Saas Chief Architect

**Sparkrock is helping Ionic Partners to hire for this opening.**Are you an expert Cloud professional who thrives on solving complex technical debt challenges and building order from chaos? Are you ready to build the technical foundation for a next-generation platform that will serve millions of users globally? Do you want to work for a best-in-class, 100% remote organization with the brightest talent from around the world? If so, then keep readingAt Ionic Partners, we invest in B2B software and software development companies that build products that create real customer value. We focus on driving growth and operational improvements to help accelerate companies over the second chasm.We are looking for a SaaS Chief Architect who will lead the architectural transformation of multiple SaaS products while building the technical foundation for a next-generation platform that will serve millions of users globally. Unlike typical architect roles focused on greenfield projects, you'll be the transformation champion who modernizes legacy acquisitions into cutting-edge, scalable SaaS solutions while maintaining business continuity.If you are highly motivated and love thriving in ambiguity, taking ownership, and enjoying deep-diving into hard problems, this is the place for you**Responsibilities**- Design and document comprehensive solution architectures for multiple SaaS products- Lead infrastructure transformation initiatives from legacy to modern cloud-native architectures- Create and maintain detailed technical documentation, including network diagrams, data flow diagrams, and system architecture diagrams- Build and optimize CI/CD pipelines to enable rapid, reliable deployments across multiple products- Conduct thorough infrastructure audits and create actionable remediation plans- Write detailed product specifications, bridging business requirements and technical implementation- Implement cost optimization strategies across multi-cloud environments (AWS, Azure, GCP)- Champion DevOps transformation and operational excellence initiatives- Mentor engineering teams on architectural best practices and design patterns- Collaborate with acquisition teams to assess and integrate newly acquired products- Establish architectural governance and technical standards across the organization**Requirements**:- Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or related field- 12+ years in software architecture with at least 5 years in senior architectural roles- Expert-level knowledge of cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP) and multi-cloud strategies- Deep understanding of microservices, containerization (Docker, Kubernetes), and serverless architectures- Expertise in CI/CD tools (Jenkins, GitLab CI, GitHub Actions, ArgoCD)- Strong knowledge of Infrastructure as Code (Terraform, CloudFormation, Pulumi)- Experience with cost optimization tools and FinOps practices- Proficiency in multiple programming languages (Python, Go, Java, JS, C#)- Expert in system design and distributed systems architecture- Strong understanding of security best practices and compliance frameworks- Experience with observability and monitoring solutions- Exceptional communication skills to translate complex technical concepts to stakeholders- Strong leadership and influence without authority- Ability to work across time zones for global team collaboration- On-call rotation participation for critical infrastructure issues**Nice to have**- Certifications: AWS/Azure/GCP Solutions Architect, TOGAF- Experience with M&A technical due diligence- Background in specific compliance requirements (SOC2, HIPAA, GDPR)- Experience with legacy technology stacks requiring modernization- Published articles or speaking experience on architectural topics**Benefits**- 100% remote and global- Flexible work hours and asynchronous culture- Tailored coaching and career development support- Access to expert webinars and learning sessions- Engaged virtual community: coffee chats, book clubs, trivia nights, and moreWe believe in the power of people, platforms, and processes to transform the world. We envision a global economy that uses business as a force for good and creates opportunity for all. Our mission is to create a better, more equitable world through the power of software.Our companies build mission-critical B2B software that customers across the globe rely on to run their businesses. We embrace a growth mentality where we continuously learn, improve, and innovate to drive better and better outcomes. We take customer success seriously and believe that each and every one of us has an important role to play in making sure that our customers are genuinely excited to partner with us. We are a fully remote company and have been building our culture this way from day 1. This means that we get to work with the best people from around the world and can do so while living and growing in the communities we love. It also means t