Application Data Architect - Data Streaming

Role OverviewWe are seeking a senior Application Data Architect to lead the design and implementation of complex, event-driven data ecosystems within a retail banking environment. In this role, you will act as a foundational architect, defining how data flows across the enterprise—from legacy on-premise mainframes to modern, high-throughput streaming platforms. The ideal candidate is an expert in data movement and integration, with a deep specialization in Kafka and API-led connectivity. You will be responsible for ensuring that our data architecture is scalable, resilient, and compliant, serving as the bridge between business objectives and technical execution.Key Responsibilities   Streaming & Event Architecture: Own the architectural strategy for high-volume data streaming using Kafka, defining patterns for real-time ingestion, event processing, and complex data pipeline orchestration.Integration Strategy: Architect comprehensive API-led integration solutions (REST/SOAP/gRPC) that enable secure and efficient data exchange between modern cloud services and on-premise core banking platforms.Data Design & Modeling: Establish canonical data models and integration contracts that enforce data consistency across the enterprise.Governance & Lineage: Partner with data governance teams to enforce strict data quality, lineage, and PII handling standards, ensuring all streaming and integration patterns remain audit-ready.Technical Oversight: Provide architecture guidance and oversight throughout the development lifecycle, focusing on system performance, scalability, and the reduction of technical debt.Banking Domain Alignment: Design solutions that align with financial services architectural frameworks—specifically leveraging the BIAN (Banking Industry Architecture Network) reference model where applicable—to standardize service definitions and business capabilities.Stakeholder Engagement: Translate complex data architecture requirements into executive-level blueprints, acting as the subject matter expert for data streaming and API strategy. Required Qualifications/Skills Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or related field10+ years of progressive experience in enterprise data architecture or senior engineering.Deep Expertise in Kafka: Proven experience architecting complex, large-scale data streaming environments in high-concurrency settings.API Architecture: Extensive background in designing and managing API-first architectures within hybrid (cloud/on-premise) environments.Data Integration: Proficiency in designing data flows across disparate systems, including mainframes, legacy databases, and modern data platforms.Banking Domain Expertise: Solid understanding of retail banking workflows, transaction processing, and data sensitivity requirements.Architectural Communication: Ability to define and document "big picture" data strategies and mentor engineering teams on best practices.Preferred QualificationsBIAN Framework: Prior experience applying the BIAN architectural reference model to banking technology design is heavily preferred.Regulatory Compliance: Experience working in highly regulated environments with stringent disaster recovery and data security mandates.Cloud/Hybrid Modernization: Experience migrating legacy batch-processing systems to real-time event-driven architectures.Industry Certifications: Relevant architecture certifications (e.g., TOGAF, Confluent Certified Architect for Apache Kafka, or equivalent).Location: Pittsburgh, PA (relocation assistance is offered)About Techstra Solutions Techstra Solutions is a certified woman-owned (WBENC) management consulting firm specializing in strategy, technology, and implementation services for large organizations undergoing digital and talent transformation. Our experienced team partners with clients to co-create innovative solutions in applications, data, AI, and automation that accelerate measurable, sustainable change. From advisory consulting through technical execution, we are dedicated to driving world-class business solutions that fit your strategic requirements and deliver results. For more information: www.techstrasolutions.com