Demo

Principal Software Architect

StellarMettle Placements
Ashburn, VA Full Time
POSTED ON 6/5/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 8/1/2026

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.


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.



RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • 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.



QUALIFICATIONS:

  • 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.




Please apply, if interested!

Salary : $195,000 - $220,000

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