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Chief Architect Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Tier4 Group

Chief Architect

Atlanta, GA

Chief Architect (Payments Industry) Location: Hybrid | Atlanta, GA Full Time Our Client is seeking a Chief Architect to shape and lead the architectural strategy for modern, scalable payment ...

Intrepid

Chief Architect

Lincoln, MA · On-site

SPA has a need for a Chief Architect, who will serve as the lead designer of the Mission Planning Enterprise architecture and steward its evolution over the life of the program. This leader will ...

Legion

Chief Architect

Chief Architect Remote - US Legion Technologies is building the AI-powered operating system for the hourly workforce. We are hiring a Chief Architect to serve as Legion's most senior hands-on ...

Legion

Chief Architect

Chief Architect Remote - US Legion Technologies is building the AI-powered operating system for the hourly workforce. We are hiring a Chief Architect to serve as Legion's most senior hands-on ...

NTT DATA North America

Chief Architect

Washington, DC · On-site

NTT DATA North America is a leading business and technology services provider, and they are seeking a Chief Architect to join their team. The role involves developing and implementing business ...

NTT DATA

Chief Architect

Washington, DC · Hybrid

We are currently seeking a Chief Architect to join our team in Washington, District of Columbia (US-DC), United States (US). Job Duties Assist, as requested, in the development and implementation of ...

New

ITSC Secure Solutions

Chief Architect

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$190K - $228K/yr

Impact of the Role The Chief Architect directly influences the technical coherence and engineering integrity of the FORGE enterprise. This role ensures system level requirements, designs, and ...

NTT DATA

Chief Architect

Washington, DC · Hybrid

We are currently seeking a Chief Architect to join our team in Washington, District of Columbia (US-DC), United States (US). Job Duties Assist, as requested, in the development and implementation of ...

New

BambooHR

Chief Architect

Draper, UT · Hybrid

As the Chief Architect at BambooHR, you will be responsible for defining the architectural vision, prioritizing architectural and platform-level technology investments, and sponsoring growth of a ...

Expression Networks

Chief Architect

Fort George G Meade, MD · On-site

$180K - $200K/yr

Demonstrated experience serving as a Chief Architect, Chief Engineer, Lead Architect, Solution Architect, or Technical Lead for large-scale software development and sustainment programs. * Experience ...

Charles Schwab Inc.

Chief Architect

Austin, TX · On-site

$285K - $350K/yr

As the Chief Architect for RBCT, you will provide senior level architecture and technology leadership across a complex portfolio of applications, platforms, and modernization initiatives. In this ...

NTT DATA Services

Chief Architect

Washington, DC · On-site +1

$142K - $237K/yr

We are currently seeking a Chief Architect to join our team in Washington, District of Columbia (US-DC), United States (US). Job Duties: * Assist, as requested, in the development and implementation ...

Charles Schwab

Chief Architect

Austin, TX · On-site

As the Chief Architect for RBCT, you will provide senior level architecture and technology leadership across a complex portfolio of applications, platforms, and modernization initiatives. In this ...

Expression

Chief Architect

Fort George G Meade, MD · On-site

Demonstrated experience serving as a Chief Architect, Chief Engineer, Lead Architect, Solution Architect, or Technical Lead for large-scale software development and sustainment programs. * Experience ...

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Chief Architect information

See salary details

$104.5K

$177.6K

$253K

How much do chief architect jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for chief architect in the United States is $177,571.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $150,000.00 and $195,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a chief architect?

A chief architect manages a project, focusing on the strategic and visual components. Their duties include designing structures that are safe and visually pleasing. People in this career often strive to create cost-effective and environmentally-friendly buildings. Qualifications include a bachelor’s or master’s degree in architectural engineering. They also need math and drafting skills, and mastery of computer engineering software. Job seekers usually serve an internship to gain experience before taking the Architect Registration Exam, a requirement in all states.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a chief architect, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Chief Architect, you need deep expertise in systems architecture, software engineering, and solution design, often supported by a degree in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with architectural frameworks (like TOGAF), cloud platforms (such as AWS or Azure), and enterprise modeling tools is typically required. Strong leadership, strategic thinking, and communication skills are crucial for guiding teams and aligning technology with business goals. These skills ensure scalable, secure, and efficient technology solutions that support organizational growth and innovation.

How does a chief architect typically collaborate with cross-functional teams during large-scale projects?

A Chief Architect plays a central role in coordinating with product managers, developers, operations, and business stakeholders to ensure architectural alignment with organizational goals. They facilitate technical discussions, mediate between different teams to resolve architectural challenges, and provide guidance on best practices. By maintaining open communication and regular check-ins, the Chief Architect ensures that project requirements are clearly understood and technical solutions are scalable and maintainable, fostering a collaborative and efficient work environment.

What is the difference between Chief Architect vs Software Architect?

AspectChief ArchitectSoftware Architect
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Computer Science, relevant certificationsBachelor's or Master's in Computer Science, relevant certifications
Work EnvironmentLeadership role overseeing multiple projects or teams, strategic planningDesigning software solutions, technical leadership within projects
Employer & Industry UsageTech companies, large enterprises, consulting firmsSoftware development firms, tech departments, startups
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared for leadership scope and strategic influenceFocused on technical design and architecture decisions

The main difference is that a Chief Architect holds a higher-level leadership role, overseeing overall architectural strategies across multiple projects or departments, while a Software Architect focuses on designing specific software solutions within projects. Both roles require strong technical skills and relevant certifications, but the Chief Architect's responsibilities include strategic planning and team leadership at an organizational level.

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Chief Architect jobs near you
Infographic showing various Chief Architect job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Internship, 1% As Needed, 87% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $177,571 per year, or $85.4 per hour.

Chief Architect

Tier4 Group

Atlanta, GA

Full-time

Posted 13 days ago

Job description

Chief Architect (Payments Industry)
Location: Hybrid | Atlanta, GA
Full Time

Our Client is seeking a Chief Architect to shape and lead the architectural strategy for modern, scalable payment platforms and enterprise technology solutions. This executive-level role will guide the evolution of architecture and engineering capabilities, with a strong emphasis on integrated payment systems and long-term technology modernization.

The Chief Architect will work across Product, Engineering, and Business teams to align technical strategy with business growth, while building and leading a high-impact architecture organization.

This role is equal parts technical and leadership.

What You’ll Do

  • Define and drive the enterprise-wide architecture strategy, including standards, design principles, and long-term technology roadmap.
  • Lead the architecture vision for integrated payment platforms, ensuring scalability, resilience, and security.
  • Translate complex technical decisions into clear business outcomes, presenting options and tradeoffs to executive stakeholders.
  • Build, lead, and mentor a team of architects providing guidance across product and platform development.
  • Partner with product and engineering leaders to deliver interoperable solutions that integrate with external partners and customer ecosystems.
  • Advocate for architecture and technology investments and influence prioritization at senior leadership levels.
  • Ensure alignment with broader enterprise architecture initiatives and governance.
  • Support modern delivery practices, continuous improvement, and agile execution across teams.

Required Qualifications

      • Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field.
      • 10+ years of experience delivering enterprise software solutions within agile environments.
      • 10+ years of hands-on experience in software architecture for complex, multi-tier platforms.
      • 5+ years in senior technical leadership roles with increasing responsibility.
      • 5+ years of people management experience, including building and developing high-performing teams.
      • Payments industry experience required
      • Demonstrated expertise in multiple architectural disciplines such as:
        • Enterprise or Solution Architecture
        • Cloud Architecture (AWS preferred)
        • Distributed Systems & Messaging
        • Mobile or Multi-Tenant Platforms
        • Infrastructure or Platform Architecture