Principal Architect IP

We are transforming IP research workflows into an AI-first, scalable platform architecture. Our mission is to convert complex, knowledge-intensive IP workflows—prior art search, patent landscape analysis, FTO, competitive intelligence—into modular, explainable, enterprise-grade AI systems.

The Principal Architect will partner directly with the Head of Engineering to design and implement the core technical backbone of our next-generation AI platform. This is a foundational architecture role with long-term platform ownership and significant technical influence. As Principal Architect, you will define and build the core architecture that enables:

• AI-native workflows powered by semantic retrieval and reasoning
• Modular backend services and scalable APIs
• Modern, high-performance frontend experiences
• Secure, enterprise-grade multi-cloud deployments
• Robust DevOps and MLOps foundations

You will operate at both strategic and hands-on levels—designing long-term architectural blueprints while actively shaping core systems in their earliest stages. This role is not about maintaining existing systems. It is about laying the foundations for a platform that will define the next decade of the firms growth.

The role is based at our India office location.

We are transforming IP research workflows into an AI-first, scalable platform architecture. Our mission is to convert complex, knowledge-intensive IP workflows—prior art search, patent landscape analysis, FTO, competitive intelligence—into modular, explainable, enterprise-grade AI systems.

Key Competencies

• Customer focus –core to your role is to provide an excellent service to clients.

• Judgement – the firm relies on your judgement in the services supplied to clients. This has to be delivered as per the client’s needs, technically excellent, commercial and on time.

• Technical expertise – strong technical leadership and maintaining your technical competence is critical to ensuring clients receive an excellent service.

• Networking – you are skilled at developing and growing relationships in the wider market and leveraging these to create opportunities for the business.

• Communication – you communicate both verbally and in writing in an engaging and purposeful manner.

• Leadership – you will help drive and lead a culture of continuous development, be able to identify future talent and act as mentor and sponsor.

Skills & Experience

• 12-15+ years in software engineering, with significant architectural ownership
• Experience building large-scale, distributed, enterprise-grade systems
• Proven track record designing modern backend and frontend architectures
• Strong experience in multi-cloud deployments
• Polyglot programming capability (e.g., Python, Java, Go, Node.js, TypeScript, or similar)
• Deep knowledge of distributed systems, APIs, and microservices architecture
• Experience with containerization and orchestration (Docker, Kubernetes)
• Infrastructure-as-code and CI/CD pipeline design
• Strong understanding of data storage systems (SQL, NoSQL, search indexes)
• Experience integrating AI/ML components into production systems
• Familiarity / experience with the following is highly desirable:
• Vector databases, Semantic search systems, RAG architectures, Knowledge graphs
• Experience in IP analytics, patent intelligence, legal tech, or other knowledge-intensive domains
• Exposure to patent data formats, citation networks, IPC/CPC classifications
• Experience building explainable systems in regulated or high-trust environments

• Educated to degree level or equivalent.

• A relevant qualification (such as qualifications in IP) is desirable, although not essential.