Senior Java Architect

Job Location: London, UK (4 days per week from office)

Job Type : Contract (6 months ) / Permanent

Role Summary

Seeking 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 Responsibilities

• Architect 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 & Experience

• Min 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 Qualifications

• Banking 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