Company Description:

Aspida is a tech-driven, nimble insurance carrier. Backed by Ares Management Corporation, a leading global alternative asset manager, we offer simple and secure retirement solutions and annuity products with speed and precision. More than that, we’re in the business of protecting dreams; those of our partners, our producers, and especially our clients. Our suite of products, available through our elegant and intuitive digital platform, focuses on secure, stable retirement solutions with attractive features and downside protection. A subsidiary of Ares Management Corporation (NYSE: ARES) acts as the dedicated investment manager, capital solutions and corporate development partner to Aspida.  For more information, please visit www.aspida.com or follow them on LinkedIn. 

Who We Are:

Sometimes, a group of people come together and create something amazing. They don’t let egos get in the way. They don’t settle for the status quo, and they don’t complain when things get tough. Instead, they see a common vision for the future and each person makes an unspoken commitment to building that future together. That’s the culture, the moxie, and the story of Aspida.

Our business focuses on annuities and life insurance. At first, it might not sound flashy, but that’s why we’re doing things differently than everyone else in our industry. We’re dedicated to developing data-driven tech solutions, providing amazing customer experiences, and applying an entrepreneurial spirit to everything we do. Our work ethic is built on three main tenets: Get $#!+ Done, Do It with Moxie, and Have Fun. If this sounds like the place for you, read on, and then apply at aspida.com/careers. 

What We Are Looking For:

Aspida is transforming how annuity and retirement products are serviced and distributed, and we are seeking a Platform Architect to lead the target-state architecture behind that transformation. In this role, you will partner with business, product, and technology stakeholders to design scalable, secure, and maintainable enterprise solutions that align with Aspida's strategic objectives. You will provide architectural guidance and leadership, from concept through implementation, that enable our engineering teams to deliver with confidence.  This position reports to the Director of Architecture and is required to be onsite 3 days a week at our Durham, NC headquarters.   

What You Will Do:

• Lead target-state architecture and guide technology roadmaps for strategic, high-ambiguity, cross-system modernization efforts.  
• Create and maintain solution architecture artifacts, design documentation and decision records 
• Provide architectural oversight from concept through implementation and production support. 
• Assess emerging technologies and trends across the digital insurance ecosystem to recommend innovative solutions. 
• Facilitate workshops and design sessions; Communicate architectural recommendations and concepts clearly to technical and non-technical stakeholders.   
• Create detailed software architecture diagrams to document technical challenges and define robust, future-proof solutions. 
• Establish architectural patterns, constraints, non-functional requirements that enable engineers to deliver safely and confidently. 

What We Provide:

• Salaried, DOE
• Long-Term Incentive Plan
• Full-Time
• Full Benefits Package Available

What We Believe:

Not sure if you meet every qualification? We still encourage you to apply! We value inclusivity, welcoming candidates from diverse backgrounds, including non-traditional paths. Unique experiences enrich our team, and the willingness to dream big makes you an exceptional candidate!

At Aspida Financial Services, LLC, we are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment and are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. As such, Aspida does not and will not discriminate in employment and personnel practices on the basis of race, sex, age, handicap, religion, national origin or any other basis prohibited by applicable law. Hiring, transferring and promotion practices are performed without regard to the above listed items.

What We Require:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Finance or related field plus 6+ years of experience in core financial services architecture, design and solution delivery.  
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and systems-thinking skills with the ability to understand complex business processes and align technology solutions accordingly.  
• Experience building financial, accounting, insurance or other highly regulated systems with strong understanding of enterprise controls, auditability and operational excellence. 
• Knowledge of cloud platforms and modern web application technologies. 
• Understanding of security architecture principles, including authentication, authorization, encryption and secure application design.  
• Experience with the full Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC), Agile delivery methodologies, DevSecOps practices,  and CI/CD pipelines. 
• Strong written communication and facilitation skills, experience creating architecture artifacts: including solution designs, sequence diagrams, component diagrams, deployment diagrams and technical specifications.  
• Proven critical thinker with a bias for action, adaptability, innovation mindset, strong communication skills and the ability to influence technical and business partners across the organization.  

Preferred Qualifications:

• Familiarity with the life insurance, annuities, retirement products, wealthtech, fintech, or another regulated financial-services environment. 
• Proficiency with JIRA, Confluence, Miro and related collaboration tools. 
• Demonstrated AI fluency and the ability to leverage AI-enabled tools to improve analysis, documentation and delivery efficiency.  
• Designing partner-facing APIs, data feeds, webhooks, or status services; familiarity with ACORD or IRI Digital First for Annuities.