Application Architect – (Python, AWS, GenAI & Distributed Systems) – 100% Remote

Application Architect – (Python, AWS, GenAI & Distributed Systems) – 100% RemoteOptomi, in partnership with a private equity focused consulting firm, is seeking an Application Architect to fulfill a contract-to-hire position for a client located in NYC. This individual will help define and scale a modern application ecosystem supporting both internal platforms and AI-enabled SaaS products. This individual will establish architecture standards, guide system design decisions, and ensure applications are scalable, maintainable, and aligned with long-term business objectives.The ideal candidate brings deep experience architecting modern Python-based, cloud-native applications in AWS environments and can influence engineering direction through collaboration and technical leadership. This role is focused on defining how applications should be built across the organization, with the ability to thoughtfully evaluate where AI-driven solutions make sense versus where traditional application architectures are more appropriate.What the Right Professional Will Enjoy:Opportunity to shape the architecture strategy for a rapidly growing AI and SaaS product ecosystemWorking in a modern, cloud-first environment with minimal legacy tech debtExposure to cutting-edge AI initiatives, financial analytics platforms, and enterprise SaaS productsHigh visibility and collaboration across Product, Engineering, Data, Cloud, Security, and Executive Leadership teamsAbility to influence engineering standards, architectural governance, and long-term platform directionJoining a highly entrepreneurial organization where architects are expected to lead through both strategy and executionBuilding scalable systems that directly impact private equity clients and CFO organizationsApply Today If Your Background Includes:8+ years of experience in application architecture, software architecture, or senior-level software engineering rolesStrong experience architecting modern Python-based applications, APIs, and cloud-native services in AWS environmentsExpertise designing distributed systems, microservices, modular applications, APIs, and scalable integration patternsExperience establishing application architecture standards, reusable design patterns, and technical governance practicesStrong understanding of cloud-native application design, scalability, resiliency, and maintainability best practicesExperience guiding engineering teams through architecture alignment and technical decision-making without direct authorityAbility to evaluate architectural tradeoffs between speed, reuse, scalability, and long-term maintainabilityExperience supporting SaaS platforms, enterprise applications, or product-oriented environmentsExposure to AI-enabled applications, LLM integrations, or modern AI application patterns preferredAbility to evaluate when AI-driven solutions are appropriate versus when traditional application architectures are the better solutionStrong communication skills with the ability to explain architecture concepts to both technical and non-technical stakeholdersExperience collaborating across Product, Engineering, Cloud, Data, and Security organizationsBachelor’s degree requiredRESPONSIBILITIES:Architecture Standards & GovernanceDefine application architecture standards, engineering patterns, reusable frameworks, and reference designs across the organizationEstablish best practices around APIs, service boundaries, modularity, scalability, and system maintainabilityReview and guide major solution designs to ensure alignment with target-state architecture principlesDrive consistency across internally developed and client-facing applicationsApplication & System Design LeadershipGuide architecture decisions for modern cloud-native and AI-enabled applicationsPartner closely with Product, Engineering, Data Architecture, Cloud Architecture, and Security teams to align technology initiativesHelp engineering teams determine where AI-enabled solutions provide meaningful business value and where traditional software approaches are more appropriateEvaluate technical tradeoffs between speed, flexibility, scalability, reuse, and operational complexitySupport roadmap planning by identifying architectural dependencies, risks, and technical investment opportunitiesTechnical Leadership & EnablementInfluence engineering direction through collaboration and technical leadership rather than direct authorityMentor engineering teams on architecture best practices, system design, and application qualityParticipate in architecture reviews and design review processes for high-impact initiativesDocument and evolve application standards as the technology portfolio continues to scaleStrategic Platform EvolutionHelp shape the long-term application architecture strategy for growing a SaaS and AI product ecosystemEnsure applications are designed with scalability, observability, reliability, and maintainability in mindPromote architectural consistency and reuse across multiple teams and initiativesCollaborate with leadership to align technical architecture with business goals and organizational growth