Application architect

This is a hybrid role in our Newton, MA office and requires onsite work 3 days a week.

We’re looking for a Back-end Architect to lead the design and evolution of our cloud-native systems, with a strong focus on Google Cloud Platform (GCP) , AI integration (Gemini/Vertex AI) , and modern back-end technologies like Python (FastAPI) and MongoDB . Responsible for the creation, maintenance and management of technology solutions that are aligned with business needs, reflects best practices and increase option value for the organization. Makes high-level design choices focused on manageability, scalability, usability, resiliency, availability, security, and/or safety for the software structure, protocols, and algorithms. Determines coding, development tools, validation, and standards compliance requirements. Collaborates with management, product owners, and project managers to evaluate the feasibility of requirements and determine priorities for development. Performs pathfinding, surveys technologies, participates in standards committees and presents at external and internal events. Interacts with multiple technologists in the company to influence architectures and optimize/customize software offerings. This is a hybrid role based in our Newton, MA office, offering the opportunity to shape the future of our digital platforms and mentor a global team across the U.S. and India.

Bright Horizons is trusted by families and employers around the world for high-quality child care and early education, back-up care, and workplace education. We partner with some of the world’s best companies to provide services that help employees perform their best and support families to thrive both personally and professionally.

What you will be doing:

• Architect and modernize scalable, secure, and AI-ready back-end systems.

• Provide technical leadership on design, development, and execution of AI-ready back-end systems.

• Lead the design of cloud-native applications using GCP services (Cloud Run, Cloud Functions, Cloud Storage, etc.).

• Integrate AI/ML capabilities using Vertex AI and Gemini models into back-end workflows.

• Develop and use relevant industry standards and domain information models to satisfy functional and non-functional requirements and achieve compliance with mandated standards/guidelines.

• Participate in proposing new technical architectures and solutions to improve and enhance existing architectures.

• Determine scope and provide level of effort estimates for project tasks and related activities, and match required skill sets to task requirements and allocate team resources appropriately.

• Provide technical architecture subject matter expertise and services for new and existing projects.

• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to distributed development teams.

• Define and enforce coding standards, architectural patterns, and best practices.

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to align technology with business goals.

• Evaluate emerging technologies and propose innovative solutions.

• Ensure systems meet high standards of resiliency, scalability, observability, and security.

• Drive DevOps practices and CI/CD automation for efficient delivery pipelines.

• Conduct or facilitate collaborative data modeling activities among multiple stakeholders.

• Support the business development efforts where data architecture and analysis requirements are defined.

• Communication

  • Facilitate team and client meetings effectively.

  • Hold regular status meetings with project team.

  • Keep project team well informed of changes within the organization and general corporate news.

  • Effectively communicate relevant project information to superiors.

  • Deliver engaging, informative, well-organized presentations.

  • Resolve and/or escalate issues in a timely fashion.

  • Understand how to communicate difficult/sensitive information tactfully.

• Teamwork

  • Consistently acknowledge and appreciate each team member's contributions.

  • Effectively utilize each team member to his/her fullest potential.

  • Motivate team to work together in the most efficient manner.

  • Keep track of lessons learned and share those lessons with team members.

  • Mitigate team conflict and communication problems.

• In conjunction with the CIO and IT leadership team, enhance IT best-practices, policies and methodologies as part of the Bright Horizons IT Transformation to a world-class IT organization and partner with the business.

• Travel as required.

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or a related field

• 6+ years of experience in software architecture and back-end development

• Experience with Google Cloud Platforms or AWS, including architecture design and cost optimization

• Experience with Python and FastAPI for building high-performance APIs

Preferred Skills:

• Cloud certification highly preferred

• Strong experience with Google Cloud Platform (architecture, cost optimization)

• Deep knowledge of MongoDB (schema design, indexing, performance tuning)

• Familiarity with Angular and Ionic (optional)

• Expertise in microservices, event-driven architecture, and Domain-Driven Design (DDD)

• Proficiency in DevOps tools and practices (CI/CD, monitoring, IaC)

• Experience with AI/ML integration (Vertex AI, Gemini, LLMs, RAG, OpenAI)

• Experience with customer-facing and mission-critical applications

• Strong leadership and mentoring skills across distributed teams

• Excellent communication and collaboration with technical and non-technical stakeholders

• Experience with requirements gathering, usability, and configuration management

• Ability to oversee multiple projects and drive technical decisions

• Strong problem-solving, decision-making, and learning agility

Be part of a community where people grow, futures are shaped, and lives are changed. We offer the rewards, opportunities, and support you deserve because making a difference goes both ways. We’re changing the world of work and family, and it starts with you. At Bright Horizons, you’re the difference

The annual salary for this position is between $126,000 - $170,000 annually. The pay range listed here is what Bright Horizons in good faith anticipates offering for this job opening. Actual compensation offers within this range will depend on a variety of factors including experience, education and training, certifications, geography, and other relevant business or organizational factors.

This position is also eligible for a bonus.

Benefits:

Bright Horizons offers the following benefits for this position, subject to applicable eligibility requirements:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance

• Paid vacation, sick, holiday, and parental bonding leave

• 401(k) retirement plan

• Long-term and short-term disability insurance

• Life insurance

• Money-saving discounts and financial planning tools

• Tuition assistance and education coaching

• Caregiving support and resources for the children and adults in your family · Learn more at

Life at Bright Horizons:

At Bright Horizons, you’re more than your job title — you’re the difference. Whether you’re nurturing a child’s first steps or supporting the systems behind the scenes, your work creates real impact. We’re a community that celebrates individuality, invests in your growth, and supports your whole self. Because when you thrive, so do the children, families, and clients we serve. Join us and help build a brighter future — for yourself and for others.

Bright Horizons provides equal opportunity in all aspects of employment and does not discriminate against any individual on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, national origin, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected under federal, state, or local law. Bright Horizons complies with the laws and regulations described in the following federal government resources: Know Your Rights, Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and Employee Polygraph Protection Act (EPPA).

If you require assistance or a reasonable accommodation in completing these application materials or any aspect of the application and hiring process, please contact the recruitment helpdesk at 855-877-6866 or [email protected]. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.

At this time, Bright Horizons will not sponsor an applicant for employment authorization/visa for this position

Life at Bright Horizons:

Our people are the heart of our company. Because we’re as committed to our own employees as we are to the children, families, and clients we serve, our collaborative workplaces are designed to grow careers and support personal lives. Come build a brighter future with us.

Bright Horizons provides equal opportunity in all aspects of employment and does not discriminate against any individual on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, national origin, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected under federal, state, or local law. Bright Horizons complies with the laws and regulations described in the following federal government resources: Know Your Rights, Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and Employee Polygraph Protection Act (EPPA).

If you require assistance or a reasonable accommodation in completing these application materials or any aspect of the application and hiring process, please contact the recruitment helpdesk at 855-877-6866 or [email protected]. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.