Solution Architect

Position: Solution Architect
Location: Charlotte, NC (Preferred) | Open to other locations (Onsite/Hybrid)
Job Type: 3 Months Contract to Permanent (Fulltime)

Job Description:
As a solutions architect specializing in digital banking and API banking, you will play a pivotal role in designing and implementing technology solutions that drive the transformation of our banking services into the digital age. You will collaborate with cross-functional teams, analyze business requirements, and design scalable, secure, and innovative architectures that enhance customer experiences and support our strategic goals.

Responsibilities:

• Collaborate closely with business stakeholders to understand their digital banking, open banking & BaaS requirements, objectives, and strategic goals.

• Collaborate with Architecture COP (Center of Practice) to produce total coverage and architecture delivery for the bank.

• Create comprehensive architectural designs and blueprints for digital banking, open banking & BaaS solutions that (a) align with business needs and objectives (b) align with Architecture COP standards and formats.

• Ensure the solutions are scalable, secure, resilient, and cost-effective.

• Assess and recommend appropriate technologies, platforms, and tools to support digital banking and open banking initiatives, considering factors like security, compliance, and interoperability.

• Implement robust security measures and best practices to protect customer data, transactions, and financial assets.

• Develop and oversee API strategies to facilitate integration with third-party fintech providers, partners, and internal banking systems.

• Implement API management and monetization solutions.

• Create and maintain detailed technical documentation, including architecture diagrams, API specifications, and system documentation, to support development and compliance efforts.

• Act as a liaison between technical and non-technical stakeholders.

• Assist in identifying and resolving technical issues and challenges that may arise during the development, deployment, or operation of digital and API banking systems.

• Participate in incident response and recovery efforts as needed.

• Evaluate and manage relationships with third-party vendors, fintech partners, and technology providers whose solutions are integrated into the digital and API banking ecosystem.

Required Skills:

• API Integrations with Third-Party Applications (Intuit, QuickBooks, etc.)

• The project involves connecting enterprise applications with financial and accounting software.

• Use cases: syncing financial transactions, automating invoicing, reconciling payments, or extracting financial reports from QuickBooks.

• Technologies: Java, REST APIs, Webhooks, OAuth for authentication, and IBM Middleware (WPS, WESB, DataPower) for integration.

• OFX Experience or Similar Payment Services Platform Experience

• As you know, OFX (Open Financial Exchange) is a standard used for electronic banking and financial transactions.

• Experience in similar payment platforms means working with financial data formats, bank feeds, transaction processing, and reconciliation.

• Use cases: fetching bank transactions, initiating payments, and integrating with payment gateways.

• Technologies: OFX, ISO 20022, ACH, SWIFT, or APIs for payment platforms like Stripe, PayPal, or Plaid.

• Experience with Azure Cloud

Additional skills/Qualifications

• A bachelor's degree in a related field like computer science, information technology, or finance.

• 5 years of proven work experience as a Solution Architect/Senior Developer or similar role.

• Deep understanding of the banking industry, including knowledge of banking products and services, regulatory requirements, and compliance standards.

• Familiarity with digital banking trends and open banking frameworks.

• Strong technical background in software development, system architecture and cloud computing.

• Proficiency in microservices, API management & monetization.

• Experience with security protocols and practices.

• Knowledge of database systems, data modeling, and data integration.

• Knowledge of real-time data processing and event streaming platforms

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills to collaborate effectively with various stakeholders, including business leaders, developers, and third-party vendors.

• Ability to work effectively in cross-functional teams and lead technical discussions.