Chief Architect (CTH)

About the job

Bellwood is seeking a Chief Architect to support our client in defining and executing the next generation of architecture and engineering capabilities across their products and platforms.

This is a contract-to-perm engagement through Bellwood, with the opportunity to convert to a full-time role directly with the client based on performance and business needs.

The Lead Architect will play a key leadership role in shaping technical direction, guiding enterprise architecture, and enabling the evolution of an integrated payments or platform ecosystem. This individual will lead a team of architects, mentor technical leads, and collaborate across Product, Engineering, and Delivery to drive scalable and innovative technology solutions.

Qualifications

Essential skills:

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or related field.
• 15+ years of experience in Agile software development, including delivery of applications and architecture services in production environments.
• 10+ years in software architecture and multi-tier enterprise applications.
• 5+ years of experience in software leadership roles with increasing responsibility.
• 5+ years of people management experience.
• Expertise in at least three of the following: Enterprise Architecture, Solution Architecture, Cloud (preferably AWS), Infrastructure Architecture, Design Patterns, Messaging, Mobile Applications, or Multi-Tenant Architecture.

Helpful skills:

• Master’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or related field.
• 10+ years of payments industry experience with a focus on payment architecture.
• Strong understanding of payment products, systems, and business operations.
• Proven ability to influence stakeholders and collaborate across technical and executive teams.
• Customer-driven mindset with strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and decision-making abilities.

Key Responsibilities include :

• Define the technical architectural direction, technology best practices, long-term technology vision, and guiding principles for product development.
• Support ongoing improvement in agility, delivery efficiency, and product quality.
• Partner with Product, Engineering, and Business leadership to align architecture strategy with business goals.
• Develop and maintain an Integrated Payment Platform blueprint to support business growth.
• Lead and mentor a team of architects, providing technical oversight, coaching, and performance management.
• Champion sound architectural solutions and advocate for technology investments across leadership levels.
• Collaborate with Product Delivery to ensure solutions are scalable, resilient, and interoperable within the partner and customer ecosystem.

Contract Details

• Engagement Type: Contract-to-perm via Bellwood
• Duration: 6–12 months initial term, with potential for full-time conversion
• Location: Atlanta - Hybrid

Conversion Opportunity: Eligible for full-time hire consideration based on performance and business alignment.

About Bellwood

Bellwood is a full-service custom software development consultancy where developers, designers, marketers, and entrepreneurs collaborate to bring bold ideas to life. We bridge creativity and expertise in development, business, and design, ensuring every project, from concept to launch, exceeds expectations. We work with enterprise organizations, as well as small and medium-sized companies, and are seeking team members who are excited to make our clients’ goals their own.

Bellwood is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or genetic information. Bellwood is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. Bellwood interview requests and job offers only originate from an @bellwood.io email address. Bellwood will never ask for sensitive information to be delivered over email or phone.