Enterprise Architect

Job Title: Enterprise Architect

Location: Berkeley Heights, NJ (5days onsite)

Duration: long term

Type: Contract W2

Job Description:

The Core Banking Modernization Principal Architect will lead the strategy, design, and implementation of modernizing legacy core banking systems. The role involves guiding the transformation of traditional banking systems into scalable, flexible, and future-proof platforms through the adoption of cutting-edge technologies and cloud-native architectures. This is a senior leadership role that requires strong technical expertise in core banking systems and a deep understanding of industry trends and regulatory requirements.

This role is ideal for a highly experienced architect who is passionate about driving the modernization of core banking systems and delivering cutting-edge solutions that shape the future of banking.

Key Responsibilities:

• Strategic Leadership: Define the vision and strategy for modernizing core banking systems, aligning with business goals, technological advancements, and industry trends.
• Architectural Design: Lead the design and development of next-generation core banking solutions, ensuring flexibility, scalability, and integration with emerging technologies such as cloud computing, AI, and blockchain.
• Transformation Roadmap: Develop and oversee the execution of the core banking modernization roadmap, ensuring alignment with the business's strategic objectives and timelines.
• Legacy System Migration: Lead efforts to migrate from legacy banking platforms to modern, cloud-based, and service-oriented architectures (SOA) while minimizing operational disruptions.
• Collaboration: Work closely with business stakeholders, IT leaders, and external vendors to ensure seamless integration and alignment of technical solutions with business needs.
• Technology Selection: Evaluate and select technology stacks, platforms, and tools that will best serve the bank's long-term needs, ensuring compliance with regulatory and security requirements.
• Risk Management & Compliance: Ensure the modernization efforts meet security standards, regulatory requirements (e.g., PCI-DSS, GDPR), and maintain data integrity and operational resilience.
• Performance Optimization: Oversee the optimization of the core banking infrastructure, ensuring high availability, performance, and scalability for future growth.
• Innovation & Emerging Technologies: Lead the exploration and adoption of emerging technologies (cloud, AI, ML, blockchain) to enhance the core banking platform’s capabilities.
• Documentation & Governance: Establish governance frameworks for architecture, and create detailed documentation for the modernization processes, decisions, and outcomes.
• Team Leadership & Mentorship: Provide leadership, guidance, and mentorship to architects and technical teams involved in the modernization efforts, ensuring a high standard of technical expertise and project delivery.

Required Skills & Qualifications:

• Education: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field.

Experience:

• 10+ years of experience in enterprise architecture, with a focus on core banking systems and financial technology.
• Proven experience leading large-scale core banking transformation and modernization initiatives.
• Deep understanding of banking credit card output and onboarding processing systems and their modernization strategies.
• Expertise in cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP), microservices architecture, and DevOps practices .
• Experience in vendor management and working with third-party providers of banking platforms and services .

Technical Expertise:

• Proficiency in architecture frameworks like TOGAF or Zachman .
• Strong understanding of cloud-native technologies, API-driven architectures, and microservices.
• Experience with containerization (Docker, Kubernetes) and CI/CD pipelines .
• Strong understanding of databases (RDBMS and NoSQL) and data migration strategies .
• Familiarity with banking security standards (PCI-DSS, ISO 27001, etc.).

Soft Skills:

• Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to interact effectively with senior stakeholders.
• Strong leadership qualities with experience in managing and mentoring cross-functional teams.
• Strategic thinker with strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with AI/ML applications in banking.
• Knowledge of blockchain technology and its application in the financial services industry.
• Strong understanding of banking regulatory frameworks and compliance.

About Next Gen Software Solutions:

Next Gen Software Solutions is a trusted provider of IT Staffing and consulting services dedicated to empowering businesses with cutting-edge technology solutions and exceptional talent. We specialize in delivering tailored IT consulting services, innovative software solutions, and connecting businesses with highly skilled IT professionals. Founded and led by a dedicated U.S. Army solider, Next Gen Software Solutions is deeply rooted in the core values of integrity, discipline, commitment, and experience-principles that guide every aspect of our operations.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:

Next Gen Software Solutions is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace where all employees and applicants are treated respect and dignity. We do not discriminate based on race, colour, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, age, genetic information, veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristic under applicable federal, state, or local laws.