About Company
Northwestel is the largest telecommunications provider in Canada’s North, serving residents and businesses in the Yukon, Northwest Territories, Nunavut, northern British Columbia, and the High Arctic. With a rich history spanning decades, we are dedicated to connecting communities, fostering innovation, and delivering reliable communication services across vast and challenging landscapes. Our mission is to empower the North through advanced technology, ensuring our customers have access to the best connectivity solutions available. We are a team of passionate professionals who thrive on overcoming unique challenges and making a tangible impact on the lives of those we serve. Join us and be a part of shaping the future of connectivity in the Canadian North, where your contributions will directly support vital infrastructure and services.
Job Description
We are seeking a highly experienced and visionary Lead Software Architect to join our dynamic Technology & Innovation team in Whitehorse, Yukon. This critical role involves leading the design, development, and implementation of cutting-edge software solutions that power Northwestel’s extensive telecommunications infrastructure and customer-facing platforms. As a Lead Software Architect, you will be instrumental in defining the architectural vision, ensuring scalability, security, and maintainability across our diverse portfolio of applications. You will collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including product management, engineering, and operations, to translate complex business requirements into robust, innovative, and sustainable technical designs. This is an unparalleled opportunity to make a significant impact on connectivity in Canada’s North, working with state-of-the-art technologies in a unique and rewarding environment. Your expertise will guide our development efforts, driving continuous improvement and ensuring that our systems are future-proofed against evolving technological landscapes and growing demands. If you are passionate about building resilient and high-performing software systems, thrive in a collaborative, challenging, and impactful setting, and are eager to contribute to connecting remote communities, we encourage you to apply.
Key Responsibilities
- Define and evolve the architectural roadmap for Northwestel's software systems, aligning with strategic business objectives and emerging industry trends.
- Lead the design and architectural reviews of new and existing software solutions, ensuring adherence to best practices, scalability, security, performance, and maintainability.
- Provide technical leadership and mentorship to development teams, guiding them through complex architectural decisions, problem-solving, and implementation challenges.
- Collaborate with product owners, business analysts, and engineering teams to translate high-level business requirements into detailed technical specifications and architectural designs.
- Evaluate and recommend new technologies, tools, and methodologies to enhance our software development capabilities, infrastructure, and overall efficiency.
- Establish and enforce architectural standards, patterns, and guidelines across the organization to ensure consistency and quality.
- Oversee the integration of various software components and systems, ensuring seamless data flow, interoperability, and robust communication.
- Identify, assess, and mitigate architectural risks and technical debt, proposing strategies for remediation and prevention.
- Act as a key technical liaison between various departments, external partners, and vendors, facilitating effective communication and collaboration.
Required Skills
- Extensive experience (10+ years) in software development, with at least 5 years in a Lead Architect or similar senior architectural role.
- Proven expertise in designing and implementing complex, scalable, and secure enterprise-level software systems.
- Deep understanding of architectural patterns (e.g., Microservices, Event-Driven Architecture, Monolithic), cloud-native principles, and distributed systems.
- Proficiency in multiple programming languages (e.g., Java, Python, C#, Go) and modern development frameworks.
- Experience with cloud platforms (e.g., AWS, Azure, Google Cloud) and containerization technologies (e.g., Docker, Kubernetes).
- Strong knowledge of database technologies (SQL and NoSQL) and advanced data modeling techniques.
- Familiarity with CI/CD pipelines, DevOps practices, and automated testing strategies.
- Excellent communication, leadership, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to articulate complex technical concepts to diverse audiences.
- Ability to mentor and guide technical teams effectively, fostering a culture of innovation and continuous improvement.
Preferred Qualifications
- Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related technical field.
- Experience in the telecommunications industry or with large-scale network management systems.
- Certifications in relevant cloud architecture (e.g., AWS Certified Solutions Architect, Azure Solutions Architect Expert).
- Extensive experience with Agile/Scrum methodologies and tools.
- Knowledge of cybersecurity best practices, data privacy regulations, and compliance standards relevant to telecommunications.
- Experience with performance tuning and optimization of large-scale applications.
Perks & Benefits
- Competitive salary and performance-based bonuses.
- Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plan.
- Defined contribution pension plan to support your financial future.
- Generous paid time off, including vacation and statutory holidays.
- Relocation assistance for eligible candidates moving to Whitehorse.
- Opportunities for professional development, training, and continuous learning.
- A collaborative, inclusive, and supportive work environment.
- The chance to live and work in the beautiful Canadian North, with unparalleled outdoor recreational opportunities.
- Employee assistance program offering confidential support and resources.
- Company-sponsored social events and community involvement initiatives.
How to Apply
If you are a visionary Lead Software Architect looking to make a significant impact in a unique and challenging environment, we encourage you to apply! Please click on the application link below to submit your resume and cover letter. We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.