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Lead Software Architect Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Apex Systems

$113 - $257/hr

Lead Software Architect**Location:** Patuxent River, Maryland (Onsite)**Clearance:** Must have a Minimum of an Active Secret ClearanceRole OverviewWe are seeking a Lead Software Architect to guide ...

Constellation Inc

Lead Software Architect

Washington, DC · On-site

$155K - $165K/yr

Pay: $155,000.00 - $165,000.00 per year Lead Software Architect Constellation is seeking a Lead Software Architect to provide end-to-end ownership of technical product delivery across automation and ...

Constellation Inc

Lead Software Architect

Washington, DC · On-site

$155K - $165K/yr

Pay: $155,000.00 - $165,000.00 per year Lead Software Architect Constellation is seeking a Lead Software Architect to provide end-to-end ownership of technical product delivery across automation and ...

Constellation Inc

Lead Software Architect

Washington, DC · On-site

$155 - $165/hr

Pay: $155,000.00 - $165,000.00 per year Lead Software Architect Constellation is seeking a Lead Software Architect to provide end-to-end ownership of technical product delivery across automation and ...

Compunnel

Lead Software Architect

Columbia, SC · On-site

We are seeking a Lead Software Architect to support the Child Support Services Applications team. The role requires a strong understanding of functional requirements, application architecture ...

Boeing

Lead Software Architect

Tukwila, WA · On-site

Lead Software Architect Company: The Boeing Company Boeing Defense, Space & Security (BDS) has an exciting opportunity for a Lead Software Architect to support the E-7A mission team in Tukwila, WA ...

Boeing

Lead Software Architect

Tukwila, WA · On-site

Lead Software Architect Company: The Boeing Company Boeing Defense, Space & Security (BDS) has an exciting opportunity for a Lead Software Architect to support the E-7A mission team in Tukwila, WA ...

Boeing

Lead Software Architect

Tukwila, WA · On-site

Lead Software Architect Company: The Boeing Company Boeing Defense, Space & Security (BDS) has an exciting opportunity for a Lead Software Architect to support the E-7A mission team in Tukwila, WA ...

Schunk Gruppe

$92.31 - $138.47/hr

Lead Software Architect (m/w/d) Vollzeit | Unbefristet | Heuchelheim Das erwartet dich: Als Lead Software Architect gestaltest du die technologische Basis unserer digitalen Produkte und Plattformen.

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How much do lead software architect jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for lead software architect in the United States is $70.37, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $62.26 and $75.24 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a lead software architect?

A Lead Software Architect is a senior-level professional responsible for overseeing the design and structure of software systems within an organization. They define high-level architecture, set technical standards, and guide development teams in implementing scalable, efficient, and maintainable solutions. Lead Software Architects collaborate with stakeholders to understand business requirements and ensure that technology solutions align with organizational goals. They also mentor team members and help resolve complex technical challenges.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a lead software architect?

To thrive as a Lead Software Architect, you need deep expertise in software design, architecture patterns, and programming languages, often backed by a degree in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with architectural frameworks (like TOGAF), cloud platforms (such as AWS or Azure), and modern development tools is typically required, along with relevant certifications. Exceptional leadership, strategic thinking, and communication skills help you guide teams and align technical solutions with business goals. These capabilities are crucial for delivering robust, scalable systems and ensuring the technical success of projects.

How does a lead software architect typically collaborate with development teams and stakeholders during a project?

A Lead Software Architect works closely with development teams to ensure architectural standards and best practices are followed throughout the software lifecycle. They often facilitate communication between developers, project managers, and stakeholders to translate business requirements into scalable technical solutions. Regular meetings, code reviews, and documentation are common, allowing the architect to provide guidance, resolve technical challenges, and align the team's work with the overall vision. This collaborative approach helps maintain project alignment and ensures that architectural decisions support both immediate needs and long-term goals.

What is the difference between Lead Software Architect vs Software Development Manager?

AspectLead Software ArchitectSoftware Development Manager
Primary FocusDesigning system architecture and technical strategyManaging development teams and project delivery
Required CredentialsTypically a strong technical background, often with a computer science degree and experience in architectureOften a background in software development, with management experience
Work EnvironmentCollaborates with architects, developers, and stakeholders on technical solutionsLeads development teams, oversees project timelines, and manages personnel
Industry UsageCommon in tech companies, software firms, and enterprises with complex systemsWidely used across industries for managing software projects and teams

The Lead Software Architect primarily focuses on designing and guiding the technical architecture of software systems, while the Software Development Manager manages teams and oversees project execution. Both roles require strong technical backgrounds, but their responsibilities differ in scope and focus.

How much does a lead software architect make?

A lead software architect typically earns between $120,000 and $180,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and industry. Seniority, technical skills, and certifications can influence salary levels, and some roles may include bonuses or stock options.
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Lead Software Architect jobs near you
Infographic showing various Lead Software Architect job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $146,377 per year, or $70.4 per hour.

Lead Software Architect

Tualatin, OR • On-site

LIGHTSPEED TECHNOLOGIES
See more jobs at LIGHTSPEED TECHNOLOGIESexternal

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

Lightspeed Technologies is looking for a Lead Software Architect!
Who We Are and What We Do:
Lightspeed Technologies is on a mission to help every student hear every word. Our instructional audio systems create access to improved listening and learning between teachers and students by delivering optimum speech intelligibility, overcoming classroom noise, and providing crystal-clear sound throughout the classroom. We are headquartered near Portland, Oregon, and serve schools across the United States and beyond.
Lightspeed is a mission-driven, employee-owned company that lives by our Core Values of Integrity, Respect, Innovation, Stewardship, and Humility. These pillars of our company are demonstrated throughout both the employee and customer experience.
Position Overview:
Lightspeed is building the next generation of connected classroom audio products, and software is becoming an increasingly central part of that platform. We're looking for a Lead Software Architect to take ownership of our software architecture and lead the growth of our internal software function; starting as a hands-on architect and team of one, building toward a small internal team, while directing an external development partner.
This is a high-impact, high-visibility role reporting directly to the SVP of Product, working alongside our hardware engineering team to ensure hardware and software evolve together as one platform. You'll also work closely with our Product Management team and our Implementation team, bringing in voice-of-the-customer input, feature, and testing support.
Primary Responsibilities:
  • Software architecture across our embedded firmware, application software, and platform-level systems; setting the technical direction for how Lightspeed's software stack evolves alongside our hardware roadmap.
  • Release ownership - versioning, code freeze discipline, release candidates, firmware bundle creation, and the change-order process that gates production releases.
  • Security ownership - vulnerability management, credential and certificate custody, and the security posture of a product deployed in K-12 schools, including responding to the security reviews our district customers conduct.
  • Leadership of our external development partner, holding outsourced work accountable to architecture, quality, and timeline standards, and making calls informing decisions on what should stay outsourced versus brought in-house over time.
  • Building and leading a small internal software team, starting with yourself and growing to include additional engineers.
  • Close collaboration with Hardware and EE teams, including firmware planning and definition, to ensure software and hardware/firmware decisions are made together rather than in sequence or in silos.
  • Close collaboration with Product Management and Implementation teams, incorporating voice-of-the-customer input, feature definition, and testing support into the software roadmap.
  • Hands-on technical work- this is not a pure management role today. You'll be writing code, reviewing architecture, and making direct design decisions, especially in the first year as the team is small.
  • Use of AI-assisted development tooling to amplify the output of a lean team without sacrificing quality or architectural integrity.

What We Are Offering:
  • Competitive compensation
  • Profit-sharing bonus
  • Employee ownership (ESOP)
  • Medical, dental, and flex-spending programs
  • Employer-paid life and disability insurance
  • PTO accrual that begins immediately upon hire
  • Up to 12 paid holidays a year
  • 401 (k) with employer match
  • Opportunities for matched charitable giving

Lightspeed Technologies embraces diversity and is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, religion, color, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, genetic information, age, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected basis. Lightspeed participates in E-Verify.
What We Are Looking For:
  • Demonstrated experience as a software architect or senior technical lead across embedded/firmware and application-level software.
  • Track record of defining and documenting software architecture for connected/IoT hardware products, not just greenfield app development.
  • Direct experience with firmware planning and definition, and a working fluency in how software architecture decisions constrain - and are constrained by - hardware and firmware realities.
  • Comfort operating in ambiguity, building process and structure.
  • Experience directing or managing an external/outsourced software development partner; holding a vendor accountable to specs, architecture standards, timelines, and quality.
  • Strong collaborative instincts and communication skills; this role requires taking input from and coordinating closely with hardware/EE peers and navigating disagreement constructively.
  • 7+ years of software engineering experience, including in an architect or senior technical leadership capacity
  • Production-level experience with a systems language. Go is preferred, but strong C or C++ experience is also acceptable.
  • Experience in IoT, embedded systems, or connected hardware products strongly preferred; audio-specific experience is a nice-to-have, not a requirement.
  • Direct experience managing or mentoring a small team (2-5 people) is expected.

Apply