Senior Application Architect

Job Description

Kunai is a fast‑growing digital consultancy focused on banking, payments, and fintech powered by a global network that attracts the best and brightest people from all backgrounds and cultures, driven by innovation and experimentation, spread across almost every single continent. Over the past decade, we've shipped over 150 products for clients that include Visa, American Express, Capital One, WEX, Wells Fargo, Ernst & Young, and TOMS Shoes.

Our founders built a previous agency (Monsoon) that was acquired by Capital One in 2015.

As a Lead Architect, you will collaborate with cross‑functional teams of Product Managers, Designers, Engineers, and other stakeholders, spearheading the design and development of innovative, dependable, high‑performance applications that represent the next generation of self‑service tools in private asset‑backed finance. This role requires approximately one day per month on‑premise in the Raleigh, NC office.

• Strategic Software Engineering: Lead the creation and implementation of high‑quality software solutions. Utilize Java to build scalable software architecture, ensuring the delivery of applications that are both reliable and efficient.
• Innovative Design Leadership: Spearhead software design and API development. Create intuitive APIs and software systems that fulfil technical and business needs, emphasizing long‑term sustainability and maintainability.
• Quality Assurance Advocacy: Champion a culture of automated testing. Establish and uphold a comprehensive testing framework to ensure extensive coverage and consistent performance across all software layers.
• Code Excellence Maintenance: Maintain exemplary code quality. Conduct regular code reviews, engage in refactoring, and enforce adherence to the best coding practices to ensure high standards.
• Team Development and Mentoring: Nurture team growth and foster a positive culture. Serve as a mentor and leader, promoting continuous learning and encouraging the adoption of efficient development methodologies.
• Cross‑Functional
  
  Collaboration:
  
  Collaborate effectively with cross‑disciplinary teams. Work in tandem with product managers, designers, and other key stakeholders to synchronize development initiatives with overarching company objectives and user requirements.
• Industry Acumen and Innovation: Stay at the forefront of industry developments. Leverage cutting‑edge trends and technologies to drive innovation and secure a strategic edge.

• A bachelor’s degree in computer science, software engineering, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
• At least 5 years experience as an architect designing enterprise‑wide solutions using the latest technologies.
• Proficiency in Java and modern databases.
• Significant experience in cloud services (Azure preferred) and Dev Ops practices to support scalable and efficient application development.
• Minimum seven years of experience in full‑stack development in React and Java, with a proven track record of successful project delivery.
• Substantial experience selecting and implementing application security, identity management, and authentication solutions.
• Demonstrated ability in software and API design, with a portfolio of scalable and maintainable applications.
• Extensive experience in automated testing, including unit, integration, and end‑to‑end tests, to ensure code quality and application reliability.
• Experience in leading development teams, mentoring junior developers, and promoting a culture of technical excellence.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex technical concepts to non‑technical stakeholders.
• A commitment to continuous professional development, with a keen interest in staying updated with the latest industry trends and technologies.
• Demonstrated experience creating detailed documentation of processes, procedures, and technical specifications.
• Familiarity with the field of private asset‑backed finance is a plus; willingness to engage deeply in this innovative area is essential.