Lead Solution Architect

Swoon; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 140,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Swoon is seeking a Lead Solution Architect to drive a multiyear banking modernization program in Chicago or Naperville. You will shape the future state, guide a team of architects, and connect business and technology decisions across multiple projects.

The role combines broad solution architecture with practical delivery guidance, working with risk, security, and compliance teams to ensure governance and alignment with the enterprise architecture.

Qualifications

• Lead multi-year architecture initiatives across banking applications
• Guide other solution architects and ensure architectural alignment

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end architecture for branch modernization and related initiatives.
• Design solutions spanning applications, APIs, data flows, real-time and batch integrations, cloud platforms, security, and operations.
• Create architecture diagrams and decision documents that illuminate options and trade-offs.
• Guide other solution architects and review designs for consistency, resilience, and long-term fit.
• Present recommendations in architecture governance forums and address questions from senior leaders.
• Partner with business, engineering, risk, fraud, security, and compliance teams to build agreement and resolve design concerns.
• Help delivery teams navigate dependencies and keep implementation aligned with the approved architecture.

Skills

Architecture leadership

Solution architecture

API design

Cloud platforms

Stakeholder communication

Job description

Swoon is hiring a Lead Solution Architect for a major banking client in Chicago or Naperville. This is a contract opportunity expected to run through at least the end of 2027, with potential for extension or conversion.

Position Overview

You’ll help lead a multiyear effort to modernize the applications bank employees use in branches. Working alongside the branch architecture lead, you’ll shape the future state, guide other architects, and connect decisions across several related projects. This role combines broad solution and integration architecture with the ability to bring business and technology teams together around a practical direction.

Job Duties

• Lead end-to-end architecture for branch modernization and related initiatives, from current-state assessment through implementation.
• Design solutions spanning applications, APIs, data flows, real-time and batch integrations, cloud platforms, security, and operations.
• Create architecture diagrams and decision documents that make complex options and trade-offs clear.
• Guide other solution architects and review designs for consistency, resilience, and long-term fit.
• Present recommendations in architecture governance forums and work through questions from senior technology and cross-functional leaders.
• Partner with business, engineering, risk, fraud, security, and compliance teams to build agreement and resolve design concerns.
• Help delivery teams navigate dependencies and keep implementation aligned with the approved architecture.