Sr. Solution Architect Core Payments Processing

Job description

<div>Job Title- Sr. Solution Architect - Core Payments Processing</div> <div><b>Duration:</b> 9 Months (initial budget through July 2026) potential for conversion if candidate/banking end client are mutually interested</div> <div>Client Location: Pittsburgh, PA</div> <p><b><u>Travel Requirements</u></b></p> <ul> <li>Light travel required; approximately <b>4 6 days/month </b>to Pittsburgh location</li> <li>Architects will meet with bank teams <b>in person every 2 3 weeks</b>, typically for <b>2 3 days per visit</b>.</li> <li>Travel is <b>billable and expensed</b> per the bank's travel policy (preferred hotels, flights, etc.).</li> </ul> <p> </p> <p><b><u>Client Overview</u></b></p> <p>A large, Pittsburgh-based bank has launched a confidential, multi-year transformation initiative to modernize its payments environment.

The current system is fragmented and built on legacy platforms.

The goal is to evolve into a cloud-native, resilient architecture that supports scalable growth in the payments business.

Rational Exponents (RE) conducted an initial assessment and was selected to lead the transformation program.

The engagement begins in <b>November 2025</b> and runs through <b>July 2026</b>, with potential for longer-term opportunities.</p> <p> </p> <p><b>Engagement Scope</b></p> <ul> <li><b>Program Launch & Stand-Up</b>: RE is responsible for initiating and structuring the transformation program.</li> <li><b>Workstream Leadership</b>: RE is providing key architectural resources across several workstreams to guide design, operations, deployment, and testing.</li> <li><b>Knowledge Transfer</b>: RE architects will work closely with bank teams to define what "good" looks like in modern payments architecture.</li> <li> <div><b>Collaboration</b>: RE resources will be embedded within bank teams, working alongside internal staff including Business Architects and Payment SMEs.</div> </li> </ul> <div> </div> <div><b>Job Summary</b></div> <div> </div> <div> We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Sr. Solution Architect to join our team, focusing on</div> <div>the core payments processing domain.

This role is crucial in defining the architectural vision and</div> <div>leading the technical design for our client's payment platforms.

The ideal candidate will be a</div> <div>technical leader who can bridge the gap between business requirements and technical solutions,</div> <div>ensuring our systems are secure, scalable, and resilient.</div> <div> </div> <div> <b>Key Responsibilities</b></div> <div> </div> <div><b>Lead Solution Design:</b> Architect end-to-end technical solutions for new features and</div> <div>enhancements to our client's core payments processing systems, including transaction</div> <div>routing, authorization, clearing, and settlement.</div> <div> </div> <div><b>Translate Business Needs: </b>Collaborate with product managers, business analysts, and</div> <div>stakeholders to understand business requirements and translate them into a clear,</div> <div>documented technical architecture and roadmap.</div> <div> </div> <div><b>Define Architectural Standards:</b> Define and enforce architectural patterns, principles, and</div> <div>best practices, ensuring solutions align with the overall enterprise architecture.</div> <div> </div> <div> <b>Provide Technical Leadership: </b>Act as a subject matter expert for core payments, providing</div> <div>guidance and mentorship to engineering teams on design, development, and implementation.</div> <div> Evaluate Technology: Research and evaluate new technologies, platforms, and third-party</div> <div>integrations to improve system performance, security, and scalability.</div> <div> </div> <div><b>Ensure Compliance and Security:</b> Design solutions that adhere to industry standards and</div> <div>regulations, including PCI DSS, ISO 20022, and other relevant security protocols.</div> <div> </div> <div><b>Troubleshoot and Optimize: </b>Analyse existing systems to identify deficiencies, recommend</div> <div>improvements, and troubleshoot complex technical issues to ensure optimal system</div> <div>performance and reliability.</div> <div> </div> <div><b>Create and Maintain Documentation:</b> Develop and maintain comprehensive architectural</div> <div>documentation, including solution diagrams, data flow diagrams, and design specifications.</div> <div> Collaborate and Communicate: Facilitate communication and collaboration among cross</div> <div>functional teams (e.g., engineering, DevOps, security, product) to ensure a shared</div> <div>understanding and successful project delivery.</div> <div> </div> <div> <b>Qualifications</b></div> <div> </div> <div> Educational Background: Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Engineering,</div> <div> or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.</div> <div> </div> <div><b>Experience:</b></div> <div> </div> <div> Minimum of 8+ years of experience in software development, with at least 5 years in a</div> <div>solutions or enterprise architect role.</div> <div> Proven experience in designing and building large-scale, distributed systems within the</div> <div>financial services or payments industry.</div> <div>Deep expertise in the core payments processing lifecycle, including authorization,</div> <div>settlement, and reconciliation.</div> <div> </div> <div> <b>Technical Skills:</b></div> <div> </div> <div>Strong knowledge of payment networks and standards (e.g., ISO 8583, ISO 20022,</div> <div>Wire, ACH, SWIFT, Real-time-payments).</div> <div>Experience with cloud platforms and cloud-native architecture.</div> <div>Proficiency in designing microservices architecture, APIs, and event-driven systems.</div> <div>Solid understanding of security protocols, encryption, tokenization, and fraud detection.</div> <div>Familiarity with micro-services and CI/CD pipelines.</div> <div> </div>

Required Skill Profession

Computer Occupations