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Software System Architecture Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Software Architect

Houston, TX · On-site

... systems architecture and design. * Design software using industry standard design patterns and best practices to improve maintainability, flexibility, performance, security, and availability.

Quantum Space

Software Systems Engineer III

Rockville, MD · On-site

$176K - $209K/yr

Lead the design and architecture of spacecraft software and system-level solutions * Develop and manage system requirements, interface definitions, verification plans, and technical baselines

Adtran

System Architecture Engineer

Atlanta, GA · On-site

Job Summary We are seeking a highly motivated and skilled System Architecture Engineer to join our ... Develop test-automation software to improve measurement accuracy and accelerate data collection.

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How much do software system architecture jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for software system architecture in the United States is $71.66, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $62.74 and $74.52 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Software System Architect, you need a deep understanding of software design principles, systems engineering, and experience with multiple programming languages, often supported by a degree in computer science or related field. Familiarity with architectural frameworks (like TOGAF), modeling tools (such as UML), and cloud platforms (AWS, Azure) is typically required, and certifications in these areas are advantageous. Strong problem-solving abilities, effective communication, and leadership skills help you collaborate with stakeholders and guide development teams. These skills and qualities are vital to ensure scalable, robust system designs that meet business objectives and technological requirements.

Is Software Architect a high paying job?

Software Architects typically earn high salaries due to their advanced technical skills, experience, and responsibility for designing complex systems. Compensation varies by industry, location, and company size but generally exceeds average software development roles. Certifications and expertise in cloud platforms or enterprise architecture can further increase earning potential.

What does a software System Architect do?

A Software System Architect designs and oversees the structure of complex software systems, ensuring they meet technical requirements and business goals. They analyze system needs, create architecture diagrams, select appropriate technologies, and coordinate development teams to implement scalable and efficient solutions. Strong knowledge of software design principles, modeling tools, and communication skills are essential for this role.

What is software system architecture?

Software system architecture refers to the high-level structure of a software system, outlining how its components interact and how data flows between them. It serves as a blueprint for both the system and the project, guiding the development, integration, and maintenance of software solutions. System architects make key decisions about the organization of code, technologies used, patterns applied, and scalability and security considerations. Good software architecture helps ensure that a system is reliable, maintainable, and able to meet future requirements.

How much do software architects make?

Software architects typically earn between $100,000 and $160,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and industry. Senior roles or those with specialized skills in cloud computing or enterprise systems can earn higher salaries, often exceeding $180,000. Compensation may also include bonuses and benefits based on company size and complexity of projects.

What does a Software Architect work?

A Software Architect designs and oversees the overall structure of software systems, ensuring they meet technical and business requirements. They create architecture diagrams, select appropriate technologies, and collaborate with development teams to implement scalable and maintainable solutions. Strong problem-solving skills and knowledge of design patterns are essential in this role.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in Software System Architecture roles, and how can they be addressed?

One of the main challenges in Software System Architecture is balancing the need for scalability, security, and performance while meeting tight project deadlines. Architects must often make critical decisions with incomplete information and ensure alignment among cross-functional teams like developers, testers, and product managers. Effective communication, staying updated with emerging technologies, and leveraging architectural frameworks can help address these challenges. Regular collaboration and feedback sessions also ensure that architectural decisions align with business goals and technical constraints.

What is the difference between Software System Architecture vs Software Developer?

AspectSoftware System ArchitectureSoftware Developer
Primary FocusDesigning overall system structure and high-level architectureWriting, testing, and maintaining code for specific features
Required SkillsSystem design, architecture patterns, technical leadershipProgramming languages, debugging, implementation skills
Work EnvironmentCollaborates with stakeholders, architects, and development teamsFocuses on coding within development teams
CertificationsOften includes TOGAF, AWS Certified Solutions ArchitectIncludes certifications like Microsoft Certified, Oracle Java

While Software System Architects focus on designing the overall system structure and ensuring scalability and performance, Software Developers implement these designs by coding and testing individual components. Both roles are essential in the software development lifecycle but differ in scope and responsibilities.

More about Software System Architecture jobs
What states have the most Software System Architecture jobs? States with the most job openings for Software System Architecture jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Software System Architecture jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Software System Architecture jobs are:
Software System Architecture jobs near you
Infographic showing various Software System Architecture job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 81% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $149,055 per year, or $71.7 per hour.

Software Architect

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Houston, TX • On-site

Full-time

Posted 28 days ago

Job description

Description:

Position: Software Architect

Durations: Longterm

Location: Herndon, VA(Hybrid Work)

Client: (Department of state) DOS

Clearance: Active Secret clearance

Description

As part of the modernization program, the Software Architect will be responsible for providing architecture and development guidance across the software development lifecycle (SDLC), including requirements definition and prototyping, software design, implementation, testing, and maintenance.

Roles and Responsibilities:

  • Research, evaluate, and recommend tools and technologies for the CSM Program.
  • Work with the system engineering team to elicit customer requirements and develop system engineering models using a model-based engineering strategy (UML and SysML).
  • Define software requirements, both functional and non-functional, as high level epics, features and user stories to support Agile methodology.
  • Architect complex software systems using hybrid cloud architecture and microservices.
  • Define and communicate architectural guidelines for software systems architecture and design.
  • Design software using industry standard design patterns and best practices to improve maintainability, flexibility, performance, security, and availability.
  • Provide development support and expertise across a wide range of technologies, including enterprise web-based applications using Java technologies, single-page applications, REST-based web services, structured and unstructured data architecture, and automated unit and integration tests.

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's degree and at least 8 years’ relevant experience.
  • Experience in software development activities for software projects specializing in development of enterprise web applications.
  • Experience architecting and developing high volume, highly available and secure software systems within an Agile environment.
  • Experience developing service-based solutions using REST-based services (Spring MVC, Spring Boot, etc.)
  • Experience developing structured transactional database solutions using an RDBMS database (Oracle, MySQL, PostgreSQL, etc.)
    Experience with static code analyzers (CAST, HP Fortify, SonarQube, etc.).
  • Excellent communication skills, both verbally and in writing.
  • Active Secret (or higher) clearance. Interim clearance acceptable.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Experience in enterprise software system modernization efforts.
  • Experience in cloud-based environments including the development of software that supports architectures that involve hybrid clouds.
  • Experience developing 508 compliant solutions.
  • Experience developing single page applications using a client-side rendering framework (Angular, React, etc.) and responsive CSS framework (Bootstrap, Material Design, etc.)
Requirements:

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's degree and at least 8 years’ relevant experience.
  • Experience in software development activities for software projects specializing in development of enterprise web applications.
  • Experience architecting and developing high volume, highly available and secure software systems within an Agile environment.
  • Experience developing service-based solutions using REST-based services (Spring MVC, Spring Boot, etc.)
  • Experience developing structured transactional database solutions using an RDBMS database (Oracle, MySQL, PostgreSQL, etc.) Experience with static code analyzers (CAST, HP Fortify, SonarQube, etc.).
  • Excellent communication skills, both verbally and in writing.
  • Active Secret (or higher) clearance. Interim clearance acceptable.

CompQsoft provides equal opportunity in all aspects of employment and in the working environment to all employees and applicants. CompQsoft does not take any non-merit factors like race, color, religion, sex (gender), mental/physical disability, and age into account for purposes of recruitment, hiring and development.

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