Senior Java Architect

FalconSmartIT; Greater London; On-site; GBP 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Falcon Smart IT Limited is hiring a Senior Java Architect to lead design and delivery of enterprise-scale banking and payments platforms in London. The role requires deep expertise in payments, messaging architectures, cloud-native platforms, AI-driven engineering, and enterprise solution architecture.

You will architect real-time payment workflows, implement event-driven microservices with Kafka/NATS, and guide AI-enabled development within a modern Kubernetes/Docker environment.

Qualifications

• 15+ years in software engineering.
• 8+ years in Architecture or Led Engineering roles.
• Experience delivering banking and payment solutions.
• Expert in Java, Spring Boot, Spring Cloud, and Microservices.
• Deep knowledge of Kafka, NATS, event streaming, API architecture, and integration patterns.
• Hands-on with Oracle, PostgreSQL, data modelling, performance tuning, high-availability systems.
• Excellent stakeholder management, leadership, and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Architect high-volume payment platforms covering real-time payments and settlement.
• Design event-driven and messaging architectures using Kafka, NATS, and microservices.
• Drive AI-led software engineering using tools like Copilot and LLM frameworks.
• Lead cloud-native platform design using Kubernetes, Docker, and DevOps practices.
• Mentor engineering teams, define technology roadmaps, and engage with senior stakeholders.

Skills

Leadership

Stakeholder management

Communication

Architectural leadership

Tools

Kafka

NATS

Spring Boot

Spring Cloud

Microservices

Docker

Kubernetes

GitHub Copilot

Job description

Job Role: Senior Java ArchitectJob Location: London, UK (4 days per week from office)Job Type : Contract (6 months ) / PermanentRole SummarySenior Java Engineering Architect | Banking, Payments & AI EngineeringSeeking an experienced Java Engineering Architect to lead the design and delivery of enterprise-scale banking and payments platforms. The role requires deep expertise in payments, banking operations, messaging architectures, cloud-native platforms, AI-driven engineering, and enterprise solution architecture.Key ResponsibilitiesArchitect high-volume payment platforms covering real-time payments, SWIFT, ISO 20022, settlement, reconciliation, and compliance.Design event-driven and messaging architectures using Kafka, NATS, and microservices.Drive AI-led software engineering using tools such as GitHub Copilot, Claude Code, Cursor, and LLM-based development frameworks.Lead cloud-native platform design using Kubernetes, Docker, and modern DevOps practices.Manage and mentor engineering teams, define technology roadmaps, and engage with senior stakeholders.Required Skills & ExperienceMin 15+ years in software engineering, including 8+ years in Architecture or Led Engineering roles.Strong experience delivering banking and payment solutions.Expert in Java, Spring Boot, Spring Cloud, and Microservices.Deep knowledge of Kafka, NATS, event streaming, API architecture, and integration patterns.Hands-on expertise with Oracle, PostgreSQL, data modelling, performance tuning, and high-availability systems.Excellent stakeholder management, leadership, and communication skills.Preferred QualificationsBanking or Financial Services background.Experience leading large-scale transformation and modernization programs.TOGAF, Kubernetes, Cloud, or Architecture certifications.Experience building AI-enabled engineering organizations and integrating GenAI/LLM solutions into enterprise platforms