Senior Lead Architect

Activision Blizzard, Inc.

$146K — $270K *
Information Technology
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 10+ years of software engineering experience, particularly in senior backend or architecture roles.
  • In-depth experience with Java or similar backend languages, microservices, APIs, and distributed systems.
  • Proficient knowledge of cloud-native architecture and modern cloud environments.
  • Familiarity with containers, CI/CD, and engineering principles of observability and security.
  • Ability to effectively influence cross-functional teams without direct authority.

Responsibilities

  • Define and evolve backend architecture for scalable, maintainable shared services and API integrations.
  • Lead architecture reviews for significant backend changes, focusing on service decomposition.
  • Establish engineering standards for backend development, including API design and deployment patterns.
  • Collaborate with engineers to troubleshoot production issues and implement durable fixes.
  • Design improve reusable infrastructure and automation patterns in GCP workflows.
  • Mentor senior engineers and serve as a technical escalation point on architectural challenges.

Benefits

  • Comprehensive medical, dental, vision insurance, and health savings accounts.
  • 401(k) plan with company match and tuition reimbursement opportunities.
  • Generous paid time off policies including holidays, sick leave, and parental leave.
  • Mental health and wellness programs, along with fitness incentives and free/discounted games.
  • Eligibility for relocation assistance if required for the role.
Full Job Description
Job Title:
Senior Lead Architect

Requisition ID:
R027666

Job Description:

Overview

The Sr. Lead Architect (Backend) is a senior individual contributor responsible for backend architecture across the Marketing Technology ecosystem. This role defines scalable technical patterns, guides implementation for shared platform services, and helps teams solve complex reliability, integration, and modernization challenges across web, identity, campaign, and service platforms.

This role is based in our Santa Monica, CA office and follows an onsite work schedule of four days per week. Work arrangements may change at the company's discretion to meet business needs.

Key responsibilities
  • Define and evolve backend architecture for shared services, APIs, integrations, and cloud-hosted platforms, with strong emphasis on scalability, maintainability, and operational resilience.
  • Lead architecture and design reviews for major backend changes, service decomposition, shared libraries, and platform modernization efforts.
  • Establish engineering standards for backend development, including API design, service contracts, deployment patterns, observability, and operational readiness.
  • Partner closely with engineers and SREs to troubleshoot production and platform issues and drive durable fixes, not just tactical workarounds.
  • Design and improve reusable infrastructure and automation patterns across GCP and related workflows, including secrets management and service access patterns.
  • Mentor senior engineers and act as a technical escalation point on distributed systems, backend performance, and architectural tradeoffs.


Qualifications
  • 10+ years of software engineering experience, including significant time in senior backend or architecture-focused roles.
  • Deep experience with Java or similar backend languages, microservices, APIs, distributed systems, and cloud-native architecture.
  • Strong working knowledge of containers, CI/CD, observability, and infrastructure/security patterns in modern cloud environments.
  • Ability to influence across multiple teams without direct authority and translate business needs into durable technical solutions.


Rewards

We provide a suite of benefits that promote physical, emotional and financial well-being for 'Every World' - we've got our employees covered! Subject to eligibility requirements, the Company offers comprehensive benefits including:
  • Medical, dental, vision, health savings account or health reimbursement account, healthcare spending accounts, dependent care spending accounts, life and AD&D insurance, disability insurance;
  • 401(k) with Company match, tuition reimbursement, charitable donation matching;
  • Paid holidays and vacation, paid sick time, floating holidays, compassion and bereavement leaves, parental leave;
  • Mental health & wellbeing programs, fitness programs, free and discounted games, and a variety of other voluntary benefit programs like supplemental life & disability, legal service, ID protection, rental insurance, and others;
  • If the Company requires that you move geographic locations for the job, then you may also be eligible for relocation assistance.


Eligibility to participate in these benefits may vary for part time and temporary full-time employees and interns with the Company. You can learn more by visiting https://www.benefitsforeveryworld.com/.

In the U.S., the standard base pay range for this role is $146,000.00 - $270,004.00 Annual. These values reflect the expected base pay range of new hires across all U.S. locations. Ultimately, your specific range and offer will be based on several factors, including relevant experience, performance, and work location. Your Talent Professional can share this role's range details for your local geography during the hiring process. In addition to a competitive base pay, employees in this role may be eligible for incentive compensation. Incentive compensation is not guaranteed. While we strive to provide competitive offers to successful candidates, new hire compensation is negotiable.

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