Software Architecture Lead

Normative

2d • Remote

About The Position

We're seeking a Software Architecture Lead to own technical architecture across client engagements and internal infrastructure. You will lead delivery on complex projects in regulated industries (health, pharma, insurance, government), make architectural decisions, and build the internal systems that strengthen the practice over time. You'll join a small technical team with significant ownership and room to grow. Whether this is your first architecture role or a return to hands-on work, the opportunity is the same: real ownership, real decisions, real impact. We use AI-assisted development tools as a primary working method. Experience working in agency or consultancy settings is valued. We work sustainable hours to maximize our performance.

Requirements

• 5+ years of experience in software development, with demonstrated experience making architectural or technical design decisions.
• Strong TypeScript and Node.js skills.
• Experience with Next.js, tRPC, Prisma, and React.
• Able to build full-stack applications and API layers.
• Strong front-end development skills and familiarity with UX development practices.
• Strong Postgres skills beyond ORM usage. Familiar with recursive CTEs, index strategy, query planning, and JSONB operations.
• Working knowledge of Python, including data pipeline and ML/AI integration work.
• Understanding of complex data modeling (entity-relationship patterns, connected data, traversal queries), including graph-shaped data. Direct experience is valued; strong conceptual grounding is required.
• Hands-on experience with AI-assisted development tools (Claude Code, Cursor, GitHub Copilot, or similar).
• Familiarity with AI development infrastructure: MCP servers, automation pipelines, and context engineering for LLM-assisted workflows. This space is new and moving fast. We value understanding of the concepts and willingness to build over years of experience.
• Solid CI/CD and DevOps fundamentals. Experience with Docker, GitHub Actions, and cloud infrastructure (Vercel, AWS, or similar).
• Strong communication skills. Able to lead cross-functional teams and explain technical decisions to designers, researchers, and strategists.
• Comfortable leading technical conversations with clients and managing client expectations directly.
• Experience building API integration layers. Comfortable with REST, GraphQL, or gRPC patterns.
• Track record of expanding your own scope. You take on more because you want to, not because someone asked.
• Demonstrated ability to grow beyond your current role. You've sought out responsibility, not waited for it.
• History of building new capability, not just maintaining existing systems.

Nice To Haves

• Experience working in agency or consultancy settings is valued.
• Experience in health, pharma, or other regulated industries is a strong asset.

Responsibilities

• Lead technical delivery on client engagements in regulated industries.
• Own architecture, technical quality, and delivery timelines for complex digital products and services.
• Manage client relationships on technical workstreams, including scope, expectations, and progress.
• Design and build Normative's internal infrastructure and tooling, including data models, APIs, and integration layers using TypeScript and Postgres.
• Establish development patterns, code quality standards, and technical practices for the team.
• Manage CI/CD pipelines, infrastructure automation, and deployment processes.
• Work with AI-assisted development tools daily. Shape how the team uses these tools effectively.
• Mentor junior and intermediate developers on both client and internal work.
• Conduct code reviews with an emphasis on clarity, consistency, and maintainability.
• Evaluate emerging technologies and bring recommendations based on evidence.

Benefits

• We invest in our team with fair, clearly defined salary ranges.
• We offer meaningful career growth opportunities, and a commitment to well-being.
• We support professional development, sustainable ways of working, and long-term success - for both our people and our company.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed
• Number of Employees: 11-50 employees