Job Title: Software Architect (Website Planning & Technical Roadmap)

Job Title: Software Architect (Website Planning & Technical Roadmap) We are looking for an experienced Software Architect to design, project manager, and define the technical implementation of a custom photo printing platform, replacing our current backend system. This role is focused on architecture, planning, project management, oversight, and technical roadmap creation — not hands-on development. Project Overview We are rebuilding our existing platform into a WordPress + WooCommerce-based system with a custom backend layer to support advanced photo printing workflows. Reference platform for product scope and experience: https://orders.persnicketyprints.com/ Our goal is to create a fully integrated customer experience (no external redirects), with seamless ordering, photo/product customization, and fulfillment. Important Requirement (Read Carefully): As part of your application, you must recommend your proposed tech stack upfront. We want to compare different approaches and ensure we select technologies that are: Scalable and future-proof Widely supported (not niche or outdated) Capable of handling performance and growth Key Objectives: Replace existing backend (Photo Finale) with a WordPress-based custom solution. Separate out Wordpress plugin integration from the full implementation of the backend to prevent all our IP from being required to publish open source. Create the ability to sell the backend product as a service to other photo shops in the future for a monthly fee. Centralize the entire customer journey on-site Enable custom photo product creation and ordering (prints, books, cards, etc.) Maintain and migrate: Product catalog (~398 SKUs) Customer data Print credits and gift cards Existing workflows and photo projects Integrate with on-site photo printing software (Print 50) and in-store printing machines Use WooCommerce for cart, checkout, and payments Leverage off-the-shelf tools where possible to reduce cost Architecture Requirements: Design a custom backend layer (via plugin or external service) to extend WordPress/WooCommerce Create a separate wrapper/plugin + external software system to avoid WordPress licensing constraints Ensure compatibility with: Photo processing workflows Print fulfillment systems (Noritsu printers via Print 50) Plan for integrations: Google Analytics, Google Merchant, Google Ads, AdSense Facebook Pixel and other tracking tools Future Considerations (Must Be Accounted For in Architecture) SaaS platform potential (multi-tenant system for other print shops) App Development for Mobile Use AI-based photo review and quality detection AI-assisted print preparation Frame and wall gallery design tools (including dropshipping integration) Expansion into advanced product customization tools Definition of Success: Wordpress/Woocommerce plugin fully handles checkout, cart, and payments and integrates with a proprietary backend Customers remain on-site throughout the entire journey Admin team can manage and fulfill orders internally Photo workflows integrate seamlessly with printing machines All products, credits, and customer data are successfully migrated. Migration process is planned for Platform is scalable and ready for future SaaS and AI features Security is paramount, and strong security features are built into the backend. Scope of Work: Define end-to-end system architecture Recommend and justify complete tech stack Design data structure and migration approach Create architecture diagrams and technical documentation Break down system into phases (MVP vs future roadmap) Identify risks, dependencies, and scalability considerations Provide guidance on infrastructure, hosting, and deployment Required Experience: 3+ years experience in software architecture or senior system design Proven experience with: WordPress + WooCommerce customization Complex system integrations API design and backend architecture Experience designing scalable platforms and custom workflows Familiarity with cloud infrastructure (AWS, GCP, Azure) Strong documentation and communication skills Important Requirement (Read Carefully) You must include your recommended tech stack upfront in your proposal and explain: Why you chose it Tradeoffs vs alternatives How it supports scalability and future features Expectations - Information Worker - 24 hr response to inquiries (Monday-Friday) - Deadlines will be set for work products and agreed upon deadlines will be kept. - 24 hr Response & resolution of small change requests (Monday-Friday) Notification in advance of any times you will not be available to respond within 24 hours (holidays) or meet a deadline. Also, notification in advance if you are sick and will not be able to hit a deadline. When a deadline is missed we'll re-negotiate any deadlines and try to resolve difficulties that prevented hitting the deadline. - Weekly updates on the project with drafts submitted to show progress. - 3 Day Draft Completion: Each iteration will be completed within 3 days from assigning the list of changes that need to be addressed. Application Instructions Start your proposal with the word “Blueprint” to confirm you’ve read the full description. Also include: Relevant projects or systems you’ve designed Sample architecture documents (if available) Your availability