Job Title: Solution Architect / Application Architect Location: Knutsford / Northampton (Hybrid, 2 days from the office) Key Responsibilities: • Design and implement end-to-end architecture solutions using the AWS technology stack, including Lambda, DynamoDB, Kinesis, API Gateway, and monitoring solutions like CloudWatch and XRay. • Lead the development of scalable, secure, and event-driven systems using technologies such as Active MQ, Kafka, AWS Kinesis, and AWS Glue. • Provide technical direction to development teams, ensuring alignment with best practices and Agile methodologies. • Manage project scope, budgets, and timelines from inception to closure, delivering projects on time and within cost constraints. • Develop the release strategy, ensure efficient delivery processes, and manage risks and issues effectively. • Drive containerization and CI/CD methodologies, utilizing tools like Jenkins pipelines and Docker. • Work closely with enterprise architecture teams to ensure solutions align with organizational strategies and security standards. • Design and implement solutions that balance technology risks with business objectives, considering scalability, performance, and security. • Collaborate with stakeholders, providing consulting and leadership, and influence decisions to drive business outcomes. • Take ownership of complex analysis and provide solutions that mitigate risks and optimize performance. • Ensure compliance with governance processes, including security, infrastructure, data principles, and privacy. • Support operational teams in troubleshooting, fault finding, and performance optimization. Required Skills and Experience: • Strong experience in AWS architecture, including AWS Lambda, DynamoDB, Kinesis, API Gateway, CloudWatch, and XRay. • Extensive experience in designing and implementing cloud-based solutions, with a focus on AWS technologies. • In-depth knowledge of event-driven architectures using frameworks like Active MQ, Kafka, AWS Kinesis, and AWS Glue. • Proficiency in backend technologies such as Java, microservices development, and API design (RESTful APIs). • Hands-on experience with containerization (Docker) and CI/CD practices (Jenkins pipelines). • Strong experience in developing and managing cloud data pipelines, including AWS S3, Glacier, and Data Sync. • Experience with various database systems, including Amazon RDS and DynamoDB. • Ability to work effectively with Agile and Waterfall methodologies and lead teams in both environments. • Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to manage crises and create contingency plans. • Familiarity with international payment schemes like FPS, BACS, CHAPS, Target2, SEPA. • Ability to create solution designs that balance risks and technology value, with a strong focus on business requirements. Desirable Skills: • Experience with UK International payment systems and open-source technologies in integration projects. • Familiarity with public cloud platforms, especially AWS, and infrastructure-as-code tools like AWS CloudFormation. • Understanding of automated configuration management tools such as AWS Elastic Beanstalk and AWS OpsWorks.