Director of Software Architecture

ABOUT THE ROLE

In this role, you will play a crucial part in overseeing the architectural design and development of all application engineering initiatives. Your focus will be on ensuring scalability, performance, and maintainability, while collaborating with cross-functional teams to define and deliver high-quality software solutions. Your responsibilities will include leading the design and implementation of robust backend services, providing technical mentorship, and contributing to the continuous improvement of development processes. By staying up to date with the latest trends in technology, you will proactively recommend tools and practices to enhance both team productivity and product quality.

Specific Responsibilities: 

•    Oversee the architectural design and development of all application engineering initiatives, ensuring scalability, performance, and maintainability.
•    Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including product management, engineering, and UX/UI, to define and deliver high-quality software solutions.
•    Lead the design and implementation of robust, scalable backend services, ensuring seamless integration with frontend applications.
•    Provide technical guidance and mentorship to engineering teams, ensuring best practices are followed in coding, testing, and deployment.
•    Conduct code reviews and contribute to the continuous improvement of development processes and tools.
•    Participate in architectural discussions and provide input on design decisions, frameworks, and technology choices.
•    Ensure that the architecture aligns with current and future business objectives, including security, legal requirements, time to market, and long-term support, with an emphasis on adaptability and flexibility.
•    Work with DevOps teams to optimize deployment processes, automation, and CI/CD pipelines using Kubernetes and GitHub Actions.
•    Keep up to date with the latest trends in technology, and proactively recommend tools and practices that can improve the team’s productivity and the product’s quality.

Required Qualifications: 
•    Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field. 
•    Proven experience as a Software Architect or in a similar role, with a strong background in both backend and frontend development. 
•    Expertise in backend development, including experience with microservices and serverless architecture. 
•    Proficient in frontend technologies such as React, Angular, or Vue.js, with a deep understanding of modern web development practices. 
•    Strong understanding of architectural patterns, principles, and best practices. 
•    Experience with cloud platforms (e.g., AWS, Azure, GCP) and containerization (e.g., Docker, Kubernetes). Excellent problem-solving skills, with the ability to work independently and as part of a team. 
•    Strong communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders. 
•    Familiarity with agile development methodologies and tools. Strong proficiency in English, both written and verbal communication. 
•    Ability to effectively negotiate with partners and stakeholders. 
•    Experience with Kubernetes and GitHub Actions for CI/CD processes. 

Desired Qualifications: 
•    Master’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field. 
•    Familiarity with DevOps practices, including CI/CD, infrastructure as code, and automated testing. 
•    Experience with database design and optimization, particularly with relational databases such as MySQL, PostgreSQL, or Oracle. 
•    Knowledge of mobile application development is a plus. 
•    Familiarity with security best practices and how to implement them in software architecture. 
•    Understanding of performance optimization techniques, both for backend and frontend systems. 
•    Experience with large-scale highly reliable systems, AI/ML, and big data analysis. 

ABOUT ACCELA
For nearly 20 years, Accela has been an industry leader in designing and delivering government software to improve efficiency, increase citizen engagement and enable the development of thriving communities. Today, citizens are savvy to how services should be delivered, and expect a consistently convenient, openly transparent view into their local government. While government agencies struggle to do more with less, our mission has never been more critical. Accela provides a robust, cloud-based platform of government software solutions that accelerate growth, efficiency, and transparency in communities of all sizes. From planning, to building, to service request management and more, Accela’s SaaS offerings level the playing field for small and medium governments and enable smaller agencies to leverage larger city technologies. Our open and flexible technology helps agencies address specific needs today, while ensuring they are well prepared for the emerging challenges of the future.

OUR COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION
Accela believes in developing and nurturing a workplace community where our differences are celebrated, and everyone feels a sense of psychological safety and belonging. Accela is committed to putting resources and attention towards evolving our practices, policies, and philosophies to enable diversity to thrive and to support equity in opportunity for everyone.

COMPENSATION AND WELL-BEING
The annual base salary range for this full-time position is $180,000-$225,000 (less applicable taxes). The actual annual base salary offered may be adjusted based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to, location, education, skills, training, and experience. In addition to an annual base salary, this position is eligible for an annual bonus target. This is a discretionary bonus awarded based on company and individual goal achievement. 
 
Accela’s U.S. team members will receive a generous benefits package consisting of options including flexible time off, comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans, family planning benefits, 401(k) retirement savings plan with company match, health savings account with company contributions, flexible spending account, life, accident, and disability coverage, business travel insurance, employee assistance programs, and other well-being benefits.

Accela is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action Employer and will respond to requests for job accommodations.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, sex, color, religion, national origin, protected veteran status, or based on disability, gender identity, and sexual orientation.

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