Solution Architect
Candescent
Candescent is the largest non-core digital banking provider. We bring together the transformative technologies that power and connect account opening, digital banking and branch solutions for banks and credit unions of all sizes on any core. Our Candescent solutions power the top three U.S. mobile banking apps and are trusted by banks and credit unions of all sizes.
We offer an extensive portfolio of industry-leading products and services with an extensible ecosystem of out-of-the-box and integrated partner solutions. In addition, our API-first architecture and developer tools enable financial institutions to optimize and expand upon their existing capabilities by seamlessly integrating custom-built or third-party solutions. And our connected in-person, remote and digital experiences reinvent customer service across all channels.
Self-service configuration and marketing tools give financial institutions greater control of their branding, targeted messaging and overall user experience. And data-driven analytics and reporting tools provide valuable insights to help drive continued growth and profitability. From conversions and implementations to custom development and customer care, our clients get expert, end-to-end support at every step.
Role Overview
This customer-facing position serves as the critical bridge between customer IT requirements and the delivery of innovative solutions. As a Solutions Architect you will translate complex technical needs into comprehensive customer solutions and contracts that secure loyalty, drive profitable margins, and ensure high-fidelity delivery.
As the owner of supporting statements of work, you'll identify and mitigate deal risks from initial opportunity qualification through final negotiation. This role demands a deep understanding of our standard service offerings and cloud service delivery capabilities, combined with strong operational experience in banking technology, including integration with core banking platforms (FIS, Fiserv, Jack Henry) and adjacent fintech tools (Salesforce, cloud-native CRMs, real-time payments, digital identity platforms). Most opportunities involve non-standard requests requiring creative problem-solving. When standard pricing and terms don't apply, you'll develop mutually beneficial solutions that meet or exceed core business needs while maintaining operational integrity and profitability.
This role has a direct impact on revenue generation and cost optimization. You'll typically manage concurrent opportunities, each requiring unique solutions and strategic thinking. Success in this position provides significant visibility across the organization and opportunities for career advancement in solution architecture, sales leadership, or business development.
Key Responsibilities
· Lead complex opportunities typically exceeding $1.0 million and multi-service offerings
· Gather and analyze customer requirements across:
· Cloud-native infrastructure (Google Cloud Platform, AWS)
· API-based integration (REST, OpenAPI, GraphQL)
· Authentication and identity management (OAuth 2.0, SAML)
· Microservices and container orchestration (Docker, Kubernetes)
· Coordinate subject matter experts and manage resource teams for solution costing and development
· Conduct comprehensive due diligence with clients and internal delivery organizations
· Identify and mitigate risks related to custom development timelines and system integration challenges
· Provide technical presales support to sales teams
· Develop and deliver compelling presentations to current and prospective customers using business intelligence tools (architectural diagrams, SOW documents)
· Collaborate with pricing analysts to ensure operational commitments translate accurately into cost assumptions
· Work as liaison within cross-functional teams, including Engineering, Implementation, Customer Success, InfoSec, and Finance
· Serve as subject matter expert on specialized offerings:
· Digital onboarding and account opening platforms
· Cloud migration strategies for legacy banking infrastructure
· Data architecture, dashboards, and real-time insights (BigQuery, Looker, Tableau)
· Scalable customer engagement and messaging platforms
Required Qualifications
· Bachelor's degree highly preferred (may be substituted with demonstrated career progression)
· 4-8 years of experience in IT services, cloud architecture, and enterprise software delivery
· Proven ability to work under tight deadlines in demanding environments
· Independent risk assessment capabilities with strong contingency planning skills
· Business acumen with demonstrated success in negotiating upsell opportunities and margin improvements
· Core banking platform integration experience (FIS, Fiserv, Jack Henry)
· Fintech ecosystem familiarity (Salesforce, cloud-native CRMs, real-time payments, digital identity platforms)
· Cloud architecture understanding (Google Cloud, AWS)
· Exceptional communication abilities, both verbal and written
· Strong presentation and documentation expertise, including experience with SOWs, architecture diagrams, and commercial proposals
· Project management proficiency in dynamic, deadline-driven environments
· Creative problem-solving to develop innovative solutions that exceed client expectations
EEO Statement
Integrated into our shared values is Candescent’s commitment to diversity and equal employment opportunity. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, age, race, color, creed, religion, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, military service, genetic information, or any other characteristic or conduct protected by law. Candescent is committed to being a globally inclusive company where all people are treated fairly, recognized for their individuality, promoted based on performance and encouraged to strive to reach their full potential. We believe in understanding and respecting differences among all people. Every individual at Candescent has an ongoing responsibility to respect and support a globally diverse environment.
Statement to Third Party Agencies
To ALL recruitment agencies: Candescent only accepts resumes from agencies on the preferred supplier list. Please do not forward resumes to our applicant tracking system, Candescent employees, or any Candescent facility. Candescent is not responsible for any fees or charges associated with unsolicited resumes.