Job Overview

IBM is hiring an Application Architect specializing in open-source development for its Software Engineering organization in Kolkata. This is a professional-level opportunity for an experienced technology specialist who can design, integrate, and lead the implementation of software solutions built with open-source technologies.

The role focuses on turning business and technical requirements into efficient, maintainable application architectures. You will evaluate open-source programming languages, frameworks, libraries, and tools, select suitable technologies, and guide their integration into practical enterprise solutions. The position also involves close collaboration with developers, project managers, and other stakeholders to ensure that architecture decisions support business objectives and deliver sustainable outcomes.

As part of IBM Consulting, the role provides exposure to client-focused technology transformation initiatives and modern areas such as hybrid cloud and AI. The position follows a hybrid work arrangement in Kolkata, with travel of up to 20% or approximately one day per week.

Key Responsibilities

• Design application solutions using appropriate open-source programming languages, frameworks, libraries, and development tools.
• Translate business and technical requirements into scalable, efficient, and maintainable solution designs.
• Evaluate open-source technologies and determine how they can best support organizational objectives.
• Integrate multiple open-source technologies into cohesive application solutions.
• Work closely with developers, project managers, and business stakeholders to understand requirements and resolve architectural concerns.
• Guide solution implementation and help technical teams deliver applications effectively.
• Consider maintainability, scalability, integration, and long-term technology suitability when making architecture decisions.
• Provide technical direction during implementation and help teams address solution-level challenges.
• Contribute to technology decisions that balance organizational goals with stakeholder requirements.
• Stay informed about developments in open-source frameworks, libraries, cloud technologies, and modern software engineering practices.

Required Skills

Candidates should have strong experience designing and implementing software solutions using open-source technologies. A deep understanding of the technologies selected for a solution is important, along with the ability to integrate different components into an efficient application architecture.

The role requires solution architecture knowledge and the ability to assess whether an open-source approach is appropriate for a particular business or technical requirement. Candidates should be comfortable making technology decisions, explaining architectural choices, and guiding implementation.

Strong stakeholder collaboration is also essential. You should be able to communicate effectively with developers, project managers, and other stakeholders and translate different requirements into practical technical solutions.

Technical leadership experience is expected. Candidates should be capable of guiding implementation activities, supporting engineering teams, and maintaining focus on quality and effective delivery.

Preferred Skills

Experience with widely used open-source frameworks and libraries is beneficial because the role involves selecting and integrating open-source technologies. Knowledge of cloud computing is also valuable, particularly where cloud platforms need to work with open-source application components.

Familiarity with Agile development methodologies can help candidates collaborate effectively with software development teams and project managers. Experience working in client-facing or consulting environments can also be useful when balancing technical requirements with broader business objectives.

Education

A Bachelor's degree is required for this role. A Master's degree is preferred. The job is intended for professionals with a strong background in software engineering, application architecture, open-source development, or a closely related technical discipline.

Experience

The stated experience range is 8 to 10 years. Candidates should have substantial professional experience in software development, application architecture, open-source technologies, solution design, and technical implementation.

The position is suited to experienced professionals who can move beyond individual development tasks and contribute to architecture decisions, technology selection, integration planning, stakeholder discussions, and technical leadership.

Required Technologies

The core requirement is experience with open-source programming languages and tools. The job description does not mandate a specific programming language or framework, so candidates should demonstrate depth in relevant open-source technologies they have used to design and implement production software.

Relevant technical areas include open-source frameworks and libraries, cloud computing platforms, application integration, software architecture, and Agile development practices. Candidates should be able to explain how they selected and integrated technologies to create efficient and maintainable systems.

Soft Skills

Strong communication and stakeholder management skills are important for this Application Architect role. You will work with developers, project managers, and other stakeholders, so the ability to explain technical decisions in a clear and practical way is essential.

Analytical thinking, architectural judgment, collaboration, technical leadership, and problem-solving are also valuable. Candidates should be comfortable evaluating alternatives, understanding business objectives, guiding implementation, and communicating architecture decisions to different audiences.

Benefits of Working in this Role

This opportunity offers exposure to enterprise software architecture, open-source technologies, cloud integration, and technology transformation through IBM Consulting. The role can provide opportunities to work with diverse clients and technical teams while developing architecture and consulting capabilities. IBM also describes an environment focused on continuous learning, collaboration, experimentation, and career development.

Work Mode

This is a hybrid position. The listed work arrangement is hybrid, with the role based in Kolkata. Travel required is up to 20% or approximately one day per week, according to the job information.

Location

The position is based in Kolkata, West Bengal, India. The job is part of IBM India Private Limited and falls under Software Engineering. The standard shift is daytime.

Who Should Apply

This role is suitable for experienced Application Architects, Software Architects, Solution Architects, Senior Software Engineers, and other technology professionals with approximately 8 to 10 years of relevant experience.

Candidates should have practical experience with open-source development, solution design, technology integration, and technical leadership. Professionals who also understand cloud computing or Agile delivery can bring additional value to the role.

Career Growth

The position can support career growth toward senior solution architecture, enterprise architecture, technical leadership, and technology consulting roles. Experience gained through open-source architecture, cloud integration, stakeholder management, and client-focused technology transformation can help build a broader architecture career.

Application Advice

Update your resume to clearly show the open-source technologies, frameworks, libraries, and application architectures you have worked with. Highlight examples where you designed solutions, integrated multiple technologies, guided implementation, solved complex technical problems, or influenced technology decisions.

Be ready to discuss how you evaluate open-source options, design maintainable application architectures, integrate cloud technologies, collaborate with development teams, and align technical decisions with business requirements. Since this is a senior role, emphasize ownership, architecture decisions, stakeholder collaboration, and measurable outcomes rather than listing technologies alone.