Principal Architect - Product and Platform Engineering

Role Overview: We are looking for a senior Enterprise Architect to drive technology strategy, architecture, and solutioning across multiple customer accounts in a services environment. The ideal candidate will have strong experience in application development, data & analytics, cloud transformation, and platform engineering, with a solid background in:AWS cloudBackend in Python & microservicesFrontend using Angular/ReactData and analytics platformsGood at AI/MLKafka or equivalent event streaming platformExperience in the Pharma / Life Sciences domain is highly preferred, but strong Enterprise Architects from other industries will also be considered.Key Responsibilities1. Enterprise & Solution ArchitectureOwn the end-to-end architecture across multiple accounts, ensuring solutions are aligned with client’s business goals and enterprise standards.Define and maintain reference architectures, blueprints, and guardrails for:Application architecture (services, APIs, integration, UI)Data & analytics (data models, pipelines, governance, analytics platforms)Cloud (AWS landing zones, environments, platforms, security, operations)Drive modernization and transformation roadmaps (e.g., monolith to microservices, on-prem to cloud, legacy to modern UI).2. App Dev, Data & Analytics, Cloud & Platform EngineeringGuide architecture for Python-based microservices and Angular front-end applications, with focus on scalability, security, and performance.Architect data and analytics solutions (data pipelines, DWH/lake, reporting/BI, analytical models), ensuring data quality and governance.Define cloud-native architectures on AWS: containerization, serverless, API gateways, IAM, observability.Provide direction for platform engineering – common services, reusable components, DevOps practices, and platform capabilities.3. AI & Advanced CapabilitiesIdentify opportunities to apply AI / ML / advanced analytics within client ecosystems (e.g., predictive models, intelligent automation, recommendation systems).Collaborate with AI/ML teams to ensure architecture readiness (data availability, pipelines, model deployment, MLOps).Evaluate and recommend tools & frameworks for AI-enabled applications and analytics.4. Integration & Event-Driven ArchitecturesDefine integration patterns leveraging REST APIs, messaging, and event streaming.Provide guidance on Kafka (or similar) for event-driven architectures, data streaming, and decoupled services.Ensure robust design for reliability, observability, and fault tolerance in distributed systems.5. Account / Stakeholder ManagementAct as the primary architecture owner across assigned accounts, working closely with:Client architecture & technology leaders (CIO/CTO/Enterprise Architects)Delivery & program leadershipProduct owners and business stakeholdersConduct architecture reviews, governance forums, and steering sessions with clients.Translate business objectives into architecture roadmaps and actionable initiatives.6. Pre-Sales, Solutioning & ConsultingLead solution architecture for RFPs / RFIs / proposals across the accounts:Solution approach, tech stack, reference architecture, sizing & estimation inputsRisk identification and mitigation strategiesSupport consulting engagements (assessments, discovery workshops, target-state architecture definitions).Partner with sales/account teams to identify new opportunities and shape value propositions.7. Governance, Standards & MentoringEstablish and enforce architecture standards, patterns, and best practices across teams and accounts.Review critical designs, code and implementation patterns for compliance with NFRs (security, performance, scalability, reliability).Mentor and guide solution architects, technical architects, and senior engineers; build an architecture community within the accounts.Required Skills & Experience18+ years of IT experience, with substantial time in architecture roles (Enterprise / Solution / Platform Architect).Strong experience in services/consulting organizations, handling multi-account or large multi-program environments.Deep hands-on expertise in:Cloud: AWS (designing cloud-native architectures; understanding of core services – compute, storage, networking, security, data, integration).Backend: Python, microservices architecture, REST APIs, integration patterns.Frontend: Angular-based enterprise applications.Data & Analytics: Data platforms, batch/stream processing, BI/analytics consumption.Working knowledge / exposure to:AI / ML concepts and tools (model lifecycle, data requirements, integration into apps).Event streaming platforms such as Kafka (preferred) or equivalent.Strong understanding of non-functional requirements (security, compliance, performance, availability, resilience) and how to design for them.Experience defining and driving technology roadmaps, modernization programs, and cloud transformations.Proven experience engaging with senior client stakeholders (Director/VP/CxO).Nice-to-HavePharma / Life Sciences domain experience – familiarity with common processes, regulations, and data sensitivities.TOGAF or similar enterprise architecture certification.AWS Architect certification(s).Experience with DevOps toolchains, CI/CD, container orchestration (e.g., Kubernetes).Experience in global delivery models with distributed teams.