Principal Architect – Middleware & Cloud Technologies

Who We Are

Applied Materials is a global leader in materials engineering solutions used to produce virtually every new chip and advanced display in the world. We design, build and service cutting-edge equipment that helps our customers manufacture display and semiconductor chips – the brains of devices we use every day. As the foundation of the global electronics industry, Applied enables the exciting technologies that literally connect our world – like AI and IoT. If you want to push the boundaries of materials science and engineering to create next generation technology, join us to deliver material innovation that changes the world. 

What We Offer

Location:

You’ll benefit from a supportive work culture that encourages you to learn, develop, and grow your career as you take on challenges and drive innovative solutions for our customers. We empower our team to push the boundaries of what is possible—while learning every day in a supportive leading global company. Visit our Careers website to learn more. 

At Applied Materials, we care about the health and wellbeing of our employees. We’re committed to providing programs and support that encourage personal and professional growth and care for you at work, at home, or wherever you may go. Learn more about our benefits. 

Principal Architect – Middleware & Cloud Technologies Key Responsibilities

• Own, design, and build middleware and API platforms with strong hands‑on coding.
• Develop Python‑based microservices (FastAPI) and modern APIs using REST, gRPC (Protobuf), and GraphQL.
• Lead enterprise modernization from legacy, stored‑procedure‑centric systems to cloud‑native, API‑driven architectures.
• Drive GenAI‑assisted development for code generation, refactoring, SQL optimization, and productivity.
• Partner with cloud/infrastructure teams on Kubernetes / OpenShift, CI/CD, scalability, observability, and performance.
• Lead resolution of complex production issues across performance, data, and integration layers.
• Mentor budding engineers through hands‑on coding, pairing, design sessions, and code reviews.
• Act as a technical liaison to align architecture with stakeholder needs and delivery outcomes.

Strong Hands‑On Coding Requirements (Mandatory)

• Writes production-grade code regularly (this is not a review-only architect role).
• Personally implements core services, critical features, and PoCs.
• Hands-on in debugging, performance tuning, and incident/RCA fixes.
• Writes/optimizes complex SQL (CTEs, dynamic queries) on modern databases.
• Contributes to CI/CD, deployment readiness, and operational improvements.
• Practices pair programming and deep code walkthroughs, especially with junior engineers.
• Uses AI developer tools hands-on in day-to-day engineering work.

Required Qualifications

• 15+ years of experience in software engineering with significant depth in architecture and distributed systems.
• Proven team management experience (led teams or multiple squads; ownership of delivery and technical outcomes).
• Expert-level hands-on experience in Python microservices (FastAPI).
• Strong API expertise: REST, gRPC, GraphQL.
• Deep experience in SQL performance tuning (Azure SQL, PostgreSQL, Oracle).
• Hands-on experience with GenAI development tools (Copilot, Claude, Codex, Databricks AI).
• Experience with cloud platforms and Kubernetes-based environments.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.

Leadership & Mindset (What We Look For)

• Highly motivated self-starter with strong ownership and bias for action.
• Leads by example, builds trust with engineers, and drives execution.
• Comfortable operating in ambiguity and making pragmatic decisions.

Qualification:

• 15+ years experience
• Must have managed teams

Additional Information

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Relocation Eligible:

Applied Materials is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, citizenship, ancestry, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, veteran or military status, or any other basis prohibited by law.