Application Architect

As an Application Architect at SGS, you will oversee the technical integrity of corporate IT applications, ensuring development activities align with our company and industry best practices. Key responsibilities include validating technical designs, managing development estimation processes, and coordinating with service delivery managers on technical debt reduction plans. You will also play a crucial role in resolving critical production incidents and improving application management and deployment processes.

To qualify for the Application Architect role at SGS, candidates should hold a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in IT or Computer Science. You need to have a thorough understanding of the software delivery life cycle and must possess at least 5 years of experience in full stack web application development using Microsoft technologies. A deep familiarity with modern development methodologies like Agile and DevSecOps is essential, along with broad multi-technology knowledge including .Net C#, Angular, and Java.

SGS is committed to maintaining high standards in application development through the guidance of the Application Architect. This vital role ensures compliance with reference standards and best practices defined by our Enterprise Architecture and Security departments. Methodologies for secure development, including the use of SAST and SCA tools, are integrated into the development processes to deliver safe and reliable applications.

Yes, having experience with cloud technologies is important for the Application Architect position at SGS. Familiarity with Azure technologies is particularly beneficial, as it aligns with current trends in application deployment and management. This knowledge will help you improve application environments and deployment processes while ensuring they meet operational requirements.

Working as an Application Architect at SGS, you can expect a flexible schedule and a hybrid work model that accommodates both remote and in-office collaboration. You’ll be part of a dynamic and multinational team, allowing for a rich exchange of ideas and experiences. SGS encourages continuous learning and career growth, providing access to educational opportunities that support your professional development.

When answering this question, highlight your specific experiences in the software development life cycle, particularly in terms of how you've managed requirements through each phase. Discuss methodologies you've applied and any tools that helped you streamline processes. Emphasize how you can bring this knowledge to ensure the application projects at SGS run smoothly and efficiently.

In your response, focus on your understanding of design quality assurance and your familiarity with industry standards and security best practices. Share examples of how you've validated technical designs in past roles and discuss any tools or frameworks you’ve used for security assessments. This shows your proactive approach to merging quality with security.

Outline a specific project, the challenges faced, and the steps you took to navigate through difficulties. Be sure to mention teamwork, resource management, and how you involved stakeholders to align on project goals. This will illustrate your problem-solving skills and your ability to work collaboratively within an international team environment.

Discuss the importance of clear communication and setting expectations up front when collaborating with vendors. Share your strategies for managing vendor performance and ensuring compliance with SGS standards. Including examples of past experiences is advantageous as it demonstrates your capability to maintain control over project quality even when working externally.

In your answer, emphasize your systematic approach to incident management, discussing tools and protocols you use to resolve issues swiftly. Talk about your experience in coordinating with IT teams to troubleshoot and restore services promptly. This question allows you to showcase not only your technical skills but also your ability to remain calm under pressure.

Highlight the technologies you're proficient in that match the requirements for the Application Architect role. Focus particularly on .Net C#, Angular, and SQL Server, explaining how your expertise allows you to deliver applications that meet the business needs of SGS. Mention your adaptability to learn new technologies as well.

Discuss specific changes you’ve implemented to streamline deployment processes and the impact those changes had on efficiency and quality. Include metrics if possible, as this provides tangible evidence of your capabilities. This question evaluates your understanding of application lifecycle management, a crucial skill for the Application Architect role.

Talk about your prioritization strategies, having clear communication with stakeholders, and using project management tools to keep track of progress. Highlight the importance of transparency and adaptability for dealing with changes in client requirements or project timelines. This shows your organizational skills and flexibility as an architect.

Share your experiences working within an Agile framework, focusing on specific practices such as iterations, sprints, and stakeholder reviews. Discuss how Agile methodologies have improved project delivery and team collaboration in your previous roles. This conveys your familiarity and commitment to modern software development practices.

Outline your approach to assessing technical debt in legacy systems, including documentation review, performance metrics analysis, and stakeholder interviews. Focus on why addressing technical debt is essential and how this process aids in planning for upgrades or replacements. This demonstrates your strategic thinking and awareness of long-term application sustainability.