Boston University

Lead Architect (Hands-On, AI-Driven Engineering)

Boston University$220K *
Information Technology
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience
  • 7+ years in software engineering and architecture
  • Experience delivering complex, high-availability systems
  • Led multiple concurrent initiatives and cross-functional teams
  • Strong hands-on modern software systems experience
  • Proven ability in leading architecture during implementation
  • Knowledge of AI/ML technologies and their practical applications
  • Deep knowledge of cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP)
  • Expertise in microservices, APIs, and DevOps methodologies
  • Understanding of system design, scalability, and performance

Responsibilities

  • Design and implement scalable, cloud-native architectures
  • Contribute to code, prototypes, and solve technical problems
  • Define and build reference architectures using microservices and APIs
  • Lead architectural decisions while engaged in delivery
  • Drive adoption of AI tools across the software development lifecycle
  • Identify AI applications to enhance productivity and capabilities
  • Establish best practices for AI usage
  • Define and develop a high-performing engineering organization
  • Balance full-time engineers with contract resources for optimal delivery
  • Mentor engineers and architects for improved outcomes
  • Collaborate with product managers to translate needs into solutions
  • Communicate technical decisions clearly to various audiences
  • Drive execution while maintaining high engineering standards

Benefits

  • 3 weeks of paid vacation
  • 6 personal days
  • 12 sick days
  • 13 paid holidays
  • Medical and dental plans
  • 401(k) plans with company match
  • Backup childcare assistance
  • Tuition assistance
Full Job Description
Job Description

We are seeking a hands-on Lead Architect to drive the next generation of our digital platforms and engineering practices. This role is ideal for a technical leader who not only defines architecture but also actively participates in design, prototyping, and implementation. You will spearhead the integration of AI technologies into software engineering, modernize our architecture, and help build high-performing engineering teams using an optimal mix of full-time and contract talent. This is a high-impact role where you will shape both the technology strategy and the way software is built.

Responsibilities:

Hands-On Architecture & Engineering
  • Design and implement scalable, cloud-native architectures for digital products and platforms
  • Actively contribute to code, prototypes, and technical problem-solving
  • Define and build reference architectures using microservices, APIs, and event-driven systems
  • Lead architectural decisions while staying deeply engaged in delivery

AI-Driven Engineering
  • Lead adoption of AI tools and technologies across the software development lifecycle, including:
    • AI-assisted coding and testing
    • Intelligent automation and workflows
    • Personalization and recommendation systems
  • Identify practical applications of AI to improve engineering productivity and product capabilities
  • Establish best practices for responsible, secure, and effective use of AI

Team & Workforce Optimization
  • Help define and evolve a high-performing engineering organization
  • Balance full-time engineers and contract resources to optimize delivery, cost, and access to specialized skills
  • Identify required skill sets (e.g., AI/ML, cloud, data engineering) and help guide hiring and staffing decisions
  • Provide technical leadership and mentorship to engineers and architects

Collaboration & Delivery
  • Partner with product managers and stakeholders to translate business needs into technical solutions
  • Communicate architecture and technical decisions clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences
  • Drive execution across multiple initiatives while maintaining high engineering standards

Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience
  • 7+ years of experience in software engineering and architecture
  • Demonstrated experience delivering complex, high-availability systems
  • Experience leading multiple concurrent initiatives and cross-functional teams
  • Strong hands-on experience building and delivering modern software systems
  • Proven ability to lead architecture while actively contributing to implementation processes
  • Experience with AI/ML technologies and integrating them into real-world applications
  • Deep knowledge of cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, or GCP)
  • Expertise in microservices, APIs, containers (Docker/Kubernetes), and DevOps/CI-CD
  • Strong understanding of system design, scalability, and performance
  • Experience working in agile, DevOps-oriented environments
  • Experience in digital media, publishing, or content platforms is a plus

Compensation:

The target base pay for this role is $220,000+. Salary is commensurate with skills, qualifications, and experience.

Benefits:

Our generous benefits offerings include: 3 weeks of paid vacation, 6 personal days, 12 sick days, 13 paid holidays, medical and dental plans, 401(k) plans with company match, backup childcare assistance, tuition assistance and more!

About Boston University

Boston University (BU) is a private research university in Boston, Massachusetts. The university is nonsectarian but maintains its historical affiliation with the United Methodist Church. It was founded in 1839 by Methodists with its original campus in Newbury, Vermont, before moving to Boston in 1867. The university now has more than 3,900 faculty members and nearly 33,000 students, and is one of Boston's largest employers. It offers bachelor's degrees, master's degrees, doctorates, and medical, dental, business, and law degrees through 17 schools and colleges on two urban campuses. BU is a member of the Boston Consortium for Higher Education and the Association of American Universities.
Learn more about Boston University
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10,000 employees
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