Application Architect - AI Applications

Job Description

As an Application Architect – AI Applications, you will design and guide the delivery of secure, scalable Gen AI applications across frontend, backend, cloud, and agentic AI layers. You will set application architecture direction, guide Fullstack Developers, stay hands-on with ReactJS and Python when needed, and work closely with Cloud and AI Engineers to deliver production-ready solutions using RAG, LLMOps, CI/CD, and multi-cloud platforms such as AWS, Azure, and GCP.

For the Senior / Tech Lead level, the role expands to owning architecture across multiple engagements, setting technical guardrails, mentoring delivery teams, and representing application architecture in client and cross-practice discussions.

This role sits within NCS AI Central's (AIC) Forward Deployed Engineering (FDE) model — the combined capability that takes AI solutions from proof-of-concept through to hardened production systems. As Application Architect, you own the application-layer architecture for Gen AI applications and provide technical leadership to the Fullstack Developer, operating across both fast-moving FDE engagements (POC/POV, pilot deployments) and steady-state system development and maintenance work.

Note on role boundaries: this role owns application-layer architecture (frontend, backend, API design, code quality) and is distinct from the AI Architect (who owns overall AI/ML solution design and model strategy) and the Solution Architect (who owns the client-facing end-to-end solution and commercial fit). Where model/data strategy decisions are needed, this role partners with and defers to the AI Architect rather than owning that scope independently.

What will you do?

1. Application Architecture & Technical Leadership

• Own end-to-end application architecture for Gen AI applications, ensuring alignment between frontend, backend, and cloud/agentic infrastructure design.
• Contribute to solution architecture decisions in collaboration with the Cloud Engineer/Architect, ensuring API contracts, service boundaries, and data flow are cloud- and agent-aware.
• Define and enforce architectural guardrails — microservices boundaries, security-by-design, and scalability patterns — across the Fullstack Developer's deliverables.
• Follow governance and microservices development guiding principles, ensuring best practices are adhered to across the development cycle.
• Demonstrate ownership of technical designs and component test execution aligned to functional specifications.

2. Code Quality & Governance

• Perform code scans, code reviews, and provide critical suggestions for fixes and improvements (e.g. SonarQube, Fortify).
• Follow coding standards and write necessary tests.

3. Full-Stack Development & Technical Direction

• Guide and review frontend (ReactJS) and backend (Python/FastAPI/Flask) development delivered by the Fullstack Developer role.
• Remain hands-on and able to build directly in ReactJS or Python/FastAPI/Flask when needed — particularly to unblock the team or prototype new patterns.
• Set technical direction on API design, state management, and integration patterns.

4. Generative AI & Multi-Cloud Delivery

• Work with foundation models — OpenAI GPT, Claude, and China-origin models such as DeepSeek, Qwen, and GLM where relevant — via cloud AI services (AWS Bedrock, Google Vertex AI, or Azure AI Foundry) selected to fit the client's cloud posture, including Singapore Government Commercial/Hosting Cloud (GCC/HCC) environments.
• Deploy and manage applications using AWS, Azure, or GCP services as required by the client's environment, rather than defaulting to a single cloud provider.
• Implement RAG pipelines and apply advanced prompting techniques; handle and optimise generative AI prompts to improve output quality.
• Apply agentic orchestration frameworks (e.g. AWS Strands, LangGraph, or Semantic Kernel depending on the client's cloud) alongside LLMOps practices, to design multi-step agent workflows and improve production reliability.
• Support fine-tuning of AI application performance in production systems.
• Set up CI/CD pipelines for deployment, using configuration management and build automation tools.

5. FDE & Development/Maintenance Coverage

• During FDE engagements: rapidly architect and prototype the application layer for POC/POV work, making fast, pragmatic design calls that still hold up if the engagement scales.
• During system development & maintenance engagements: own the application architecture's ongoing integrity — code quality, technical debt, and design consistency — as the Fullstack Developer ships changes.

6. Collaboration

• Engage technical and non-technical stakeholders to support successful project delivery.
• Work closely with the Cloud Engineer/Architect and AI Engineer to keep application, infrastructure, and model layers aligned.

Role Levels We Are Hiring For

We are hiring at two levels for this role. All responsibilities above apply to both; the distinction is in scope of ownership, years of experience, and seniority of judgement expected.

Application Architect – AI Applications

• 3–5 years of relevant experience. Executes application architecture decisions for one engagement at a time, hands-on in ReactJS/Python, under guidance from a Senior Application Architect or AI Architect.
• Contributes to but does not independently set architectural guardrails or technical standards across engagements.

Senior Application Architect / Tech Lead – AI Applications

• 6–7+ years of relevant experience, including at least 2 years hands-on in AI/Gen AI application development. Owns application architecture end-to-end across multiple engagements and provides technical leadership to Fullstack Developers.
• Sets architectural guardrails and coding standards, represents application architecture in client and cross-practice conversations, and mentors Application Architects and Fullstack Developers.

Qualifications

The ideal candidate should possess:

• 6–7+ years of relevant IT experience overall; 2+ years hands-on in AI/Gen AI application development (see Role Levels for the split between Application Architect and Senior/Tech Lead).
• Professional-level cloud certification on at least one major provider (e.g. AWS Solutions Architect, Azure Solutions Architect Expert, Google Professional Cloud Architect, or equivalent).
• Strong technical skills in ReactJS and Python, with the ability to both build solutions and architect/guide others' implementation.
• Proficiency in related frontend tools (Redux, TypeScript).
• Working knowledge of application/solution architecture principles — API design, service boundaries, scalability, and security-by-design.
• Experience with cloud services on at least one major provider (AWS: Lambda, ECS, API Gateway, RDS, DynamoDB; Azure: Functions, App Service, Azure AI Foundry; GCP: Cloud Run, Vertex AI); exposure to Singapore Government cloud (GCC/HCC) a strong plus.
• Familiarity with containerization (Docker, ECS/Container Apps/Cloud Run).
• Familiarity with foundational models and generative AI frameworks, including agentic orchestration frameworks and LLMOps.
• Working knowledge of the China AI model/tech stack (e.g., DeepSeek, Qwen, GLM).
• Decent command of English, as the role involves working with generative AI prompts and refining them for specific tasks.

Preferred Qualifications

• Infrastructure-as-code experience (Terraform).
• Exposure to cloud security best practices, including within Singapore Government GCC/HCC environments (IM8, VAPT).
• Previous experience working on Government projects.
• Generative AI Leader or Machine Learning Engineer certification, or equivalent.

Tech Stack (Illustrative)

• Languages: Python, TypeScript/JavaScript
• Frontend: ReactJS, Redux
• Backend: FastAPI/Flask
• Cloud: AWS, Azure, GCP (including Singapore Government GCC/HCC where applicable)
• Generative AI: OpenAI GPT, Claude, DeepSeek/Qwen/GLM (China stack), AWS Bedrock/Azure AI Foundry/Google Vertex AI, AWS Strands/LangGraph
• Code Quality: SonarQube, Fortify
• CI/CD: Configuration management and build automation tooling

Additional Information

Why Join NCS?

Grow with Us

• Work on cutting-edge AI products that shape the future of technology
• Collaborate with talented, passionate teams across research, engineering, and design
• Access continuous learning opportunities and career development pathways

Make an Impact

• Transform AI research into products that solve real problems for clients and users
• Drive innovation in a leading Technology Services Firm with regional presence
• Contribute to building a better future through responsible, human-centred AI

Thrive in Our Culture

• Experience a human-to-human approach where relationships and collaboration matter
• Be part of Team NCS, where bold ideas meet practical execution
• Enjoy a supportive environment that values diversity, inclusion, and respect

We are driven by our AEIOU beliefs—Adventure, Excellence, Integrity, Ownership, and Unity—and we seek individuals who embody these values in both their professional and personal lives. We are committed to our Impact: Valuing our clients, Growing our people, and Creating our future.

Together, we make the extraordinary happen.

Learn more about us at ncs.co and visit our LinkedIn career site.

Scam Alert

We are aware of fraudulent job offers and impersonations of NCS recruiters. Phishing emails using convincing-looking but fake addresses are also commonly used to trick you into thinking that they come from official NCS sources.

Please note that all official communications from NCS Group will only be sent from verified corporate email addresses. Always check that the sender’s email address ends with the genuine NCS domain, @ncs.com.sg and beware of extra letters, symbols or misspellings. When in doubt, verify the sender’s identity by contacting us at [email protected].