Lead Software Architect (Node.js)

Founded in Switzerland in 1968, Zühlke is owned by its partners and located across Europe and Asia. We are a global transformation partner, with engineering and innovation in our DNA. We're trusted to help clients envision and build their businesses for the future – to run smarter today while adapting for tomorrow’s markets, customers, and communities. Our multidisciplinary teams specialise in tech strategy and business innovation, digital solutions and applications, and device and systems engineering. We excel in complex, regulated spaces including health and finance, connecting strategy, tech implementation, and operational services to help clients become more effective, resilient businesses.

If you share our values and want to do the best work, for the right reasons, we can offer you the chance to do it on a global scale and play a real role in shaping our exciting journey.

As an Architect & People Lead, you’ll design and deliver impactful software solutions for international clients—80% hands‑on in architecture and development, 20% dedicated to leading and coaching a local team in Portugal. You’ll drive full‑cycle product delivery using Node. js and modern Java
Script/Type
Script frameworks, with a strong focus on quality, scalability, and Dev
Ops practices.

This role is perfect for someone who thrives on technical challenges, enjoys mentoring others, and embraces AI and modern architectures to build future‑ready systems. Join us and help grow a strong engineering culture while staying close to both people and code.

Important: Please submit all application documents (CV, cover letter) in English only.

How You'll Make an Impact

• In a dual role as Architect and People Lead (distribution: 80% architect / 20% people lead), you combine technical expertise with leadership skills.
• As a team leader in the Software Excellence practice in Portugal, you act as an enabler, coach, and first point of contact for your team members.
• You are responsible for engineering purpose‑built business applications for international clients, from concept to production.
• You take over the technical management of teams from kick‑off to rollout and collaborate closely with project management.
• Through your leadership skills, you inspire and mobilise your team and customers alike.
• You embrace AI as an opportunity to create software in a better way.

What’s Important to Us

• Deep expertise in Node. js and its ecosystem (Express. js, Nest
  JS, or similar frameworks).
• Practical experience in designing software systems using concepts like Domain‑Driven Design (DDD) and hexagonal architecture.
• Ideally, you already have leadership experience and see yourself as an inspiring leader and coach.
• Strong knowledge of Java
  Script/Type
  Script and modern web development frameworks (React, Angular, or Vue).
• Familiarity with microservices, API design, and cloud‑native architectures.
• A Dev
  Ops mindset: you understand that high code quality, CI/CD, and automated testing are crucial.
• University degree in Computer Science or equivalent experience.
• Fluent in English.
• Willingness to travel abroad occasionally to clients.
• While we offer very flexible working arrangements, we’d like to occasionally meet you in our office to participate in a lively community.

What we offer

• Work life blend: we offer a safe & healthy workplace, with flexible working hours and the possibility to work from home.
• Profit share scheme: In addition to your annual salary, you may receive a profit share defined by the company’s success in the previous year.
• Global and Diverse Zühlke community: witness how colleagues from all our 16 offices across the globe come together to create a unique, positive and inclusive work culture, learning from one another at annual team camps, and celebrating year‑end parties and other local festivities.
• Committed to development: we are committed to the growth of our people and are investing in your development. We’re empowering you to build the skills you need to make a positive impact, both personally and for our clients, today and in the future.

How to Apply

Please note: Applications must be submitted in English only to be considered.

For benefits that we offer please go to this link.

If you feel you don't meet all the requirements, we are still happy to get to know you, learn more about your ambitions and ideas and look forward to receiving your application!

We welcome people from all backgrounds, regardless of their gender, personality, national origin, race, religion, colour, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, marital status, disability or veteran status.