Software Architect-Senior

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.