Solution Architect
Candescent
Candescent is the leading cloud-based digital banking solutions provider for financial institutions. We are transforming digital banking with intelligent, cloud-powered solutions that connect account opening, digital banking, and branch experiences for financial institutions. Our advanced technology and developer tools enable seamless, differentiated customer journeys that elevate trust, service, and innovation. Success here requires flexibility in a fast-paced environment, a client-first mindset, and a commitment to delivering consistent, reliable results as part of a performance-driven, values-led team. With team members around the world, Candescent is an equal opportunity employer.
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
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.