Lead Solution Architect Banking Domain

Position Title: Lead Solution Architect
Location: Chicago, IL (5 Days Onsite)
Duration: 6 Months Contract

Job Summary:
We are seeking a Lead Solution Architect to spearhead the technical delivery and system business analysis for our enterprise lending platforms and integration frameworks.
This role will focus on designing scalable edge computing infrastructure and hybrid cloud architectures (AWS/Azure) to ensure zero-downtime, offline-first branch operations.

Responsibilities:
Oversee hands-on Proofs of Concept (PoCs) evaluating edge computing, IoT branch sensors, and cloud migration frameworks.
Direct development and engineering teams across solution design, code reviews, and containerized deployment (Kubernetes/Docker) pipelines.
Drive the modernization of local branch hardware, SD-WAN networking, low-latency transaction routing, and real-time ledger synchronization.
Ensure solution adherence to banking regulatory standards, PCI-DSS compliance, data privacy laws, and robust disaster recovery protocols.
Manage technical debt and legacy migration roadmaps using strangler fig and incremental refactoring patterns to minimize operational risk.
Present architectural blueprints, risk assessments, and investment cases to executive stakeholders and technical governing boards.

Mandatory Skills:
Branch & Core Banking: Advanced knowledge of Legacy Core Banking Systems (FIS, Temenos, Finacle, Thought Machine), Branch Automation, Kiosk/Teller Applications.
Modernization Patterns: Expertise in Strangler Fig Pattern, Domain-Driven Design (DDD), Microservices Architecture, Monolith Deconstruction.
Infrastructure & Edge: Proficient in Edge Computing, Hybrid Cloud Architecture (AWS / Azure / GCP), SD-WAN, Distributed Branch Network Design.

Preferred Skills:
Security & Compliance: Familiarity with PCI-DSS, Zero Trust Architecture, Biometric Security, Data Encryption at Rest/In-Transit, ISO27001.
Leadership & Stakeholder Management: Knowledge of TOGAF / Zachman Frameworks, Enterprise Architecture Governance, Executive Communication, Vendor Evaluation.

Required Qualification:
Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field.
Relevant certifications are a plus.