Software Application Architect Jobs in Waterloo, ON

Organizations don't innovate; people do.   

As part of our digital transformation business, you'll help clients unlock innovation, embrace the future, and change communities for good. 

 Who are we looking for? 

We are seeking a seasoned and visionary Enterprise Architect of Software Development to provide architecture leadership across our software platforms, with a strong emphasis on application architecture, solution design, software modernization, and hands-on technical contribution. This role is responsible for defining scalable, secure, and maintainable software solutions, guiding engineering teams through complex design and implementation decisions, and promoting modern development practices. Deep knowledge of cloud architecture, particularly Azure, remains important to support sound architectural decisions, with an emphasis on being a hands on leader with solid skills in leveraging AI tools to improve efficiency and  quality.  

Be part of the dynamic culture! Our workplace thrives on a hybrid model, combining in-office collaboration and flexibility. Join us in the office, three days a week, to contribute, connect, and excel in our vibrant environment.

Working with an energetic and high-performing team, this position offers a variety of work and will see you involved in: 

    Technical Leadership: Define the architectural vision and technical direction for software products, including application architecture, integration patterns, and shared services. Provide architectural guidance to development teams and promote high-quality engineering practices, reusable design patterns, and maintainable solutions.
    Cloud and Platform Architecture: Apply deep knowledge of Azure and cloud architecture to design scalable, secure, resilient, and cost-conscious software solutions. Provide architectural guidance on hosting models, integration patterns, identity, observability, and non-functional requirements, while partnering with cloud and platform teams on implementation and operationalization.
    Architecture Governance and Technical Delivery Support: Provide architecture oversight across the software delivery lifecycle to ensure solutions align with business goals, security requirements, and engineering standards. Work closely with Development, QA, Product, UX, and IT Security teams, with hands-on involvement in resolving complex technical issues, reviewing designs, and guiding implementation approaches.
    Innovation & AI Enablement: Introduce and champion the use of AI and machine learning tools to improve engineering efficiency (e.g., AI-assisted coding, automated testing, intelligent monitoring). Continuously explore new technologies and methodologies to keep the team at the cutting edge and to drive process improvements and product innovation. 
    Strategic Planning and Technical Leadership: Contribute to technology roadmaps and architectural decision-making at the leadership level. Balance strategic initiatives such as modernization, technical debt reduction, and adoption of new technologies with the practical needs of software delivery. Provide technical mentorship and foster a culture of engineering excellence, collaboration, and continuous learning.
    Technical Planning and Estimation: Support technical planning and estimation for complex initiatives, providing input on solution sizing, dependencies, implementation approach, and delivery risk.
    Delivery Collaboration: Work with delivery team to provide architectural input into sequencing, dependencies, timelines, and technical risk management.
    Collaboration with Scrum Master: Work with the Scrum Master to determine work assignments, timelines, and schedules. Provide input on timelines and schedules.
    Technical Guidance: Provide technical guidance to developers and quality assurance team members to support successful delivery. Help teams navigate complex implementation challenges and ensure alignment to approved architecture and engineering standards.
    Leadership and Guidance: Offer leadership and guidance to team members when they get stuck. Conduct code reviews and lead the integration of the team's code for build deployment.
    Communication: Communicate the status of your team's work to leadership stakeholders. Actively work with the Scrum Master to call out blockers and risks and offer mitigation strategies.
    Continuous Improvement: Stay current with industry trends, best practices, and emerging technologies. Participate in training and development opportunities to enhance your skills.
    Team Enablement: Support the development of technical capability across the team through coaching, design guidance, and sharing of architecture and engineering best practices.

 What you will bring to the Team:

    Cloud Architecture: Deep expertise in Microsoft Azure and cloud architecture patterns, including scalable application hosting, integration services, identity and access management, observability, resilience, and security. Ability to design cloud-native and hybrid architectures and guide platform decisions in collaboration with cloud engineering teams.
    Software Development: Strong programming background in C#/.NET and modern software engineering practices, with a solid grasp of backend services, RESTful APIs, distributed systems, and application architecture. Familiarity with frontend technologies such as Angular or Vue.js is valuable to support end-to-end solution design and hands-on technical contribution where needed.
    Databases: Proficient in database design and optimization for SQL Server and other relational databases. Experience handling complex queries and performance tuning. Familiarity with PostgreSQL and exposure to NoSQL databases such as MongoDB is a plus, as it demonstrates versatility in handling different data storage solutions. 
    DevOps and Security: Strong understanding of CI/CD practices, application lifecycle automation, monitoring, logging, and secure software delivery. Able to guide teams on identity management, data protection, network security, and operational readiness as part of overall solution architecture.
    CMS & Content Management: Working knowledge of content management systems (CMS), such as Umbraco, Drupal, or similar platforms, to oversee the integration of web content and workflows.
    AI/ML & Automation: Awareness of AI/ML tools and how they can be applied in a software engineering context. A track record of embracing automation and data-driven decision-making in engineering processes is highly desirable. 
    Technical Leadership and Communication: Demonstrated success providing technical leadership across complex initiatives. Excellent communication skills to articulate architectural concepts to diverse stakeholders, influence technical direction, and align technology decisions with business objectives.
    The following certifications that would be a plus:
o    Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect Expert
o    Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator Associate
o    Microsoft Certified: DevOps Engineer Expert
o    Microsoft Certified: Azure AI Engineer Associate
o    Microsoft Certified: Azure Security Engineer Associate
 

The salary range for this position is:  $130,794 - $176,794

The posted salary range represents the expected hiring range for GHD locations in its major city centres. Ranges may vary for positions in other locations. At GHD, base salary is determined by your skills, experience, qualifications, and work location. We are committed to offering competitive compensation and adhering to all relevant pay transparency legislation. 

The use of artificial intelligence (AI) in recruiting is just getting started and may be used during the process to improve efficiency and fairness. Your application may be reviewed by both AI and our hiring team. While AI supports some steps through the process, all final hiring decisions are made by humans

This position is for an existing vacancy.

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As a diverse and inclusive organization, we encourage individual achievement and recognize the strength of a diverse workforce. GHD is an equal opportunity employer. Upon request, GHD will provide reasonable accommodation for applicants with disabilities throughout the recruitment and selection process