Define and own the end-to-end technical architecture for SANS’s next-generation e-learning platform, including content delivery, learner experiences, virtual labs, and commerce infrastructure.
Make binding architectural decisions on system decomposition, API design, data modeling, event-driven patterns, and cloud-native infrastructure—with full accountability for outcomes.
Establish and enforce architectural standards, design review processes, and technical governance across multiple engineering teams.
Lead build-vs-buy evaluations and vendor technical assessments for platform components (LMS, CMS, payment systems, identity providers).
Integrate APIs and tools that support SCORM, xAPI, LTI, and other interoperability standards for learning management systems (LMS).
Directly lead and mentor a team of senior and mid-level engineers, with accountability for their technical growth, career development, and performance.
Conduct architecture reviews, code reviews, and design critiques that raise the engineering bar across the organization.
Recruit, evaluate, and onboard senior engineering talent; actively shape the team’s composition and capabilities.
Foster a culture of engineering excellence: rigorous testing, observability, documentation, and continuous improvement.
Serve as a technical escalation point for complex engineering problems across teams.
Partner directly with Product, UX, Cybersecurity SMEs, and executive leadership to translate business strategy into technical roadmaps.
Communicate architectural decisions, trade-offs, and technical risk to non-technical stakeholders with clarity and conviction.
Drive alignment across competing priorities between product, infrastructure, security, and operations teams.
Present technical strategy and progress to VP/C-level audiences; build confidence in the engineering organization’s ability to deliver.
Architect scalable, maintainable, and secure systems that support thousands of concurrent learners and complex content delivery pipelines.
Enhance user engagement through interactive course features, virtual labs, and real-time feedback mechanisms.
Implement robust data and security practices, including encryption, authentication, zero-trust patterns, and compliance with privacy standards.
Champion DevOps maturity: CI/CD automation, infrastructure as code, containerization (Docker/Kubernetes), and deployment best practices.
Drive analytics capabilities to measure learner progress, engagement, platform performance, and business outcomes.
Requirements
Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related technical field.
10+ years of professional experience in software development, with at least 5 years in a senior architect, principal engineer, or equivalent technical leadership role.
Demonstrated experience building and shipping e-learning platforms, EdTech products, or content commerce platforms from 0→1 at meaningful scale.
Track record of leading platform-level technical transformations—migrating monoliths to microservices, re-platforming, or building greenfield systems that replaced legacy infrastructure.
Expertise in full-stack development using technologies such as JavaScript/TypeScript, React, Node.js, and Python.
Strong understanding of learning content standards (SCORM, xAPI, LTI) and integration with LMS and CMS environments.
Hands-on experience with cloud-based architectures (AWS, Azure, or GCP) and scalable containerization technologies (Docker, Kubernetes).
Proven track record of building secure, high-availability web applications.
Deep understanding of database systems, API design, and microservices architecture.
Strong knowledge of secure coding principles, including data protection and authentication mechanisms.
Proven ability to manage, mentor, and develop engineering teams of 5+ engineers, including performance management, career development, and hiring.
Experience operating as a technical partner to product and executive leadership—translating business objectives into architectural decisions.
Demonstrated stakeholder management skills: presenting to VP/C-level audiences, navigating competing priorities, and building cross-functional alignment.
Must have unrestricted authorization to work in the USA, as no visa sponsoring is available.
Tech Stack
AWS
Azure
Cloud
Cyber Security
Docker
Google Cloud Platform
JavaScript
Kubernetes
Microservices
Node.js
Python
React
TypeScript
Benefits
Competitive base salary, bonus opportunities, and a 401(k) plan with company match.
Robust medical, dental, and vision plans; company-provided short term disability; optional long-term disability, supplemental life and AD&D insurance for employees and dependents; voluntary benefits including accident insurance and identity theft protection; fitness and wellness programs; and a company paid employee assistance program (EAP).
Generous paid time off, including volunteer time.
Access to professional development and SANS training opportunities.