1

Lead Software Architect Jobs (NOW HIRING)

They are seeking a Software Architect to lead and coordinate software development activities, align software architecture with various stakeholders, and engage in customer discussions while ...

Senior Software Architect

Warren, MI · On-site

$121K - $165K/yr

The candidate will lead reviews, trade-off studies, and risk management while providing input on ... Develop and guide software architecture vision for programs, ensuring stakeholder alignment.

The Software Architect will work with the other NGI leads, such as the Software Integration Lead, Software Engineering Lead, Systems Engineering Lead, and NGI product teams implement the common ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Lead Software Architect information

See salary details

$43

$70

$91

How much do lead software architect jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 6, 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.

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. They often have advanced technical skills, certifications, and leadership responsibilities that influence compensation.

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.

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 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 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.
More about Lead Software Architect jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Lead Software Architect jobs? The most popular types of Lead Software Architect jobs are:
Who are the top companies hiring for Lead Software Architect jobs? The top employers for Lead Software Architect jobs are:
Infographic showing various Lead Software Architect job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, 1% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 82% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $146,377 per year, or $70.4 per hour.

Mission Systems Lead Software Architect

Boeing

Berkeley, MO • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Boeing rating

8.5

Company rating: 8.5 out of 10

Based on 612 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

33rd of 536 rated manufacturers


Job description

Mission Systems Lead Software Architect

Company:

The Boeing Company

The Boeing Company is looking for a Mission Systems Lead Software Architect to join the Air Proprietary 2 Mission Systems team located in Berkeley, MO. This position will focus on supporting the Boeing Defense, Space & Security (BDS) business organization.

The Mission Systems Lead Software Architect defines and owns the software architecture for the Mission Systems solution, guides overall design decisions, and manages the architecture through design, implementation, integration, and sustainment. This role will serve as the primary technical point of contact for Mission Systems software across multiple security levels and suppliers. This role sets architecture standards, drives system-level integration and technical conformance, ensures software deliverables are compliant to software design practices and related industry standards. This role will also coordinate with the Digital Engineering Environment team, Systems Engineering, Customers, and Program Leadership., Product Team Architects, and Customers to ensure mission readiness.

Position Responsibilities:

  • Develop and maintain the Mission Systems software architecture roadmap and vision working with the Platform Software Architect and Mission Systems Chief Architect

  • Lead and approve the software development plan, including the architecture, major components, and delivery milestones in collaboration with the Platform Software Architect and Mission Systems Chief Architect.

  • Ensures software teams develop, document, and maintain architecture, requirements, algorithms, interfaces, and designs for software systems

  • Ensure teams develop, document, and maintain the software architecture, requirements, algorithms, interfaces, and detailed designs - and that they implement those designs, meet agreed acceptance criteria, and follow required coding standards and SW processes.

  • Design and support the implementation of containerized software architecture

  • Evaluates supplier performance to ensure product and process conformance to roadmaps, industry standards and contracts.

  • Ensures system-level integration and test of software components into Mission Systems SW Suite; coordinate with Product Team Architects and Technical Leads and ensure definition-of-done for targeted events and milestones is met and accepted in a timely manner.

  • Responsible for coordinating across the Mission Systems team, Supply Chain, the Digital Engineering Environment team, and Systems Engineering

  • Trains and mentors others

  • Works independently and provides technical leadership across multidisciplinary (or cross-functional) teams

  • Drive development of documentation and artifacts required for program reviews and customer deliverables

Basic Qualifications (Required Skills/ Experience):

  • Bachelor's Degree

  • 7+ years' experience programming in C, C++ or C#

  • 5+ years of experience software development, systems engineering or integrations and test experience with mission systems on tactical platforms

  • 5+ years of experience in software architecture and design of embedded software systems

  • 3+ years' experience leading software-related projects or technical teams

  • 3+ years' experience with requirements, design, development, and test of software systems products

Preferred Qualifications (Desired Skills/Experience):

  • Bachelor of Science degree from an accredited course of study in engineering, engineering technology (includes manufacturing engineering technology), chemistry, physics, mathematics, data science, or computer science and 14+ years of related work experience OR Bachelor's Degree and 18+ years of directly related work experience OR 22+ years of related, relevant experience

  • Familiarity with open architecture constructs like Agile Mission Systems Government Reference Architecture (AMS/GRA), Open Mission Systems (OMS), Universal Command and Control Interface (UCI), and Open Container Initiative (OCI)

  • Experience with distributed and containerized software architecture

  • Hands on experience developing on the Linux platform

  • Experience with Agile software development and related processes

  • Familiar with safety critical software development

  • Experience with secure software development environments at various levels of security

  • Active Secret U.S. Security Clearance

Conflict of Interest:

Successful candidates for this job must satisfy the Company's Conflict of Interest (COI) assessment process.

Drug Free Workplace:

Boeingis a Drug Free Workplace where post offer applicants and employees are subject to testing for marijuana, cocaine, opioids, amphetamines, PCP, and alcohol when criteria is met as outlined in our policies.

CodeVue Coding Challenge:

To be considered for this position you will be required to complete a technical assessment as part of the selection process. Failure to complete the assessment will remove you from consideration.

Pay & Benefits:

At Boeing, we strive to deliver a Total Rewards package that will attract, engage and retain the top talent. Elements of the Total Rewards package include competitive base pay and variable compensation opportunities.

The Boeing Company also provides eligible employees with an opportunity to enroll in a variety of benefit programs, generally including health insurance, flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, retirement savings plans, life and disability insurance programs, anda number ofprograms that provide for both paid and unpaid time away from work.

The specific programs and options available to any given employee may vary depending on eligibility factors such as geographic location, date of hire, and the applicability of collective bargaining agreements.

Pay is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.

Summary Pay Range (Level 5): $177,650 - $240,350

Language Requirements:

Not Applicable

Education:

Bachelor's Degree or Equivalent

Relocation:

This position offers relocation based on candidate eligibility.

Export Control Requirement:

This position must meet U.S. export control compliance requirements. To meet U.S. export control compliance requirements, a "U.S. Person" as defined by 22 C.F.R. 120.62 is required. "U.S. Person" includes U.S. Citizen, U.S. National, lawful permanent resident, refugee, or asylee.

Safety Sensitive:

This is not a Safety Sensitive Position.

Security Clearance:

This position requires the ability to obtain a U.S. Security Clearance for which the U.S. Government requires U.S. Citizenship. An interim and/or final U.S. Secret Clearance Post-Start is required.

Visa Sponsorship:

Employer will not sponsor applicants for employment visa status.

Contingent Upon Award Program

This position is not contingent upon program award

Shift:

Shift 1 (United States of America)

Stay safe from recruitment fraud! The only way to apply for a position at Boeing is via our Careers website. Learn how to protect yourself from recruitment fraud - Recruitment Fraud Warning

Boeing is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, genetic factors, military/veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.

EEO is the law

Boeing EEO Policy

Request an Accommodation

Applicant Privacy


Boeing Participates in E - Verify

  • E-Verify (English)
  • E-Verify (Spanish)

Right to Work Statement

  • Right to Work(English)
  • Right to Work(Spanish)

What Boeing employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom