Software Architect-Senior

Sunward Federal Credit Union•Albuquerque, NM

10d•$108,252 - $135,315•Hybrid

About The Position

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. The 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. The 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. It may also provide technical mentorship to junior architects and engineers.

Requirements

Minimum 4 years of directly relevant experience in software architecture, systems design, solution design, or a related technical field, including 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.
Advanced understanding of software design principles and architectural patterns, and ability to translate complex business needs into efficient, maintainable technical solutions.
Advanced knowledge of SDLC, DevSecOps practices, CI/CD pipelines, infrastructure as code, and secure software development practices.
Proficiency in multiple programming languages or frameworks and understanding of their architectural implications; examples include Java, .NET, Python, microservices, and cloud-native technologies.
Advanced knowledge of architecture styles and patterns, including microservices, event-driven, layered, and serverless, and when to apply them.
Deep knowledge of cloud platforms and hybrid/on-premises architecture design principles, such as Azure, AWS, and 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 in architectural design.
Advanced knowledge of software testing methodologies, including integration, regression, system testing, and test-driven development (TDD), and ability to define and guide testing strategies.
Deep understanding of system dependencies, including upstream and downstream service relationships, third-party integrations, and internal platform interdependencies, with ability to assess and communicate the impact of changes.
Awareness of emerging technologies, industry trends, and their potential impact on organizational architecture strategy.
Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, including independently identifying root causes, evaluating complex system behavior, and developing scalable solutions.
Ability to communicate complex technical concepts and architectural decisions clearly to technical and non-technical audiences, stakeholders, and leadership.
Ability to collaborate effectively across teams, build strong working relationships, demonstrate professionalism and openness to feedback, and share knowledge.
Sound judgment in architectural decisions, including evaluating trade-offs, balancing short-term needs with long-term system health, and escalating issues with context and recommendations.
Ability to influence decisions through clear communication, logic, and technical credibility.
Demonstrated continuous learning, adaptability, initiative, accuracy, and technical rigor.
Strong organizational and time-management skills, including managing priorities and multiple deliverables while meeting deadlines.
Ability to provide reliable support in a collaborative, service-oriented environment and flexibility to meet business needs as required.
Bachelor’s degree or certification in Computer Science, Database Management, or a related technical field is preferred; an equivalent combination of education, certification, and directly relevant experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree or certification in Computer Science, Database Management, or a related technical field, such as Microsoft SQL Certification, Oracle Certified Professional, or My SQL Certified Developer.

Responsibilities

Drive the definition and refinement of business and technical requirements, translating complex needs into clear architectural specifications.
Evaluate and recommend tools, frameworks, and technologies for new and existing solutions; lead technology assessment and selection decisions.
Design software architectures that align with business and technical requirements and serve as a primary contributor to architectural decisions for moderate to complex systems.
Produce and govern system diagrams, architectural documentation, and design specifications; set team documentation standards.
Analyze functional and non-functional requirements to define system needs, constraints, and architectural trade-offs, and advise stakeholders on implications.
Deliver implementation, production, and upgrade support for high-complexity software components, ensuring stability, scalability, and optimal performance.
Identify opportunities for software optimization, performance improvements, and design enhancements; lead or sponsor implementation efforts.
Act as a primary liaison between the Software Solutions team and the user community, coordinating software enhancements and providing production support.
Work with BSAs to conduct advanced data analysis, develop queries, and build tools to search, analyze, and visualize data from various sources.
Resolve complex architectural problems using advanced analytical thinking and independent judgment; anticipate design risks and propose solutions.
Define and oversee integration, regression, and system testing strategies to validate architectural decisions and solution quality across development phases.
Maintain understanding of upstream and downstream integrations, third-party services, and internal platform interactions; evaluate and communicate the impact of architectural changes across interconnected systems.
Provide technical mentorship to junior architects and engineers and contribute to knowledge sharing and design best practices.
Promote the service culture by maintaining knowledge of credit union products and services and referring members to the appropriate person or department.