Lead Application Architect

The Senior Application Architect / Development Lead is a hands-on technical leader responsible for end-to-end architectural design, rapid prototyping, and solution delivery in a hybrid onshore/offshore development model. This individual is expected to actively code in .NET and React, mentor developers, and collaborate cross-functionally to translate complex business needs into scalable, secure, and high-performing applications.
This role requires a strong communicator with business acumen and deep knowledge of Microsoft Azure development architecture, with the ability to perform Proof of Concepts (POCs), lead design discussions, and guide development efforts using best practices in modern architecture and DevOps. Experience working with India-based development teams and a willingness to accommodate some off-standard working hours is essential. Experience in product ownership and bringing solutions to market is highly valued, particularly where customer impact, user feedback loops, and rapid delivery cycles are emphasized.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Lead the architect/development team members to include:
  
  • Train new team members
  • Be the first escalation point of contact to handle issues and involve direct manager as needed
  • Monitor team coverage, make sure back-ups are in place and redistribute work to cover when others are out
  • Monitor staffing and equipment needs
  • Provide manager feedback for performance reviews
• Provide hands-on coding in .NET and React frameworks; act as a mentor for troubleshooting and lead solution development accordingly; share knowledge to develop team expertise and continuity.
• Drive rapid prototyping and proof-of-concept development using Azure services to enable quicker stakeholder feedback and faster value delivery.
• Design and maintain robust application and data architectures aligned with strategic business goals.
• Create and maintain conceptual architectures and detailed software designs.
• Own platform evolution, including technical stack decisions, architectural reviews and cloud-native optimizations.
• Guide the integration of AI/ML features to automate insights and drive platform intelligence.
• Establish and enforce CI/CD, versioning, testing, and branching strategies through Azure DevOps; partner with Platform Operations to streamline and automate CI/CD and deployment processes.
• Support joint development efforts between onshore and India-based teams, ensuring quality and alignment, consistency, and efficiency across distributed teams.
• Serve as a primary technical liaison with offshore development partners and adjust availability for overlapping working hours as needed.
• Promote and model application development best practices, including security, performance, and scalability.
• Work to decommission legacy code and refactor where needed to ensure modernized, maintainable applications.
• Collaborate with Internal Systems and Business units to align technology solutions with strategic goals.
• Understand technical constraints and business requirements to architect efficient, effective and innovative solutions.
• Work with leadership to define and implement long-term strategic technical initiatives.
• Collaborate on defining and refreshing shared test environments.
• Participate in RACI roles related to system security, support and delivery governance.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree and ten years of relevant experience; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Proven experience leading hybrid teams including onshore and offshore collaboration; lead technical teams and mentor junior developers.
• Experience with .NET framework, React, Azure, Kubernetes, DevOps, Agile Methodology
• Strong knowledge of Azure development architecture, services and tools.
  
  • Azure Kubernetes Service (AKS)
  • Azure API Management
  • Azure Functions (Serverless Architecture)
  • Azure Container Instances and Registries
  • Azure Service Bus (message-driven architecture and eventing)
  • Azure SQL Database
  • Azure Data Lake & Data Lakehouse design patterns
  • Azure Synapse Analytics or similar data warehousing tools
  • Structured, semi-structured, and unstructured data management strategies
  • Data governance, security, and performance optimization best practices
  • Experience with Microsoft Azure AI and Cognitive Services
  • Experience with DevOps practices and CI/CD in an Azure environment
  • Integration of LLMs and other AI capabilities into SaaS platforms
  • Understanding of model lifecycle, training, inferencing, and AI ops
• Preferred experience in product ownership and/or product delivery to market, including customer feedback integration and iterative delivery models.
• Previous experience of designing and delivering enterprise-scale solutions and Proof of Concepts (POCs).

REQUIRED SKILLS:

• Strong problem-solving skills.
• Ability to deal with frequent change, delays, or unexpected events.
• Function collaboratively as part of a fast-paced, client-oriented team.
• Ability to identify and resolve problems in a timely manner.
• Self-starter with the ability to perform with little or no supervision.
• Excellent organizational and time/task management skills.
• Proficiency with business collaboration and development tools.
• Superior communication skills in working with technical and non-technical people, and the ability to develop and maintain collaborative relations among all levels of an organization.