Architecture / architect

As a Principal Forward Deployed Engineer (FDE), you will be the most senior technical leader embedded inside our strategic client accounts. You will architect, code, and ship the highest-risk components of large-scale Microsoft-stack modernization programs while embedding agentic AI into client products and engineering workflows. You will own technical outcomes — measured in cost, velocity, quality, and revenue impact — and lead an 8-15 person Persistent delivery pod alongside the client's engineering leadership.

Approximately 60% of your time will be on engineering, architecture, and code; the remainder on client leadership, pod direction, and platform contribution.

Architect and code the components of complex Microsoft-stack modernization programs, replacing legacy .NET Framework, WebForms, WCF, and VB.NET monoliths with .NET 8/9 cloud-native systems on Azure.

Design and ship production agentic AI systems on Azure AI Foundry, Semantic Kernel, and the Microsoft Agent Framework, embedded into client products or SDLC workflows to deliver measurable engineering productivity gains.

Lead target‑state architecture, strangler‑fig migration sequencing, agent topology design, eval frameworks, and architectural decision records the client engineering organization will operate for years.

Establish the data and insight layer using Microsoft Fabric (OneLake, Lakehouse, Direct Lake) and Power BI to make modernization and AI outcomes visible to client executives within weeks.

Partner with Persistent account leadership on SOWs, change orders, and expansion opportunities; 15+ years of software engineering experience, including 5+ years at principal architect, distinguished engineer, or equivalent senior technical leadership level on Microsoft‑stack programs.

Lead architect on at least three legacy‑to‑cloud‑native modernization programs of $5M+ TCV or equivalent enterprise scale, with documented business outcomes.

3+ years building production GenAI or agentic systems, with at least one system live in production carrying real user load and measurable business outcomes.

Active hands‑on coder, currently writing production code, reviewing pull requests, and producing reference implementations.

Demonstrable client‑facing seniority: defending technical decisions to CTOs and Boards, contributing to SOW and contract negotiations, and holding engineering quality under commercial pressure.

Product Development, Sustenance & Modernization on Microsoft stack (required — primary focus area)

C# 12+, .NET 8/9, ASP.NET Core, Minimal APIs, gRPC; NET Framework 4.NET, WCF, WebForms, classic ASP.

Data tier modernization: SQL Server to Azure SQL, Cosmos DB, or PostgreSQL Flexible Server; Microsoft Entra ID (including B2C / External ID), managed identities, Key Vault, Defender for Cloud, Zero Trust patterns.

Agentic AI on Microsoft stack (required — primary focus area)

Semantic Kernel, Microsoft Agent Framework, AutoGen, Copilot Studio; vector stores on Cosmos DB and PostgreSQL pgvector; Eval‑driven development (offline and online); Azure AI Content Safety; Infrastructure & DevOps on Azure stack (required — primary focus area)

Infrastructure & Networking: DevOps, Automation & Agentic PDLC: Azure DevOps, GitHub, GitHub Actions, GitHub Copilot (incl. Copilot Workspace and code review), Visual Studio / VS Code with Copilot, Copilot for Azure, Terraform, Bicep/ARM, AI‑assisted code generation / test generation / release automation

Microsoft Fabric and Power BI (Preferred but not mandatory)

Microsoft Fabric: OneLake, Lakehouse and Warehouse experiences, Direct Lake, Data Factory pipelines, Real‑Time Intelligence (KQL), Data Activator.

Power BI: semantic modeling, DAX, Direct Lake vs. DirectQuery trade‑offs, row‑level security, deployment pipelines, embedded analytics.

Synapse, Azure Data Factory, and legacy SSIS / SSRS onto Fabric; Microsoft Purview for governance and lineage.

Microsoft certifications at expert level: Azure Solutions Architect Expert, Azure AI Engineer Associate, Fabric Analytics Engineer, etc.

Prior Forward Deployed Engineer or customer engineer experience at Microsoft, Palantir, Databricks, Snowflake, or top‑tier engineering‑led consulting firms.

Conference speaking, open‑source contributions, or technical writing on .NET modernization, agentic AI, or Microsoft Fabric.

Industry depth in one of: PE‑backed software ISVs, financial services, healthcare, or industrial / manufacturing.

Employee engagement initiatives such as project parties, flexible work hours, and Long Service awards

Insurance coverage: group term life, personal accident, and Mediclaim hospitalization for self, spouse, two children, and parents

Persistent Ltd. is dedicated to fostering diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We invite applications from all qualified individuals, including those with disabilities, and regardless of gender or gender preference. We offer hybrid work options and flexible working hours to accommodate various needs and preferences.

Our office is equipped with accessible facilities, including adjustable workstations, ergonomic chairs, and assistive technologies to support employees with physical disabilities.

If you are a person with disabilities and have specific requirements, please inform us during the application process or at any time during your employment. Enjoy collaborative innovation, with diversity and work‑life wellbeing at the core