Senior Enterprise Architect

CNA Insurance • Chicago, IL

4d • $72,000 - $141,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

You have a clear vision of where your career can go. And we have the leadership to help you get there. At CNA, we strive to create a culture in which people know they matter and are part of something important, ensuring the abilities of all employees are used to their fullest potential. This role is ideal for professionals with a solid understanding of technology combined with strong analytical and problem-solving skills who are ready to grow into enterprise architecture. You’ll work within a Scaled Agile portfolio, applying architectural thinking to real-world delivery while learning from experienced Directors and Principal Architects. The position offers exposure to strategic initiatives and enterprise-level design without requiring decades of experience. Your focus will be on supporting Claims product teams and evaluating Claims vendor solutions, contributing to impactful projects while building your architecture expertise.

Requirements

• Strategic Thinking & Technical Foundations Demonstrates emerging strategic awareness and foundational technical skills, with the ability to contribute meaningfully to architectural discussions and solution design.
• Agile & Enterprise Architecture Familiarity Proficient in agile methodologies (e.g., SAFe) and familiar with enterprise architecture principles and frameworks (e.g., TOGAF), with a focus on learning and application.
• Modern Architecture Exposure Understands the basics of modern architectural frameworks such as decoupled, event-based, and API-enabled designs, and contributes to solution architecture under guidance.
• Technology & Business Trend Awareness Maintains awareness of current technology and business trends, demonstrating curiosity and initiative in exploring their relevance to portfolio solutions.
• Business Process Understanding Possesses a basic understanding of business functions and processes, enabling effective collaboration with business and technical stakeholders.
• Communication & Collaboration Skills Communicates effectively and works collaboratively across teams, including business analysts, system architects, and developers, to support architectural clarity.
• Problem-Solving Aptitude Applies structured thinking to solve problems with guidance, escalating complex decisions appropriately and contributing to architectural reviews.
• Continuous Learning & Mentorship Engagement Actively engages in mentorship and learning opportunities to build architectural maturity, systems thinking, and strategic alignment.
• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, or a related field; equivalent experience considered.
• Typically, 5–7 years of experience in technology roles such as software development, systems analysis, or solution design, with demonstrated technical proficiency and business acumen.
• Exposure to enterprise architecture practices or participation in architecture-related initiatives preferred, including familiarity with EA frameworks (e.g., TOGAF) and SAFe Agile.
• Experience collaborating with cross-functional teams, including business analysts, developers, and system architects, to support solution delivery and architectural alignment.
• Demonstrated interest in architectural strategy, modern design patterns, and emerging technologies, with a focus on continuous learning and professional development.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in the commercial insurance industry or other regulated industries preferred.

Responsibilities

• Architectural Strategy, Support & Execution Contribute to the definition of architectural strategy and vision within a defined portfolio, while assisting in the design and execution of architectural solutions. Ensure alignment with enterprise principles, standards, and solution intent to drive strategic outcomes and delivery excellence.
• Agile Collaboration Collaborate with solution architects, product management, and engineering teams to support solution delivery and ensure architectural clarity throughout the development lifecycle.
• Conceptual & Solution Architecture Contribution Contribute to the design of conceptual and solution architectures using modern frameworks (e.g., decoupled, event-based, API-enabled), under guidance from director and principal architects.
• Cross-Functional Engagement Partner with product management, system architects, and developers to translate business needs into aligned technical solutions.
• Documentation & Application Landscape Support Support the creation and maintenance of architectural documentation, including application inventories, risk assessments, and technical blueprints.
• Governance Participation Participate in architectural reviews and strategy sessions, escalating complex decisions and ensuring compliance with enterprise standards.
• Technology Awareness & Contribution Stay informed on emerging technologies and trends, contributing ideas for adoption and integration into portfolio solutions.
• Solution Intent & Standards Alignment Ensure architectural work aligns with defined solution intent, reference architectures, and non-functional requirements (NFRs), seeking guidance when needed.
• Continuous Learning & Mentorship Engage in continuous learning through mentorship from Director and Principal Enterprise Architects, building architectural maturity and systems thinking.
• Practice Development Support Contribute to the improvement of architectural practices and processes within the portfolio, fostering a mindset of built-in quality and incremental value delivery.
• May perform additional duties as assigned.

Benefits

• CNA offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits package to help our employees – and their family members – achieve their physical, financial, emotional and social wellbeing goals. For a detailed look at CNA’s benefits, please visit cnabenefits.com.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level