Software Architect

**Location:** Remote **Engagement Type:** Freelance / Contract (Upwork) **Experience Required:** 5–6+ Years (Mandatory) ## About the Role We are looking for an experienced Software Architect to help design and define the technical architecture for a modern SaaS platform. The ideal candidate will have strong expertise in backend architecture, database design, API integrations, cloud-native development, containerization, and scalable system design. You will work closely with the founders, product team, and engineering team to create a secure, scalable, and maintainable architecture that can support rapid growth. ## Key Responsibilities * Design end-to-end backend architecture for a cloud-based SaaS platform. * Define scalable microservices or modular architecture patterns. * Design and optimize PostgreSQL database schemas, indexing strategies, and data models. * Architect secure API frameworks, third-party integrations, and service communication models. * Design containerized deployment strategies using Docker and Kubernetes. * Define CI/CD architecture and deployment workflows. * Establish security, scalability, performance, and reliability best practices. * Produce architecture diagrams, technical specifications, and implementation guidelines. * Review engineering designs and provide architectural recommendations. * Guide the team on cloud infrastructure and application architecture decisions. * Participate in technical discussions and architecture reviews. ## Required Skills * 5–6+ years of software architecture and backend engineering experience. * Strong expertise in PostgreSQL database design and optimization. * Experience designing RESTful APIs and integrating third-party APIs. * Hands-on experience with Docker and containerized environments. * Experience with Kubernetes or equivalent orchestration platforms. * Strong understanding of cloud platforms such as AWS, Azure, or GCP. * Experience designing scalable, high-availability systems. * Strong knowledge of security architecture, authentication, authorization, and API security. * Familiarity with CI/CD pipelines and DevOps practices. * Ability to create architecture documentation and technical specifications. ## Preferred Qualifications * Experience architecting SaaS platforms. * Experience with AI/ML platform integrations. * Understanding of compliance and security frameworks such as SOC 2, ISO 27001, GDPR, or similar. * Experience with event-driven architectures, message queues, and distributed systems. * Prior startup experience is highly desirable. ## Deliverables * High-Level Architecture Design (HLD) * Low-Level Design (LLD) * Database Schema Design * API Architecture & Integration Framework * Containerization Strategy * Deployment & Infrastructure Architecture * Security Architecture Recommendations * Architecture Documentation & Diagrams ## To Apply Please include: 1. Your total years of architecture experience. 2. Examples of SaaS platforms you have architected. 3. Technology stack expertise. 4. Cloud platforms you have worked with. 5. Experience with PostgreSQL, Docker, Kubernetes, and API integrations. 6. Links to architecture diagrams, technical documents, GitHub, or portfolio (if available). 7. Your hourly rate and availability. We are looking for someone who can think strategically, challenge assumptions, and build a scalable architecture foundation that can support future growth. **Suggested Upwork Screening Questions:** 1. Describe the largest SaaS platform you have architected. 2. How would you design a multi-tenant SaaS architecture? 3. What PostgreSQL optimization techniques have you implemented? 4. How do you secure APIs in a distributed environment? 5. Describe your experience with Docker and Kubernetes in production. 6. Which cloud platform do you consider your strongest and why? 7. Share an architecture diagram or document from a previous engagement (redacted if necessary).