Summary

The Software Architect-Senior applies advanced knowledge of software architecture principles, design patterns, and system design to independently lead architectural planning and drive high-quality technical solutions. This role collaborates with engineers, product owners, BSAs, and cross-functional teams to translate complex business requirements into scalable, secure, and maintainable technical architectures. Recognized by peers as a subject matter resource, the Software Architect works with significant autonomy across the full architectural lifecycle, leading design reviews, evaluating technology options, defining standards, overseeing and guiding testing strategies to validate architectural integrity and system quality, and ensuring solutions align with DevSecOps best practices and organizational goals. This role requires a thorough understanding of system dependencies, including upstream and downstream integrations, service interactions, and the potential impact of architectural decisions across interconnected systems. This role may also provide technical mentorship to junior architects and engineers.

Essential Functions

• Drives the definition and refinement of business and technical requirements, translating complex needs into clear architectural specifications.
• Evaluates and recommends tools, frameworks, and technologies for new and existing solutions; leads technology assessment and selection decisions.
• Designs software architecture that align with business and technical requirements; serves as a primary contributor on architectural decisions for moderate to complex systems.
• Produces and governs high-quality system diagrams, architectural documentation, and design specifications; sets documentation standards for the team.
• Analyzes functional and non-functional requirements to define system needs, constraints, and architectural trade-offs; advises stakeholders on implications.
• Delivers implementation, production, and upgrade support for software components of high complexity, ensuring stability, scalability, and optimal performance.
• Proactively identifies opportunities for software optimization, performance improvements, and design enhancements; leads or sponsors implementation efforts.
• Acts as a primary liaison between the Software Solutions team and the user community, coordinating software enhancements and providing production support.
• Works with BSAs to run advanced data analysis, develop queries, and build tools to search, analyze, and visualize data from various sources.
• Applies advanced analytical thinking and independent judgment to resolve complex architectural problems; anticipates design risks and proactively proposes solutions.
• Defines and oversees testing strategies, including integration, regression, and system testing, to validate architectural decisions and ensure solution quality across all phases of development.
• Maintains a thorough understanding of system dependencies, including upstream and downstream integrations, third-party services, and internal platform interactions; evaluates and communicates the impact of architectural changes across interconnected systems.
• Provides technical mentorship to junior architects and engineers; contributes to team knowledge sharing and design best practices.
• Promotes the service culture by maintaining solid knowledge of credit union products and services and referring members to the appropriate person or department.

Experience

• Minimum 4 years of directly relevant experience in software architecture, systems design, solution design, or a related technical field, with responsibility for architecting and supporting moderate to complex software solutions.
• Demonstrated expertise applying multiple design patterns, object-oriented design principles, and system modeling techniques across varied technology stacks to architect and evolve moderate to complex software solutions.

Education

• Bachelor’s degree or certification in Computer Science, Database Management, or a related technical field (e.g., Microsoft SQL Certification, Oracle Certified Professional, My SQL Certified Developer) preferred; equivalent combination of education, certification, and directly relevant experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.

Knowledge

• Advanced understanding of software design principles, architectural patterns, with the ability to translate complex business needs into efficient, maintainable technical solutions.
• Advanced knowledge of the software development lifecycle (SDLC), DevSecOps practices, CI/CD pipelines, infrastructure as code, and secure software development practices, consistently applied to architectural deliverables.
• Proficiency in multiple programming languages or frameworks and their architectural implications (e.g., Java, .NET, Python, microservices, cloud-native).
• Advanced knowledge of software architecture styles and patterns (e.g., microservices, event-driven, layered, serverless) and when to apply them.
• Advanced understanding of SDLC, DevSecOps, CI/CD pipelines, infrastructure as code, and secure software development practices.
• Deep knowledge of cloud platforms and hybrid/on-premises architecture design principles (e.g., Azure, AWS, GCP).
• Strong proficiency in architectural documentation, system diagramming (UML, C4), and design specification standards.
• Advanced knowledge of API design, integration patterns (RESTful and event-driven), data modeling, and distributed systems principles.
• Strong understanding of application security, threat modeling, and compliance considerations within architectural design.
• Advanced knowledge of software testing methodologies (integration, regression, system testing, and test-driven development (TDD) and the ability to define and guide testing strategies that validate architectural integrity and solution quality.
• Deep understanding of system dependencies, including upstream and downstream service relationships, third-party integrations, and internal platform interdependencies with the ability to assess and communicate architectural impact of changes across complex, interconnected systems.
• Awareness of emerging technologies, industry trends, and their potential impact on the organization's architectural strategy.

Skills/Abilities

• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities; independently identifies root causes, evaluates complex system behavior, and develops scalable, well-reasoned solutions. 
• Communicates complex technical concepts and architectural decisions clearly to technical and non-technical audiences, including stakeholders and leadership. 
• Collaborates effectively across teams and builds strong working relationships; demonstrates professionalism, respect, and openness to feedback while sharing knowledge to support team growth. 
• Applies sound judgment to architectural decisions; evaluates trade-offs, balances short-term needs with long-term system health, and escalates issues with appropriate context and recommendations. 
• Influences decisions through clear communication, logic, and technical credibility, presenting recommendations in a way that builds understanding and alignment. 
• Demonstrates continuous learning, adaptability, and initiative, maintaining high standards of accuracy and technical rigor. 
• Effectively manages priorities and multiple deliverables, demonstrating strong organizational and time-management skills while meeting deadlines. 
• Provides reliable support within a collaborative, service-oriented environment, including flexibility to meet business needs as required.

Physical Requirements/Work Environment

• Flexible regarding schedule; able to work after hours and on weekends as needed. 
• Prolonged periods of sitting and working at a computer. 
• Frequent use of hands, fingers, and wrists for typing and operating standard office equipment. 
• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, with team members and stakeholders. 
• Ability to review and analyze technical documentation, data, and system information on screens. 
• May occasionally stand, walk, or move between work areas or meeting locations. 
• Ability to lift up to 20 pounds, if needed.
• Work performed in a professional office or hybrid environment with typical office conditions and interruptions. 
• Regular collaboration with cross-functional teams through virtual and in-person meetings. 
• Minimal travel for meetings, training, or project support, as needed.