Sr. Solution Architect Core Payments Processing

Pittsburgh, PA - USA

Monthly Salary: Not Disclosed

Posted on: 30+ days ago

Vacancies: 1 Vacancy

Job Summary

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 banks 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 clients 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 clients 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: Bachelors or Masters 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.

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 day...