Java Architect - Program Manager/Technology

12+ Months Contract

Preferred Location: Phoenix, AZ - onsite

Secondary locations: Southlake, TX

W2 candidates only

Interview Process:

Virtual w/ AM 2nd round technical team

Position can sit in either PHX or Southlake

** Notes from Manager: Looking for a Java Architect with Project Management/ Mgt Experience.

**There will be a Java coding exercise as part of the interview process.

Job Description:

Role Overview

Highly technical and execution focused Technical Program Manager (TPM) with a strong background in Java-based software development, hands-on experience as a technical lead, and working knowledge of DevOps practices and modern engineering toolchains. This role requires deep familiarity with the typical complexities of application development, including architectural decision-making, dependency management, integration challenges, and risk mitigation. TPM will work as an integral part of the software development organization, reporting directly to Senior Development Managers. As a bridge between engineering and cross functional stakeholders, the TPM must advocate for technical strategy and team priorities while ensuring alignment, clarity, and smooth delivery across organizational boundaries.

Key Responsibilities

Technical Leadership & Program Execution

• Engage directly with development teams to understand system architecture, design, and integration points; provide guidance rooted in strong Java engineering experience.
• Identify technical risks early and proactively drive resolution through collaboration with architects, developers, QA, SRE/DevOps, and partner teams.
• Guide teams through dependency management, component integration, service interactions, and environmental readiness.
• Ensure data driven engineering decisions, deliver technically sound architecture design, which are aligned with long-term product and platform strategies.

Program & Delivery Management

• Lead end-to-end planning, execution, and delivery of complex software development programs, ensuring predictable timelines and high-quality outcomes.
• Manage cross-functional workstreams, coordinate with multiple internal and external stakeholders, and maintain clear ownership across all parties.
• Establish program dashboards, KPIs, and communication mechanisms for leadership and team-level visibility.
• Drive continuous improvement around estimation, sprint execution, release management, and operational readiness.

DevOps & Modern Engineering Practices

• Collaborate with DevOps and platform engineering teams to ensure CI/CD pipeline robustness, environment stability, deployment automation, and observability.
• Contribute to engineering workflow improvements such as versioning strategy, build and deployment orchestration, and performance monitoring approaches.
• Support teams in adopting modern development practices: microservices, containerization, cloud-native tooling, and automated testing frameworks.

Stakeholder Alignment & Advocacy

• Serve as a strong advocate for development teams ensuring the technical strategy, priorities, and constraints are well understood across all stakeholders.
• Facilitate clear and concise communication, ensuring non-engineering stakeholders understand program goals, milestones, risks, and impacts.
• Build trusted relationships across the organization, simplifying collaboration with business owners, product managers, compliance, security, and infrastructure teams.

Leadership & Organizational Impact

• Promote a culture of engineering excellence, accountability, and continuous improvement. Mentor teams on program execution best practices and play a coaching role where appropriate.
• Champion clarity, structure, and predictable delivery while maintaining flexibility and adaptability to shifting business needs.

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor s degree in computer science or a related field (or equivalent experience), with 8+ years of project/program management experience leading large scale, cross functional initiatives.
• Demonstrated ability to build strong trust with sponsors and key stakeholders through consistent delivery of business priorities.
• Proven history of successfully delivering high-visibility, complex programs in challenging environments.
• Strong capability to navigate and influence within highly matrixed organizations.
• A focused, adaptable, and collaborative collaborator who performs well under pressure.
• Experience in delivering initiatives from inception through delivery. Exceptional problem solving, analytical thinking, and critical decision making skills.
• Deep knowledge and direct expertise with project management tools, methodologies, and best practices.
• Ability to communicate sensitive or complex information with clarity and thrive in dynamic, multi-time zone, multi-location environments.
• Experience overseeing the planning, implementation, and support of business application components, consistently striving for excellence in operational and delivery outcomes.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud Platform).
• Familiarity with distributed systems, microservices architecture, and modern integration patterns.
• Ability to work independently in highly dynamic environments and navigate ambiguity effectively.

Other Focus Areas:

Team Collaboration: Partner with Product Owner, SME, and Business Analyst to brainstorm, discuss learning experiences, and present solutions.

Learning Activities: Participate in facilitated training, team discussions and events, individual assessments and activities, senior leader meetings, and on-the-job training.

Team Technical Leadership: Receive regular feedback from your leader, participate in career-related discussions, and provide your own feedback on resources and ensuring building formidable team.

Strengths Application: Learn about yourself and how to apply your unique strengths, abilities, and goals to the work you do as part of Schwab s strengths-based culture.

Personal Characteristics

Shows commitment, high ethical standards, and integrity.

Inquisitive, analytical, strategic thinking, initiative-taking and solutions-oriented.

High-energy, positive, entrepreneurial in spirit while purposeful.

Initiative-takers take initiative and can work independently.

Well-organized and disciplined with high diligence.

Direct, plain-spoken; conveys a genuine/authentic demeanor.

Effective written communication, presentation, and facilitation skills.

What you will learn:

You will gain experience developing and implementing code.

You will gain experience with a large investment management firm serving individuals, trusts, retirement plans, foundations, and endowments.

Opportunities to research, create and present on process and/or technology improvements.