Role Description

A Software Architect has a strong command of software development across multiple technologies, with the judgment to assess technology fit and shape architecture decisions for a project, even in technologies new to them. They serve as a technical interpreter for clients, uncovering the real business need, framing options in plain language, and building trust as an advisor rather than working behind the scenes. Having led several projects of significant complexity to successful completion, they thrive in ambiguous client environments, using AI agents and tooling to absorb production work so their own contribution centers on the parts of delivery that require context, trust, and sound technical judgment. They collaboratively work with other developers and team members across internal and external organizations to build cutting-edge digital platforms and solve complex problems. They mentor other engineers and grow their impact by expanding beyond implementation into client leadership and strategic problem solving.

This position reports to: VP, Engineering or Sr. Software Architect.

What You Are

• An evangelist for the evolution of the software development discipline, passionate about continuous learning and skill growth.
• A flexible thinker, who leads others through change in a rapidly evolving role and industry.
• A rapid learner of unfamiliar technical domains who can get up to speed quickly through AI-assisted learning, SME support, and internal knowledge capture.
• A partner with a genuine client-first mindset, considering how decisions and deliverables affect dependent teams and organizations.
• A calming force who remains constructive and professional under pressure, adapting your approach to the context.
• A mentor and leader who coaches and mentors more junior members of the engineering team.
• A forward-looking visionary who recognizes opportunities for improvement to Phase2's engineering practices.

What You'll Do

• Drive work with structure and momentum, eliminating ambiguity and building confidence across delivery teams and client stakeholders.
• Be the technical interpreter for client stakeholders: uncovering nuances of the business need; framing the requirements in actionable terms; articulating to stakeholders in plain language the available options and our recommendations.
• Analyze existing systems and recommend improvements in system architecture, development, and deployment process.
• Create technical design of systems given desired functionality and project constraints such as budget and schedule.
• Proactively spot risks, gaps, and opportunities, and design solutions in ambiguous situations before they require escalation.
• Take ownership of closing the gap in unfamiliar technical domains, learning on demand and adapting in real time.
• Oversee and participate in implementation, including mentoring and guidance for development staff on a project.
• Oversee and participate in deployment of systems and ensure maintenance and support capabilities for systems.
• Provide high level estimates as inputs to project plans.
• Prepare technical documentation.
• Ensure development proceeds in accordance with the designed architecture and supports code and system quality.
• Manage the AI agents used on the project team, including configuring, refining, and enhancing those tools.
• Own AI agent economics at the architecture level: caching strategy, model tiering, and fallback patterns.
• Assist with proposed implementations and estimates for project proposals and RFP response activities.
• Support the ownership and evolution of technical tools and practices used within the company.
• Lead and support more junior members of the engineering team as a manager, mentor, technical resource, or career coach.

What You'll Need

• Meets all qualifications for a Senior Developer.
• 6+ years of industry experience with progressive increases in responsibility.
• Ability to design system architecture and assess technology fit for requirements.
• Well versed in architectural patterns and able to identify appropriate patterns for project implementation.
• Familiar with multiple programming paradigms.
• Proficient at debugging and troubleshooting of technical issues.
• Proficient at requirements extraction and analysis.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate complex ideas, adapting your message to the audience and context.
• Able to bridge technical and business conversations.
• Demonstrated experience with LLMs, AI coding agents, and prompt engineering.
• Awareness of security and compliance considerations in system design.

What Would be Nice to Have

• Deep experience with at least two modern web or mobile stacks (e.g., React/Next.js, Drupal, decoupled CMS).
• Experience with CI/CD processes, especially GitHub Actions.
• Experience architecting agentic AI coding workflows.
• Experience building custom agentic AI applications.
• Experience implementing prompt evaluation workflows.
• Ability to identify areas for development efficiency and institute processes to support reuse.
• Experience reading client or stakeholder signals and adjusting your approach accordingly.
• Architect-level AI certifications relevant to Phase2 partnerships.
• Public presentation capabilities.
• Clear writing on development topics.

What Success Looks Like

• History of successful project completion across multiple projects and a variety of technologies.
• Lead the development of entire projects of large and small scales that support clients’ real business needs.
• Other engineers see you as a leader, adept at delivering software on time and with quality.
• Operate with broad independence; the organization trusts you to hold significant technical risk.
• Clients and stakeholders feel confident and supported in your presence.

What You’ll Get

• The chance to make a real impact, helping millions of people per year.
• To work from wherever you thrive best; we’re a remote-first team built on trust, flexibility, and outcomes.
• A competitive compensation package that considers various factors.
• A comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, life insurance, disability coverage, and supplemental insurance.
• Our fun and interactive wellness program offers rewards for participation.
• A 401(k) with a 3% employer contribution, no match required and 100% vested after just 90 days.
• You’ll start with 16 paid vacation days, 4 personal days, and 1 volunteer day each year.
• Up to 12 weeks of fully paid leave for birthing parents and up to 6 weeks of fully paid bonding leave.
• Inclusive fertility, adoption, and surrogacy benefits through Kindbody.
• A $500 stipend to personalize and equip your home workspace for success.

What the Environment Looks Like

• Frequently remain in a stationary position, often standing or sitting for prolonged periods of time.
• Occasional adjusting or moving of light objects up to 20 pounds in all directions.
• Continuous communication on live video chats, calls, and through emails and messaging platforms.
• Continuous repetitive movements that may include the wrists, hands, and/or fingers.
• Travel, sometimes frequent, is expected.

Mental Demands

• Comprehension - Must continuously be able to understand direction and adhere to established procedures.
• Organization - Must continuously be able to gather and classify information and recall it quickly.
• Reasoning and Decision Making - Must continuously use logic to analyze and interpret information.
• Communication - Must continuously express or exchange ideas and meaning with employees and clients.
• Resilience - Must continuously adapt well in the face of workplace stressors.

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO)

Phase2 is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable laws regarding non-discrimination and affirmative action. We encourage applications from all qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or any other protected status. We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities throughout the recruitment process.