Enterprise Architect

Title : Senior IT Infra & Platform Mgt Onsite in Chicago IL
Duration: Long Term Contract
Role Overview:
We are seeking a seasoned Engineering Enterprise Architect to lead the development of a new Target Operating Model (TOM) that supports the client s next phase of organizational growth. This role will be instrumental in architecting the future-state technology landscape including application platforms, infrastructure, integrations, and alignment with business functionality. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of enterprise systems architecture, third-party integrations, and business-to-technology alignment in a complex financial services environment.
Key Responsibilities:

• Target Operating Model Design: Develop a comprehensive future-state TOM that outlines how the client s technology and business operations will interact at scale. Identify key interdependencies and differentiators across functional domains.
• Enterprise Architecture Development: Design and evolve enterprise-level architecture blueprints encompassing application systems, data infrastructure, cloud strategy, and middleware layers.
• Integration & Interoperability: Lead the design of secure, scalable integrations with external partners, third-party vendors, and financial platforms (e.g., core banking systems, fintech APIs, cloud services).
• Business Alignment: Translate business strategy and functional operating models into corresponding technical architectures. Ensure technology platforms effectively support the client's operational, regulatory, and customer-facing needs.
• Architecture Governance: Establish architecture standards, principles, and best practices. Ensure consistency, scalability, and security across solution implementations.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Work closely with executive leadership, business function leads, product teams, and engineering to drive strategic alignment and architecture adoption.
• Risk and Compliance Considerations: Ensure all architectures adhere to financial industry regulations, data governance policies, and security standards.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor s or Master s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Information Systems, or a related technical field.
• 10+ years of experience in enterprise architecture, including recent roles in financial services or fintech environments.
• Proven experience designing and delivering large-scale application and infrastructure architectures.
• Deep expertise in systems design, service-oriented architectures, cloud platforms (e.g., AWS, Azure), and third-party API integration.
• Strong understanding of the relationship between business operating models and enterprise technology platforms.
• Experience working on Target Operating Model (TOM) development or large-scale transformation programs.
• Strong communication and leadership skills, with the ability to influence across technical and business teams.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with architecture frameworks (e.g., TOGAF, Zachman).
• Familiarity with core banking systems, digital financial platforms, and regulatory systems (e.g., KYC/AML tools, risk engines).
• Experience integrating SaaS, ERP/CRM systems, or industry data platforms.
• Cloud certifications (e.g., AWS Solutions Architect, Azure Architect Expert) are a plus.
• Prior experience with M&A integration, shared services modeling, or organizational transformation initiatives.