Lead Architect (Java/PHP)

TL;DR

Lead Architect (Java/PHP): Designing and modernizing complex enterprise systems with an accent on monolith-to-microservice transitions and event-driven architecture. Focus on implementing DDD, managing cognitive load via Team Topologies, and coaching senior engineering teams to achieve architectural self-sufficiency.

Location: Must be based in or able to work from Lisbon, Portugal (Hybrid)

Salary: €28,000–€52,000 per year

Company

hirify.global is a specialized IT consulting partner with 18 years of experience, focused on agile, people-centered solutions for a fast-moving market.

What you will do

• Design service boundaries aligned with business value streams.
• Lead legacy modernization efforts using strangler-fig patterns.
• Create and maintain architecture documentation including C4 models, ADRs, and reference architectures.
• Apply Team Topologies to reduce cognitive load and transition teams away from gatekeeping.
• Coach senior engineers to foster self-sufficiency and technical excellence.
• Influence architectural decisions across the organization through change leadership.

Requirements

• Must be based in or able to work from Lisbon, Portugal
• 5+ years of experience in architecture or lead-level roles.
• Hands-on expertise with Java (Spring Boot, Quarkus) and PHP.
• Deep knowledge of API-first design, event-driven systems, and DDD.
• Experience with both relational and NoSQL databases.
• Proven ability to influence without authority and lead technical change.

Culture & Benefits

• No-term full-time employment contract.
• Health insurance and meal allowance via Coverflex.
• 22 days of paid vacation plus 4 additional days for holidays and birthday.
• Annual training budget for professional development.
• Team-oriented culture within a growing international environment.
• Access to challenging projects with significant growth opportunities.