Emerging Technology Architect

Q2; Austin (TX); Hybrid; USD 160,000 - 230,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work

Flexible time off

Career development

Health benefits

Volunteer program

Peer recognition

Job summary

Q2 is building scalable, secure AI at scale. The Emerging Technology Architect designs and evolves enterprise AI systems, defining end-to-end solution patterns that cover large language models, retrieval-augmented generation, vector databases, intelligent agents, and orchestration across Snowflake and cloud platforms (AWS and Azure).

You will partner with data, engineering, business applications, operations, identity and access management, and governance teams to create reusable frameworks that

Qualifications

• Strong understanding of enterprise architecture, system design, integration patterns, and scalable delivery models.
• Experience with AI/ML technologies including LLMs, retrieval-augmented generation, vector databases, intelligent agents, and cloud-based AI platforms (AWS, Azure).
• Experience partnering with business and technical stakeholders to define practical solutions for complex needs.
• Ability to evaluate ambiguous problems, structure recommendations, and communicate trade-offs clearly.
• Demonstrated judgment balancing innovation, security, governance, cost, and feasibility.
• Collaborative skills to influence across teams without direct authority.
• Knowledge of responsible technology adoption, AI governance, risk management, access controls, and enterprise control environments.

Responsibilities

• Design enterprise AI solution patterns that align business needs with scalable, secure implementation.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to translate complex challenges into architecture recommendations.
• Identify and resolve gaps related to scalability, data readiness, interoperability, and adoption of AI systems.
• Define reusable frameworks and standards to improve delivery consistency and adoption.
• Evaluate options, balance performance, cost, risk, and value, and provide recommendations.
• Guide teams through architecture decisions for responsible AI and long-term maintainability.
• Influence organizational direction by promoting best practices and governance across teams.
• Stay current on emerging AI practices and assess applicability to priorities.

Skills

Enterprise architecture

System design

Integration patterns

AI governance

Stakeholder collaboration

Cloud AI platforms

LLMs

AI strategy

Responsible AI

Education

Bachelor's degree in a relevant field

Advanced degree (MS/PhD)

Tools

Snowflake

AWS

Azure

Job description

As passionate about our people as we are about our mission.

Why Join Q2?

Q2 is a leading provider of digital banking and lending solutions to banks, credit unions, alternative finance companies, and fintechs in the U.S. and internationally. Our mission is simple: build strong and diverse communities through innovative financial technology—and we do that by empowering our people to help create success for our customers.

What Makes Q2 Special?

Being as passionate about our people as we are about our mission. We celebrate our employees in many ways, including our "Circle of Awesomeness" award ceremony and day of employee celebration among others! We invest in the growth and development of our team members through ongoing learning opportunities, mentorship programs, internal mobility, and meaningful leadership relationships. We also know that nothing builds trust and collaboration like having fun. We hold an annual Dodgeball for Charity event at our Q2 Stadium in Austin, inviting other local companies to play, and community organizations we support to raise money and awareness together.

The Emerging Technology Architect designs and evolves enterprise AI systems and architectures that enable scalable, secure, and high-impact adoption across the organization. This role defines end-to-end AI solution patterns involving large language models, APIs, retrieval-augmented generation, vector search, intelligent agents, orchestration workflows, Snowflake, cloud platforms such as AWS and Azure, and enterprise data integration.

The role partners across data, engineering, business applications, operations, identity and access management, and governance teams to create reusable frameworks that accelerate delivery while supporting security, access controls, compliance, and audit needs. This position may require minimal travel for collaboration, planning, or stakeholder engagement.

A Typical Day:

• Design enterprise AI solution patterns that align business needs with scalable, secure, and maintainable implementation approaches.


• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to translate complex business challenges into structured architecture recommendations.


• Identify, analyze, and resolve gaps related to scalability, data readiness, interoperability, and operational adoption of AI systems.


• Define reusable frameworks and standards that improve delivery consistency and accelerate adoption across teams and use cases.


• Evaluate solution options, assess trade-offs, and provide recommendations that balance performance, cost, risk, and business value.


• Guide teams through architecture decisions that support responsible AI adoption and long-term maintainability.


• Influence organizational direction by promoting best practices, shared patterns, and practical governance approaches across engineering and business teams.


• Stay current on emerging AI and enterprise technology practices and assess their applicability to organizational priorities.

Bring Your Passion, Do What You Love. Here's What We're Looking For:

• Typically requires a Bachelor's degree in (relevant degree) and a minimum of 12 years of related experience; or an advanced degree with 8+ years of experience; or equivalent related work experience.


• Strong understanding of enterprise architecture principles, system design, integration patterns, and scalable delivery models.


• Demonstrated experience with AI and machine learning technologies including large language models, retrieval-augmented generation, vector databases, intelligent agents, and cloud-based AI platforms (AWS, Azure, or equivalent).


• Experience partnering with business and technical stakeholders to define practical solutions for complex organizational needs.


• Ability to evaluate ambiguous problems, structure recommendations, and communicate trade-offs clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences.


• Demonstrated judgment in balancing innovation, security, governance, cost, and operational feasibility.


• Strong collaboration skills with the ability to influence across teams and organizational boundaries without direct authority.


• Working knowledge of responsible technology adoption, AI governance, risk management, access controls, and enterprise control environments.

This position requires fluent written and oral communication in English.

Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.

Health & Wellness

• Hybrid Work Opportunities


• Flexible Time Off


• Career Development & Mentoring Programs


• Health & Wellness Benefits, including competitive health insurance offerings and generous paid parental leave for eligible new parents


• Community Volunteering & Company Philanthropy Programs


• Employee Peer Recognition Programs - \"You Earned it\"

Our Culture & Commitment:

We're proud to foster a supportive, inclusive environment where career growth, collaboration, and wellness are prioritized. And our benefits go beyond healthcare - offering resources for physical, mental, and professional well-being. Q2 employees are encouraged to give back through volunteer work and nonprofit support through our Spark Program (see more). We believe in making an impact - in the industry and in the community.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or veteran status.

Applicants in California or Washington State may not be exempt from federal and state overtime requirements