Job Description

Software Architecture Manager

Design the architecture behind systems that keep the food supply moving.

Who We Are:

United States Cold Storage owns and operates one of the most complex temperature-controlled logistics networks in North America. Every day, our systems coordinate the storage and movement of food at national scale across a network of state-of-the-art distribution centers, including multiple highly automated warehouse facilities.

We continue to advance our core warehouse and logistics platforms. Our current focus is on modular, event-driven, API-first and cloud architectures. We continue to enhance reliability and accelerate engineering productivity by strengthening our SRE and AI practices. This is a large investment in innovation to continue to drive operational excellence at our facilities.

If you want to build durable systems that operate in the physical world at scale, this is that opportunity.

The Role:

The Software Architecture Manager will lead the team defining how we build software at US Cold Storage.

You will set the architectural standards for our cloud-native warehouse management system.
You will guide our transformation from monolith to event-driven microservices.
You will define the patterns that deliver sub-second, always-on performance at scale.
You will own the guardrails every development team ships behind.

This is both a hands-on technical role and a practice-building leadership position.

You will report to the Associate Director of Software Development and collaborate with a team of architects, technical leads and software development managers.

What You Will Own:

• Build and lead a team of software architects.
• Drive transformation from legacy monoliths to distributed microservices while minimizing operational disruption.
• Ensure systems follow modern architectural principles, including cloud native design.
• Define architectural standards to achieve SLA’s while ensuring scalability, reliability, and observability.
• Partner with QA, Platform, and SRE to ensure architecture enables operational excellence.
• Establish and enforce architectural standards across development teams.
• Communicate tradeoffs, risks, and long-term implications clearly to leadership.
• Evaluate emerging patterns and technologies pragmatically.

Technical Environment

• Azure and OCI Multi-Region Infrastructure
• Java monoliths and microservices with Spring and Hibernate
• Infrastructure as Code using Terraform and Ansible
• GitHub Actions and Jenkins for CI/CD
• Observability using Dynatrace and Azure Monitor

We are embarking on a multi-year modernization effort running alongside live operations.

What We Are Looking For:

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or related field. Master’s degree preferred.
• 10+ years of software development experience with an emphasis in Java.
• 3+ years of software architecture or management experience.
• Experience modernizing monolithic applications to microservices architectures.
• Deep expertise in distributed systems, cloud-native design, observability, and performance tuning.
• Strong grounding in architectural principles including 12-factors.
• Proven ability to set measurable objectives, track progress, and communicate status, risks, and resource needs.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to tailor the message to the appropriate audience.

Preferred Experience:

• Relational and non-relational database design and tuning.
• Logistics, warehousing, or supply chain platforms.

Why This Role is Different:

You will build US Cold’s first dedicated architecture team:

• You will build and lead our first architecture team
• You will have the authority to create and enforce architectural standards
• Your decisions will have an immediate impact on our teams, our systems, and the warehouse personnel who use them

You will architect systems that stand the test of time.

Compensation & Structure:

• Salary Range: $160,000.00-$190,000.00/yr.
• Location: Hybrid, Camden, NJ
• Reports to: Associate Director, Software Development
• Travel: Less than 20%

Operational Context:

This role is primarily technical and office-based, with occasional interaction in operational environments depending on system needs.

Benefits Include:

If annual hours are attained, these benefits may apply. Medical, Dental, Vision, Prescription, Legal Insurance, Pet Discount, Critical Illness, Accident Insurance, Hospital Indemnity, Long Term Care + Permanent Life Insurance, Identity Theft Protection, Short Term Disability Insurance, Long Term Disability Insurance, Supplemental Disability Insurance, Basic Life Insurance, Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance, Supplemental Life Insurance, Supplemental Spouse Life Insurance, Child Life Insurance, Loan Solution, Health Flexible Spending Account, Dependent Flexible Spending Account, Telemedicine, Virtual Primary Care, Prescription Savings Plan, Prescription Specialty Copay Assistance Program, Weight Management Program, Chronic Condition Management, Care Navigator Program, 24/7 Nurse Line, Expert Medical Opinion, Precious Additions Maternity Program, Health Advocacy, Employee Assistance Program, Digital Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Digital Physical Therapy, Behavioral and Mental Health Platforms, Auto and home discount program, Secure Travel Protection, Discount Programs, 401(k) plan, Education Assistance, Paid Time Off, Referral program & Commuter Benefit (NJ ONLY).

Physical & Operational Context:

May require physical effort associated with using the computer to access information, or occasional standing, walking, lifting needed to carry out everyday activities. Effective communication, vision, and hearing are essential for safety and productivity. Operate scanners, tablets, radios, phones, computers, and other essential equipment as required. Additional work hours may be requested by management to help manage employee production, projects, and/or special events. Engage in frequent personal interaction and communication. Attend in-person meetings and/or training on a regular basis. Possess strong arithmetic and reading skills. Follow verbal instructions, written instructions, and company policies. Work independently and coordinate with others. Fast-paced environment, managing stress and meeting productivity standards.

Additional Information:

Job functions may vary based on the area of operation. This description outlines the most common tasks required for the job. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential duties. This job description may not encompass all tasks necessary to complete the role.