Principal Software Architect

Guidelight Health is a cutting-edge behavioral healthcare company dedicated to transforming lives through high-quality PHP (Partial Hospitalization Program) and IOP (Intensive Outpatient Program) services. As a newly launched organization, we are on a mission to redefine the behavioral health industry by delivering exceptional care, utilizing state-of-the-art facilities, and prioritizing the well-being of those we serve. At Guidelight Health, we are building a team of passionate, forward-thinking professionals who are eager to be part of this exciting journey to reshape mental health care. Join us in making a lasting impact!

Description:

Title: Principal Software Architect

Reports to: Director of IT

Department/Location: Remote

FLSA Status: Exempt

Travel Requirement: Minimal

Guidelight Health provides insurance-based intermediate levels of care that are structured, transformative, personalized and accessible. Guidelight is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We're passionate about fostering an environment where everyone, irrespective of their race, gender, sexual orientation, or background, feels valued and included.

Summary:

The Principal Software Architect is a key strategic and technical leader within the organization, responsible for designing and overseeing the implementation of scalable, durable, and innovative technology solutions. This role acts as the connective tissue between business strategy and technical execution, ensuring that technology initiatives align with organizational goals while maintaining technical excellence and fostering innovation across engineering teams. 

Responsibilities:

• Software Engineering & Delivery:
  • Design, build, and maintain high-quality software solutions to support business initiatives.  Design and implement enterprise integrations across both internal systems and third-party platforms using standardized APIs (or other appropriate integration architectures) with an effort to reduce point-to-point integrations through reusable platform services. 

• Architecture & Solution Design: 
  • Lead the design and development of enterprise-level architecture frameworks and solutions, balancing current needs with long-term scalability, maintainability, and performance.  

• Strategic Technology Leadership:
  • Provide thought leadership in architectural direction and technology strategy. Develop architectural roadmaps that support future business expansion and innovation. 

• Technology Evaluation & Implementation:
  • Evaluate and recommend technologies, whether custom-built or off-the-shelf, that align with business goals. Ensure that solutions are implemented effectively and responsibly. 

• Cross-Functional Collaboration:
  • Serve as a technical liaison between engineering, product, and business stakeholders to ensure clear understanding of goals, constraints, and trade-offs. Facilitate communication and alignment across departments. 

• Standards & Governance:
  • Define and enforce architectural standards, guidelines, and frameworks to promote consistency and quality across the technology landscape. 

• Continuous Innovation:
  • Stay informed of emerging technologies and industry trends. Identify opportunities to leverage innovations—particularly in cloud computing, AI/ML, and modern software frameworks—to improve business outcomes. 

• Risk Management:
  • Identify architectural risks and develop mitigation strategies. Balance innovation with reliability, security, and compliance. 

Required Qualifications:

To be successful in this role, the Principal Software Architect must demonstrate: 

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to think both strategically and tactically.
• A "big picture" mindset combined with deep technical knowledge, capable of connecting high-level business strategy with hands-on engineering solutions.
• Ability to drive cohesion across diverse technology teams and domains.
• Continuous learner mindset—curious, adaptive, and proactive in expanding technical and business knowledge.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills; able to engage with stakeholders at all levels—from C-suite executives to engineers.
• Proven leadership ability, capable of influencing without authority and earning trust across the organization. 

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor's or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field. 
• 10+ years of experience in software development, including 3+ years in a software architecture or principal engineering role. 
• Deep experience with cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, or GCP), microservices, distributed systems, and enterprise-scale application development.
• Strong understanding of DevOps practices, CI/CD pipelines, security, and infrastructure as code.
• Familiarity with agile methodologies and cross-functional team environments.