Staff Cloud Architect
About this role
Robots and Pencils builds applied AI systems and enterprise co-workers designed to integrate directly into real-world business operations. The team focuses on creating production-ready solutions across cloud, data, and machine learning domains with a strong emphasis on AWS ecosystems and rapid delivery.
As a Staff Cloud Architect, you will lead the architectural design and technical strategy for complex, multi-domain client engagements. Your work involves shaping scalable cloud infrastructure, building robust data pipelines, and designing production-grade AI and machine learning workloads. You will operate as a delivery-embedded leader who defines standards, resolves critical technical escalations, and partners closely with engineering and client stakeholders.
This position suits pragmatic engineers who combine deep technical expertise with a hands-on approach to problem-solving. Ideal candidates bring significant architecture experience, a commitment to engineering craft, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment where systems move from conception to production in a matter of weeks.
What you will do
- Define technical strategy and lead architectural design across cloud, data, and AI systems for end-to-end client engagements.
- Design AWS-native and hybrid cloud solutions utilizing microservices, serverless components, containers, and event-driven architectures.
- Architect data platforms encompassing data warehouses, lakes, and batch or streaming pipelines using tools like Snowflake, Spark, and Kafka.
- Build production-ready AI and machine learning infrastructure including model serving, MLOps pipelines, feature stores, and LLM applications.
- Establish and enforce infrastructure as code, continuous integration, and DevOps standards across cross-functional teams.
- Mentor junior and mid-level engineers while serving as a primary technical escalation point for complex integration challenges.
- Partner with client and internal leadership to align technical decisions with broader business priorities and compliance requirements.
What you need
- Minimum of 8 years of software engineering experience with at least 3 years focused on architecture or technical leadership roles.
- Deep expertise in AWS cloud platforms and multi-domain system design.
- Strong background in microservices, serverless functions, containers, and event-driven systems.
- Proficiency with infrastructure as code and CI/CD pipelines such as Terraform, CloudFormation, or GitHub Actions.
- Demonstrated experience designing production-grade AI and machine learning systems including LLMs, MLOps, and model serving tools.
- Solid understanding of networking, security, identity management, and compliance frameworks in cloud environments.
- Strong software engineering skills with proficiency in languages like Python and experience building APIs.
- Demonstrable usage of AI-forward development assistants like Claude and Cursor.
Nice to have
- Multi-cloud architecture experience including working knowledge of Azure or GCP
- Cloud certifications beyond AWS such as Azure or GCP certifications
- Enterprise architecture certifications like TOGAF
- Experience with AI ethics or responsible AI frameworks
Benefits
- Paid time off
- Medical insurance
- Dental insurance
- Vision insurance
- 401(k) to eligible employees
Skills and tech stack
Questions candidates ask
Where is this job located?
This position is remote, with applications restricted to candidates based in the United States and Canada.
What is the compensation range for this role?
The salary range for this role is $111,000 to $153,000 CAD, though final compensation is determined by factors such as relevant experience, qualifications, and geographic location.
What kind of tech stack will I be working with?
You will work primarily with AWS-native and multi-cloud environments, Kubernetes, Terraform, various data platforms like Snowflake and Kafka, and modern AI/ML tooling including SageMaker, Hugging Face, and LLMs.
What level of experience is required?
Candidates must have at least 8 years of software engineering experience, including a minimum of 3 years in architecture or technical leadership roles.
What benefits are included?
Eligible employees receive a comprehensive package that includes paid time off, medical, dental, and vision insurance, and a 401(k) plan.
The application is on the official Robots and Pencils careers page.
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