Solution Architect - Contract
Stamford, Connecticut, (Hybrid) MUST BE onsite 2 days a week
Duration: multiple years
Start Date: ASAP
Job Overview:
We are seeking an experienced Solution Architect to design and implement innovative technology solutions that drive the bank's strategic objectives. The Solution Architect will play a critical role in aligning business goals with IT infrastructure, focusing on scalability, security, and optimal performance. You will collaborate with cross-functional teams including IT, business units, and external vendors to deliver solutions that enhance the banks digital transformation journey.
Key Responsibilities:
- Architectural Design: Design end-to-end solutions for banking systems, ensuring they meet business needs, scalability, performance, and security requirements.
- System Integration: Lead the integration of various systems, applications, and platforms across the banks technology landscape.
- Cloud Strategy: Define and implement cloud architecture solutions that support the banks move to cloud-based services (e.g., AWS, Azure, Google Cloud).
- Security Compliance: Ensure all architectural designs comply with security standards, regulations (such as PCI-DSS, FFIEC), and best practices.
- Stakeholder Collaboration: Work closely with business units to understand requirements and ensure that proposed solutions align with business goals.
- Technology Roadmap: Develop and maintain the technology roadmap, ensuring it aligns with both immediate and future banking needs.
- Vendor Management: Collaborate with third-party vendors and service providers to ensure the delivery of high-quality solutions.
- Documentation: Prepare detailed design documentation, solution blueprints, and reference architectures to guide development teams.
- Performance Optimization: Continuously evaluate existing systems for potential improvements, ensuring optimal performance and minimizing costs.
- Mentoring: Provide architectural guidance to development teams, ensuring best practices are followed in design and implementation.
Required Qualifications:
- Education: Bachelors degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Engineering, or a related field. A Masters degree is a plus.
- Experience:
- 7+ years of experience in IT architecture, solution design, or related fields, ideally within the banking or financial services industry.
- Proven experience designing and implementing complex enterprise solutions, including core banking systems, digital channels, and payment systems.
- Experience in cloud technologies (AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud), API design, and microservices architecture.
Technical Skills:
- Strong understanding of SOA, microservices, and API-driven architecture.
- Knowledge of core banking platforms (e.g., Temenos, Finacle, Fiserv).
- Experience with DevOps practices, CI/CD pipelines, and containerization (e.g., Docker, Kubernetes).
- Proficient in data architecture, database design, and data security principles.
- Expertise in integration technologies such as ESB, REST, SOAP, and messaging queues.