Job Title: Enterprise Payment Architect (SME)
Location: Jacksonville, FL
Contract: long term contract
Role Summary
We are seeking an experienced Enterprise Payment Architect (SME) with deep domain expertise across modern payment systems. This is a functional and solution-focused role, requiring strong experience in payment transformations and system integrations, rather than hands-on development.
Key Responsibilities
Design and drive end-to-end payment architecture across enterprise systems
Lead integration of payment platforms, banking systems, and third-party ecosystems
Work with COTS/off-the-shelf payment solutions and ensure seamless connectivity
Define and optimize payment flows, data models, and processing frameworks
Collaborate with business, product, and technology teams to align architecture with business goals
Support payment modernization and transformation initiatives
Ensure compliance with industry standards and messaging formats
Required Skills & Experience
Strong hands-on experience in payments domain:
ACH
Wires
RTP (Real-Time Payments)
Payment hubs
Solid understanding of ISO 20022 messaging standards and payment data flows
Proven experience in payment system integrations (API, middleware, messaging systems)
Experience working with COTS payment platforms (e.g., Finastra, FIS, ACI, etc.)
Expertise in end-to-end payment lifecycle and architecture design
Strong functional knowledge with ability to translate business requirements into solutions
Experience in large-scale payment transformation programs
Ability to go deep into payment processes without being coding-heavy
Preferred Qualifications
Experience with banking or financial services environments
Exposure to cloud-based payment architectures
Strong stakeholder management and communication skills
What the Ideal Candidate Should Have (Shortlist View)
10+ years in payments domain (mandatory)
Deep expertise in ACH, Wires, RTP, ISO 20022
Strong background in integration architecture (not development)
Experience with payment hubs / COTS platforms
Proven track record in payment transformation projects
Ability to work as a functional SME + solution architect