Distinguished Architect - Commercial Banking

4 Days Hybrid from any of our locations in RI,  Iselin NJ, MA, Nashville TN, Pittsburgh PA, Dallas TX or Phoenix AZ

Role is not relocation eligible. 

Role Overview

As a Distinguished Architect, you'll lead the full architectural lifecycle—from concept design through construction—ensuring all projects meet aesthetic, technical, regulatory, and budgetary standards. You’ll serve as the primary technical authority, mentor teams of architects, build client relationships, and drive innovation in sustainable materials and building technology. A licensed architect with a strong track record in design leadership, you excel at translating client vision into robust architectural solutions and managing multiple stakeholders across diverse environments.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead architectural vision and develop high-level design concepts and detailed plans for major projects.

• Review and approve architectural design, specifications, and construction documents for quality and compliance.

• Coordinate with clients, engineers, contractors, and stakeholders, managing trade-offs between aesthetics, budget, and regulations.

• Conduct site assessments to monitor progress and ensure alignment with design specifications.

• Research and incorporate new materials, construction methods, sustainable practices, and technologies.

• Mentor and guide junior architects, shaping design standards and fostering technical excellence.

• Engage in business development: present design proposals, manage client relationships, and support marketing efforts.

• Work with fellow team members and guide them on any technical deliveries.
• Have good experience in technologies such as Java, Python, GraphQL, IBM MQ, Kafka, API Connect, etc.
• Having experience in some of the payment such as digital online banking, treasury , Single sign on, unified customer experience will be a plus.
• Having functional knowledge on different payment methods such as Real-time payments, ACH, Wires is a plus.

Essential Skills & Expertise

• Deep knowledge of architectural design principles, building codes, zoning, and sustainability standards .

• Strong leadership and team management capabilities, with proven mentoring experience

• Should possess 18+ year’s experience in technologies such as Java, Oracle, Springboot, Python, IBM MQ, Kafka, and other emerging technologies.

• Superior communication skills for effective presentations and negotiations with varied audiences .

• Innovation mindset with ability to integrate new materials, tech, and sustainable design .

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Architecture; a Master’s degree is often preferred .

• Extensive experience (usually 10+ years) across project lifecycle phases within architecture and software development

• Demonstrated success in leading large-scale, complex projects and cross-functional teams .

• Experience in business development and client-facing roles may be essential .

Certifications:

• AWS Solution Architect
• TOGAF Certification (Good to Have) or any other equivalent

Pay Transparency 

The salary range for this position is $ 160,763 - $ 241,144 per year  plus an opportunity to earn an annual discretionary bonus. Actual pay is based on various factors including but not limited to the work location, and relevant skills and experience.   

We offer competitive pay, comprehensive medical, dental and vision coverage, retirement benefits, maternity/paternity leave, flexible work arrangements, education reimbursement, wellness programs and more. Note, Citizens’ paid time off policy exceeds the mandatory, paid sick or paid time-away policy of very local and state jurisdiction in the United States. For an overview of our benefits, visit https://jobs.citizensbank.com/benefits.