Application Architect

Impronics Technologies; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 800 000 - 1 200 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading technology firm in Johannesburg is seeking a Senior Software Architect to lead the design of robust banking applications. The ideal candidate will have over 7 years of experience in software development and proficiency in programming languages such as Java, C#, and Python. This role focuses on system integration, compliance with banking regulations, and providing technical leadership to development teams. A competitive salary and opportunities for professional growth are offered.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of experience in software development.
• 3-5 years in a senior or lead architecture role.
• Proven experience designing and architecting enterprise-level applications.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and architecture of banking applications.
• Design integration strategies between core banking systems.
• Provide technical leadership to development teams.

Skills

Proficiency in programming languages (Java, C#, Python)

Application integration strategies

Database design and management

DevOps practices

Cloud architecture

Banking regulations knowledge

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science

Advanced certifications in software architecture or cloud computing

Tools

TOGAF framework

Microservices

RESTful APIs

Docker

Kubernetes

Job description

Main Responsibilities

• Application Architecture Design: Lead the design and architecture of robust, scalable, and secure banking applications, ensuring alignment with business goals and technology standards.
• System Integration: Design and implement integration strategies between core banking systems, third-party applications, mobile platforms, and digital banking channels, ensuring seamless data flow and interoperability.
• Technology Leadership: Provide technical direction and leadership to development teams on the selection of tools, technologies, and frameworks for new and existing applications.
• Solution Optimization: Continuously evaluate and recommend improvements to existing applications, focusing on enhancing performance, scalability, security, and user experience.
• Standards & Best Practices: Establish and enforce architectural standards, best practices, and guidelines for development teams, ensuring consistency, code quality, and maintainability across all projects.
• Security & Compliance: Ensure that applications are designed and developed with security in mind, adhering to banking regulations and industry standards (e.g., PCI DSS, GDPR). Work closely with the security team to perform threat modeling and mitigate risks.
• Collaboration with Stakeholders: Collaborate with business leaders, product managers, and other IT teams to understand business requirements, translate them into technical solutions, and ensure that applications meet regulatory, operational, and business needs.
• Performance Monitoring & Optimization: Monitor application performance post-deployment, identifying bottlenecks and optimization opportunities to improve system efficiency and end-user experience.
• Innovation & Research: Stay up-to-date with emerging technologies, industry trends, and innovations in fintech to recommend new tools, platforms, or approaches that can benefit the bank’s application ecosystem.
• Documentation & Knowledge Sharing: Create and maintain detailed documentation on application architecture, design decisions, and system components. Promote knowledge sharing and provide training to development teams on architectural concepts and practices.
• Project Leadership: Lead cross-functional teams during the full application lifecycle, from conceptualization and design to development, testing, deployment, and support. Assist in project planning, estimating timelines, and managing technical risks.

Academic Knowledge

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Information Technology, or a related field. Advanced certifications in software architecture, cloud computing, or application development are a plus.

Work Experience

• 7+ years of experience in software development, with at least 3-5 years in a senior or lead architecture role, preferably in a banking or financial services environment.
• Proven experience designing and architecting enterprise-level applications, with a focus on scalability, performance, and security.
• Strong experience with modern application frameworks, cloud computing (AWS, Azure, GCP), microservices, and RESTful APIs.
• Familiarity with core banking systems, digital banking platforms, mobile apps, and enterprise integrations.

Skills / Specialized Know How

• Proficiency in programming languages (Java, C#, Python, or similar), and experience with architecture frameworks such as TOGAF or Zachman.
• Deep understanding of application integration strategies, including API design, SOA, and microservices architecture.
• Strong experience with database design and management, including SQL and NoSQL databases.
• Familiarity with DevOps practices, continuous integration/continuous deployment (CI/CD), and containerization (Docker, Kubernetes).
• Experience in cloud architecture, particularly in designing cloud-native applications and migrating on-premise solutions to the cloud.
• Knowledge of banking regulations (e.g., PCI DSS, SOX, GDPR) and security protocols to ensure compliance across applications.