ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Lead Software Architect Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Dark Wolf

AI Lead Software Architect

Chantilly, VA · On-site

They are seeking a highly motivated AI Lead Software Architect to drive enterprise cloud data and AI initiatives, focusing on delivering scalable, secure, and high-performance platforms for advanced ...

Leidos

Chief Software Architect (CSA)

Reston, VA · On-site

The CSA will partner with the Sector and BA CTOs, AI Lead, Solution Architects, and the Sector's community of developers to architect and deliver platform-based, reusable, and composable software ...

Leidos

Chief Software Architect (CSA)

Reston, VA · On-site

The CSA will partner with the Sector and BA CTOs, AI Lead, Solution Architects, and the Sector's community of developers to architect and deliver platform-based, reusable, and composable software ...

Paga

Software Architect

Manhattan, NY · On-site

Lead Software Architect or Business Lead Location: Lagos, Nigeria Experience: 12+ years enterprise software engineering experience ABOUT PAGA Paga is on a mission to enable one billion Africans and ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

People also search for

All JobsLead Software Architect Jobs

Lead Software Architect information

See salary details

$43

$70

$91

How much do lead software architect jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 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.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Lead Software Architect, and why are they important?

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:
What job categories do people searching Lead Software Architect jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Lead Software Architect jobs are:
What are popular job titles related to Lead Software Architect jobs? For Lead Software Architect jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Lead Software Architect jobs near you
Infographic showing various Lead Software Architect job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $146,377 per year, or $70.4 per hour.

AI Lead Software Architect

Dark Wolf

Chantilly, VA • On-site

Full-time

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

Job description

Job Summary:
Dark Wolf constructs and deploys data management and analytics solutions for the defense and intelligence communities. They are seeking a highly motivated AI Lead Software Architect to drive enterprise cloud data and AI initiatives, focusing on delivering scalable, secure, and high-performance platforms for advanced analytics and AI workloads.
Responsibilities:
• Design and architect scalable AI platforms to develop and deploy AI solutions leveraging ML techniques and Deep Learning Techniques.
• Drive Joint Architecture Design to collaborate with business stakeholders, data scientists, engineering teams, product, and other key partners to gather functional, non-functional requirements for solving AI use case on the AI Platform.
• Architect and build enterprise-grade Agentic AI solutions that combine LLMs, retrieval, structured data access, search, orchestration, governance, compliance, and workflow automation.
• Optimize AI search experiences using platforms such as OpenSearch, and vector databases to support high-relevance, large-scale enterprise applications.
Qualifications:
Required:
• A degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Engineering or related.
• 15+ years - Design and architect scalable AI platforms to develop and deploy AI solutions leveraging ML techniques and Deep Learning Techniques.
• 15+ years - Drive Joint Architecture Design to collaborate with business stakeholders, data scientists, engineering teams, product, and other key partners to gather functional, non-functional requirements for solving AI use case on the AI Platform.
• 15+ years - Architect and build enterprise-grade Agentic AI solutions that combine LLMs, retrieval, structured data access, search, orchestration, governance, compliance, and workflow automation.
• Optimize AI search experiences using platforms such as OpenSearch, and vector databases to support high-relevance, large-scale enterprise applications.
• Python, Spark, OpenSearch, Iceberg, Lakekeeper, ETL Frameworks experience.
• TS/SCI with Full-Scope Polygraph
Preferred:
• Strong expertise in AWS, Azure, or GCP cloud platforms.
• Proven experience in architecting large-scale data ML/AI solutions.
• Hands-on implementation and leadership experience, driving AI innovation, software application development, ensuring scalability, performance, and data governance.
• Effective communication skills to collaborate with cross-functional teams and stakeholders. Primary customer liaison with oversight of multiple programs.
• Host and deliver demonstrations, inclusive of building prototypes, as required, supporting a variety of customer-driven capabilities demonstrations.
• Proven experience as an AI/ML platform architect.
• Deep understanding of ML algorithms, Deep Learning architecture, models, and frameworks (e.g., TensorFlow, PyTorch, Scikit-Learn).
• Expertise in hybrid cloud platforms (e.g., AWS, GCP, Azure) and their AI services.
• Strong knowledge of Model development life cycle, software engineering principles, data engineering principles.
• Experience with containerization and orchestration tools onprem and cloud (e.g., AKS, GKE, OpenShift Container Platform, Docker, Kubernetes) for deploying AI/ML models.
• Ability to design and optimize distributed computing systems for AI/ML workloads.
• Familiarity with DevOps practices, CI/CD pipelines, and automation tools in AI-ML contexts.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and ability to address complex technical challenges.
Company:
Dark Wolf provides DevSecOps agile software development, information operations, penetration testing and incident response, applied research and rapid prototyping, machine learning, and mission support and engineering services to the Intelligence Community, national security, and Fortune 500 customers. Founded in 2009, the company is headquartered in Herndon, USA, with a team of 501-1000 employees. The company is currently Late Stage.

Apply