ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Lead Software Architect Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Barbaricum

Senior Software Architect

Warren, MI · On-site

$121K - $165K/yr

... Lead software testing, design analysis, and evaluate design changes. • Support planning and management of software development and acquisition activities. • Provide software architecture ...

Barbaricum

Senior Software Architect

Warren, MI · On-site

$121K - $164K/yr

Senior Software Architect Warren, MI Barbaricum is a rapidly growing government contractor ... The candidate will lead reviews, trade-off studies, and risk management while providing input on ...

VTG

Systems Architect

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$251K/yr

Experience as a team's software architect, lead software developer, lead DevOps engineer, or similar technical leadership role * 10+ years of software development experience * 5+ years of Linux ...

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 ...

Paga

Software Architect

Manhattan, NY

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 ...

Davidson Technologies, Inc.

$150K - $180K/yr

Lead software architecture design for control systems, integration layers, and mission applications * Architect and integrate PLC-based systems (e.g., Rockwell, Siemens) into software environments

Leidos

Software Architect

San Diego, CA

$154K - $278K/yr

Work with our lead Software Architect and senior developers that lead the software development activities of a group of 20+ software developers. * Participate and lead discussions at customer ...

Leidos

Software Architect

San Diego, CA · On-site

$154K - $278K/yr

Work with our lead Software Architect and senior developers that lead the software development activities of a group of 20+ software developers. * Participate and lead discussions at customer ...

VTG

Systems Architect with Security Clearance

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$251K/yr

Experience as a team's software architect, lead software developer, lead DevOps engineer, or similar technical leadership role 10+ years of software development experience 5+ years of Linux software ...

Barbaricum

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.

next page

Showing results 1-20

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 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.

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 also influence salary levels in this role.

What engineer makes $500,000 a year?

Lead Software Architects and senior engineering roles in high-demand industries such as technology, finance, and cloud computing can earn $500,000 or more annually, especially with bonuses, stock options, and extensive experience. These positions often require advanced skills in system design, architecture, and leadership, along with a strong track record of successful project delivery.

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.

Is software architect still in demand?

Software architects are in high demand due to the ongoing need for scalable and efficient software systems. They typically require strong technical skills, experience with cloud platforms, and knowledge of design patterns, making their role critical in many organizations' IT strategies.

What is a lead software architect?

A lead software architect is a senior technical professional responsible for designing and overseeing the development of software systems and architecture. They coordinate technical teams, establish standards, and ensure the system meets business requirements, often using tools like UML and frameworks such as Agile or DevOps. Strong technical expertise, leadership skills, and experience with software design are essential for this role.
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 June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $146,377 per year, or $70.4 per hour.
Lead Software Architect - High-Transaction Systems

Lead Software Architect - High-Transaction Systems

TW Group LLC

Atlanta, GA • On-site

$200K/yr

Full-time

Posted 2 days ago

Job description

About the Role
We're seeking a Lead Software Architect with deep expertise in backend development and building scalable, high-performance systems. This role is perfect for someone who thrives in fast-paced, high-scale environments-where milliseconds matter-and can architect solutions capable of handling thousands of transactions per second with reliability and speed.
Key Responsibilities
  • Architect and lead the design of scalable, high-availability microservices for payment and transaction systems.
  • Collaborate with engineering leads and DevOps teams to implement containerized solutions using Kubernetes.
  • Ensure robust performance in high-transaction environments, optimizing systems for speed and fault tolerance.
  • Drive full-stack architectural decisions, balancing backend performance with seamless user experiences.
  • Mentor development teams and enforce software engineering best practices.
  • Partner with stakeholders across security, product, and infrastructure to align system architecture with business goals.

Technical Requirements
  • 8+ years of backend development experience with deep expertise in Java (Spring Boot, JDK 11+).
  • Proven track record of architecting and scaling systems in high-throughput environments (e.g., payment gateways, fintech, eCommerce).
  • Strong experience with Kubernetes, containerization, and cloud-native deployments (GCP, AWS, or Azure).
  • Solid understanding of microservice architectures, service mesh, and event-driven systems.
  • Familiarity with full-stack development-experience with modern front-end frameworks a plus.
  • Expertise in scaling distributed systems, managing load balancing, caching, and redundancy.

Nice to Have
  • Experience with PCI compliance or secure payment systems.
  • Knowledge of real-time monitoring and observability tools (Prometheus, Grafana, ELK).
  • Prior work in scale-up or startup environments.

Why Join Us
  • Build mission-critical systems used by millions.
  • Lead architectural decisions at a company scaling fast.
  • Work with a passionate, collaborative, high-caliber engineering team.
  • Onsite/Hybrid/Remote
  • Bonus based upon performance

Apply