Own system architecture across multiple concurrent client projects.
Define and enforce architectural standards, design patterns, and non-functional requirements.
Make final technical decisions on stack selection, integrations, and trade-offs.
Design scalable, resilient systems spanning frontend, backend, cloud, and hardware-adjacent integrations.
Lead technical planning and execution for large, high-stakes client engagements.
Remain hands-on in critical code paths while delegating effectively.
Drive engineering rigor: code reviews, CI/CD, automated testing, observability.
Own technical outcomes, including production stability and incident response.
Operate comfortably in a software agency model: shifting priorities, parallel clients, fixed timelines.
Translate ambiguous client requirements into concrete technical plans.
Act as senior technical authority in client meetings.
Balance delivery speed with long-term maintainability under real-world constraints.
Lead and mentor senior and mid-level engineers.
Raise the bar on system design, code quality, and technical communication.
Guide engineers through architectural reasoning and trade-off analysis.
Support hiring, onboarding, and technical evaluation.
Partner with product, design, and executive leadership.
Communicate complex technical concepts clearly to non-technical stakeholders.
Align technical execution with business goals and experiential outcomes.

Requirements

10+ years professional software engineering experience.
Demonstrated leadership as a Lead Engineer, Tech Lead, or Architect.
Prior experience working at a software agency or consultancy delivering client projects.
Proven ownership of end-to-end system architecture.
Strong client-facing communication skills.
Deep experience delivering production systems under deadlines.

Benefits

Fully remote position.
Occasional travel required (client sites, installations, planning).
San Diego–based candidates may work from our headquarters optionally.

Applicant Tracking System Keywords

Tip: use these terms in your resume and cover letter to boost ATS matches.

Hard Skills & Tools

system architecturedesign patternscloud integrationsCI/CDautomated testingobservabilitycode reviewstechnical planningproduction stabilityincident response

Soft Skills

leadershipcommunicationmentoringtechnical authorityclient-facing skillsproblem-solvingcollaborationadaptabilitytechnical communicationdecision-making