Job ID: JOB_ID_1066
Role Overview: Senior Payments Architect
We are looking for a seasoned Senior Payments Architect with over 18 years of experience to lead the architectural evolution of our global payments infrastructure. Based in Jersey City, NJ, this role is pivotal in designing the next generation of financial services technology. You will be responsible for the strategic vision and technical execution of platforms that handle billions of dollars in transactions, ensuring they are scalable, resilient, and compliant with global standards.
Core Responsibilities and Strategic Vision
- Define and execute the end-to-end payments architecture strategy, focusing on global adoption and system resiliency.
- Modernize legacy payment systems by recommending and implementing cloud-native architectures and microservices.
- Lead the integration of instant payment rails such as FedNow, RTP, SEPA Instant, and UPI into existing banking platforms.
- Architect Open Banking and API ecosystems to facilitate seamless partnerships with fintech firms and third-party providers.
- Drive innovation in Blockchain and Tokenization, specifically focusing on Token Services and digital currency frameworks.
- Implement AI-driven solutions for fraud prevention, compliance, and personalized banking experiences.
- Ensure all architectural designs comply with international regulations, including ISO 20022, AML, KYC, PSD2, and GDPR.
- Collaborate with global business heads and external regulators to align technical roadmaps with strategic financial goals.
- Mentor a team of solution architects and lead distributed engineering teams through complex implementation phases.
The Landscape of Global Payments in 2026
The financial services industry is undergoing a massive shift toward real-time processing and decentralized ledgers. As a Senior Payments Architect, you will be at the center of this change. The transition to ISO 20022 is not just a messaging update; it is a fundamental change in how data moves through the global economy. Your role will involve navigating the complexities of cross-border payments, liquidity management, and the increasing demand for 24/7/365 settlement. By leveraging event-driven designs (Kafka, MQ) and cloud-first strategies, you will build the backbone of a modern financial institution that can compete in an API-driven world. Jersey City, as a major financial hub, offers the ideal environment to lead these high-impact initiatives.
Required Qualifications and Skills
- 18+ years of IT experience, with at least 12 years dedicated to the payments domain.
- Expertise in SWIFT, ACH, Fedwire, and real-time payment systems.
- Proficiency in API-first design, microservices, and major cloud providers (AWS/Azure/GCP).
- Strong understanding of Blockchain, DLT, and tokenization.
- Proven leadership in architecting enterprise-grade platforms for major banks or payment processors.
- Exceptional stakeholder management and communication skills.
Special Requirements
Domain: Global Payments / Financial Services. Hybrid/Onsite requirement in Jersey City. Certifications like TOGAF or Cloud (AWS/Azure) preferred.
Compensation & Location
Salary: $200,000 – $275,000 per year (Estimated)
Location: Jersey City, NJ
Recruiter / Company – Contact Information
Recruiter / Employer: K-Tek Resourcing
Email: adarsh.nandi@ktekresourcing.com
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