Software Architect
NextLink Labs · United States
- Hybrid
- Full-time
- $150,000 / year
- United States
Job highlights
- Architect and build web applications using Ruby on Rails.
- Consult with clients on complex technical challenges.
- Design scalable, service-oriented, and microservices solutions.
- Identify and resolve technical debt in legacy systems.
- Mentor engineers and establish best practices.
About the role
About NextLink Labs
NextLink Labs is a fast-growing technology firm focused on helping companies build, scale, and secure their software applications and organizations. We believe that in order for companies, teams, and products to succeed, technology must be utilized effectively and securely. We pride ourselves on helping our clients win in their respective industries.
As a remote-first company with team members spread out all across the country, NextLink Labs continuously works to ensure our work environment is comfortable and collaborative. We also aim to maintain an inclusive work environment where everyone can thrive professionally and live full lives outside of work.
Position Summary
NextLink Labs is seeking a versatile Software Architect to join our Custom Software Development consulting team. The ideal candidate brings deep expertise in Ruby on Rails alongside a broad generalist's toolkit, and is comfortable moving across languages, frameworks, and problem domains as our client portfolio demands. This person will architect and build web applications for our clients while also contributing strategically to elevate our consulting practice.
Key Responsibilities
As a Software Architect with strong Ruby on Rails experience and a generalist's instincts, you will design and implement robust systems across a variety of client tech stacks, build end-to-end solutions, make architecture decisions to alleviate technical debt in legacy applications, and engage in technical conversations with clients to understand their pain points and shape the right solution. You'll mentor engineers and help establish internal best practices that raise the bar across the team. If you're a self-motivated engineer who enjoys ownership and variety, we'd love to talk.
What You'll Do
- Design, develop, and maintain scalable web applications and APIs using Ruby on Rails
- Move fluently between Rails and other frameworks/languages depending on the client engagement
- Architect and implement service-oriented and microservices-based solutions
- Communicate directly with clients to give demonstrations and receive feedback
- Review legacy software applications to identify and remediate technical debt
- Work in an agile team environment with weekly stand ups
- Engage in code reviews of your teammates' work
- Contribute to internal NextLink Labs documentation and code templates
- Engage in thought leadership through blog posts, webinars, and other marketing materials
- Assist Sales and Marketing by joining scoping calls and providing technical input
Required Qualifications
- 5+ years of experience building production web applications with Ruby on Rails
- Strong understanding of ActiveRecord, Rails conventions, background job processing (Sidekiq/Resque), and database optimization
- Experience designing and implementing RESTful APIs and integrating with third-party services
- Proficiency with relational databases (PostgreSQL preferred)
- Experience with GO & Kafka is desired.
- 3+ years of experience with at least one additional major framework or language (e.g., Django/Python, Node.js, Java)
- Experience with modern frontend frameworks (React, Vue, or similar)
- Ability to work independently and take ownership across a variety of software engagements
- Ability to scope individual features and full software projects based on client requests
- Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal skills with the ability to build buy-in, facilitate compromise, and guide client expectations
- Strong unit-testing and debugging abilities (RSpec, Minitest, or equivalent)
- Proficient understanding of version control systems (Git)
- Understanding of accessibility and security compliance
- Understanding of fundamental design principles behind a scalable application
- Strong problem-solving, analytical, and strategic thinking abilities, capable of making well-informed and timely decisions
Nice to Have
- Experience with DevOps tooling (AWS, Terraform, Docker, Kubernetes)
- Experience modernizing or migrating legacy Rails monoliths
- Previous consulting or client-facing engineering experience
Why NextLink Labs
- We're a technical consulting firm that values clarity, ownership, and outcomes
- Competitive salary with bonus structure
- Remote-first culture, flexible work schedule, and autonomy to do your best work
- Healthcare (Medical, Dental, and Vision) and 401k
- Responsibility and autonomy at a growing company
- The opportunity to build something big and exciting
- Paid parental leave
Visa Sponsorship
At this time, we are unable to provide visa sponsorship or take over sponsorship for existing visas. Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States without the need for current or future sponsorship.
Key skills/competency
- Software Architect
- Ruby on Rails
- System Design
- API Development
- Technical Debt
- Client Communication
- Agile Methodologies
- Mentorship
- Scalability
- Problem Solving
Skills & topics
- Software Architect
- Ruby on Rails
- System Design
- API Development
- Technical Debt
- Client Consulting
- Scalable Applications
- Microservices
- Agile
- Mentorship
- AWS
- Docker
- Kubernetes
- PostgreSQL
- Go
- Kafka
- Python
- Node.js
- Java
- React
- Vue
- Git
- RSpec
- Minitest
- Sidekiq
- Resque
How to get hired
- Tailor your resume: Highlight 5+ years of Ruby on Rails experience and expertise in API design, database optimization, and modern frontend frameworks.
- Showcase generalist skills: Emphasize experience with other languages/frameworks (Python, Node.js, Java) and a willingness to adapt to diverse client needs.
- Demonstrate client-facing abilities: Provide examples of excellent communication, problem-solving, and ability to guide client expectations.
- Prepare for technical discussions: Be ready to discuss system architecture, technical debt remediation, and best practices in scalability and security.
- Highlight leadership potential: Showcase experience mentoring engineers and contributing to internal best practices or thought leadership.
Technical preparation
Behavioral questions
Frequently asked questions
- What are the key technical skills required for the Software Architect role at NextLink Labs?
- The Software Architect role at NextLink Labs requires a strong foundation in Ruby on Rails, including expertise in ActiveRecord, background job processing, and database optimization. You should also be proficient in designing and implementing RESTful APIs, working with relational databases (PostgreSQL preferred), and have experience with modern frontend frameworks. A generalist's toolkit with 3+ years in another major language/framework like Python, Node.js, or Java is also crucial.
- What does 'remote-first' mean for a Software Architect at NextLink Labs?
- A remote-first approach at NextLink Labs means that remote work is the primary mode of operation. While team members are spread across the country, the company focuses on creating a comfortable, collaborative, and inclusive virtual work environment. You'll have the flexibility to work from anywhere in the country, with an emphasis on work-life balance.
- How does NextLink Labs handle technical debt for its clients?
- As a Software Architect at NextLink Labs, you will play a key role in addressing technical debt. This involves reviewing legacy software applications, identifying areas for improvement, and architecting solutions to alleviate these issues. Your ability to make sound architectural decisions to resolve technical debt is a critical part of this client-facing role.
- What opportunities are there for professional development as a Software Architect at NextLink Labs?
- NextLink Labs offers significant growth opportunities. You'll have the chance to work on diverse client projects, utilize a broad range of technologies, and contribute strategically to elevate the consulting practice. The role also involves mentoring junior engineers and engaging in thought leadership through content creation, allowing you to expand your expertise and influence.
- Does NextLink Labs offer visa sponsorship for the Software Architect position?
- No, NextLink Labs currently does not offer visa sponsorship or take over sponsorship for existing visas for the Software Architect role. Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States without the need for current or future sponsorship.
- What is the expected experience level for a Software Architect at NextLink Labs?
- NextLink Labs is looking for a Software Architect with a minimum of 5 years of experience building production web applications with Ruby on Rails. Additionally, at least 3 years of experience with another major framework or language is required, along with experience in API development, database optimization, and modern frontend frameworks.