Get to the bottom of what the client needs, and turn it into architecture that scales and survives contact with reality
Design the system and choose the stack for new builds
Stay hands-on — write and review production code, and prototype when a design needs proving rather than describing
Look at existing systems and APIs and call what's reusable, what's a dead end, and what needs replacing
Work shoulder-to-shoulder with client stakeholders, product owners, and developers
Document the architecture clearly enough that the team can build from it
Keep the technical direction consistent and feasible as things evolve
Guide the implementation team and be the person they bring the hard calls to
Run client workshops and technical discovery sessions

7+ years in software delivery, with at least 3 spent as a Solution Architect or senior backend / technical lead
5+ years actually writing production code (not just designing or reviewing it) in Python, Node.js, Java, or Kotlin
Real hands-on time with AWS or Azure
Comfortable with API design, event-driven architecture (Kafka, SQS, or RabbitMQ), and microservices / integration patterns
At home with both relational and NoSQL databases
Able to read API docs and judge integration options for yourself
Experience building custom software, not just wiring up SaaS tools
Solid grasp of how software gets shipped (Agile, DevOps)
You've run workshops and architecture reviews directly with external clients — and US/UK clients won't be new territory
Business-level English, spoken and written (C1+); you can hold the room with international clients
Happy to keep CET-overlapping hours so you're there when the client is
You can explain a technical trade-off to someone non-technical without losing them
Analytical, pragmatic, and you take ownership rather than waiting to be told
Client-oriented and adaptable.

Solution Architect

Key skills