Sr. Solution Architect - Core Payments Processing

Job Title- Sr. Solution Architect - Core Payments Processing


Duration: 9 Months (initial budget through July 2026) - potential for conversion if candidate/banking end client are mutually interested


Client Location: Pittsburgh, PA


Travel Requirements

• Light travel required; approximately 4-6 days/month to Pittsburgh location
• Architects will meet with bank teams in person every 2-3 weeks , typically for 2-3 days per visit .
• Travel is billable and expensed per the bank's travel policy (preferred hotels, flights, etc.).

Client Overview


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 November 2025 and runs through July 2026 , with potential for longer-term opportunities.

Engagement Scope

• Program Launch & Stand-Up : RE is responsible for initiating and structuring the transformation program.
• Workstream Leadership : RE is providing key architectural resources across several workstreams to guide design, operations, deployment, and testing.
• Knowledge Transfer : RE architects will work closely with bank teams to define what "good" looks like in modern payments architecture.
• Collaboration : RE resources will be embedded within bank teams, working alongside internal staff including Business Architects and Payment SMEs.

Job Summary

We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Sr. Solution Architect to join our team, focusing on


the core payments processing domain. This role is crucial in defining the architectural vision and


leading the technical design for our client's payment platforms. The ideal candidate will be a


technical leader who can bridge the gap between business requirements and technical solutions,


ensuring our systems are secure, scalable, and resilient.

Key Responsibilities

Lead Solution Design: Architect end-to-end technical solutions for new features and


enhancements to our client's core payments processing systems, including transaction


routing, authorization, clearing, and settlement.

Translate Business Needs: Collaborate with product managers, business analysts, and


stakeholders to understand business requirements and translate them into a clear,


documented technical architecture and roadmap.

Define Architectural Standards: Define and enforce architectural patterns, principles, and


best practices, ensuring solutions align with the overall enterprise architecture.

Provide Technical Leadership: Act as a subject matter expert for core payments, providing


guidance and mentorship to engineering teams on design, development, and implementation.


Evaluate Technology: Research and evaluate new technologies, platforms, and third-party


integrations to improve system performance, security, and scalability.

Ensure Compliance and Security: Design solutions that adhere to industry standards and


regulations, including PCI DSS, ISO 20022, and other relevant security protocols.

Troubleshoot and Optimize: Analyse existing systems to identify deficiencies, recommend


improvements, and troubleshoot complex technical issues to ensure optimal system


performance and reliability.

Create and Maintain Documentation: Develop and maintain comprehensive architectural


documentation, including solution diagrams, data flow diagrams, and design specifications.


Collaborate and Communicate: Facilitate communication and collaboration among cross


functional teams (e.g., engineering, DevOps, security, product) to ensure a shared


understanding and successful project delivery.

Qualifications

Educational Background: Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Engineering,


or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.

Experience:

Minimum of 8+ years of experience in software development, with at least 5 years in a


solutions or enterprise architect role.


Proven experience in designing and building large-scale, distributed systems within the


financial services or payments industry.


Deep expertise in the core payments processing lifecycle, including authorization,


settlement, and reconciliation.

Technical Skills:

Strong knowledge of payment networks and standards (e.g., ISO 8583, ISO 20022,


Wire, ACH, SWIFT, Real-time-payments).


Experience with cloud platforms and cloud-native architecture.


Proficiency in designing microservices architecture, APIs, and event-driven systems.


Solid understanding of security protocols, encryption, tokenization, and fraud detection.


Familiarity with micro-services and CI/CD pipelines.