Jr Architect / Platform Lead

Title: Junior Architect / Platform Lead (Internal Developer Platform)
Job Type: Contract-to-Hire
Contract Length: TBD
Pay Range: $90 - $120/hr
Start Date: ASAP
Location: Remote (Must work EST timezone)

About the Opportunity:

Our client, a leader in software and technology, is looking for a skilled Junior Architect / Platform Lead (Internal Developer Platform) to join their brand new team. This project involves defining and building a new internal platform that enables non-engineers to create secure, scalable, AI-powered applications (“vibe-coded apps”) for internal business use cases. This is a high-impact role that requires a self-motivated professional who can hit the ground running and deliver results quickly.

Key Responsibilities & Deliverables:

This role is focused on the successful completion of specific tasks and deliverables. Your responsibilities will include:

• Lead the technical selection and implementation of the self-service tool (e.g., Backstage) that will serve as the foundation of the platform.
• Design the end-to-end platform architecture (portal, CI/CD, and runtime), ensuring components integrate cleanly and scale.
• Define architecture patterns, security baselines, and governance models for apps, including establishing authentication and authorization patterns (SSO, RBAC).
• Guide safe usage patterns for AI/LLM-enabled applications, specifically focusing on data handling and access controls.
• Partner closely with engineers to review implementation and translate policies and risk concerns into clear, enforceable technical standards.

Required Skills & Experience:

We are looking for someone with a proven track record of successful contract engagements. The ideal candidate will have:

• Strong system design skills, with the ability to think across identity, infrastructure, data, and application layers.
• Experience with cloud platforms and CI/CD pipelines, including knowledge of how systems are deployed and operated.
• Solid understanding of authentication, authorization, and common application security patterns.
• Ability to translate policies and risk concerns into clear, enforceable technical standards.
• Demonstrated ability to work autonomously and manage your own time effectively to meet project goals.
• Strong communication skills to provide clear and concise status updates to the project team.

Highly Valued Qualifications (Nice to Have):

• Experience with internal developer platforms (Backstage, Port, etc.).
• Familiarity with OWASP or NIST security frameworks and how they map to real systems.
• Exposure to GitOps, SBOMs, or software supply chain security concepts.
• Experience with AI/LLM applications or governance considerations.

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