Job Details

Every career journey is personal. That's why we empower you with the tools and support to create your own success story.

Be challenged. Be heard. Be valued. Be you ... be here.

Job Summary

The Principal Enterprise Architect role is intended to align architecture support to a specific application or technology area and support the application or technology area through any internal or external impacts. This role will contribute towards defining and driving the aligned application or technology areas to the target state architecture. The Principal is responsible for contributing significantly to the architecture profession; onboarding and mentoring less experienced architects; cultivating and maintaining relationships with Director‑level leaders in both business and IT to support their aligned areas. The role is accountable for program and project architecture across large enterprise‑wide initiatives, typically involving complex custom development across multiple applications and/or significant third‑party assessments, integrations, and implementations. The Principal Enterprise Architect works closely with stakeholders to define and drive overall architecture at the program/project level.This position is for a Principal Enterprise Architect with broad responsibilities across Infrastructure, Application, and Data domains. The role includes leading architecture efforts in cloud (Azure required; AWS/GCP a plus), compute, middleware, virtualization, and virtual desktop environments, with foundational knowledge in network and storage architecture. It also covers database architecture for large‑scale platforms like SQL Server and Oracle, including on‑prem and cloud deployments, with familiarity in NoSQL systems. Application responsibilities include architecting integration solutions (API and ESB‑based), managing roadmaps for enterprise applications (e.g., HR, sourcing, collaboration), and supporting SaaS/PaaS integrations. The role leads DevOps strategy, requiring expertise in CI/CD pipelines, version control, automated testing, and infrastructure automation. Data domain focus includes modern data platforms such as data lakes, hubs, and stream processing, with experience in Azure SQL Server and Azure Data Lake preferred.

Essential Job Functions

• Enterprise Architecture – Accountable for program and project architecture across large enterprise‑wide initiatives, involving complex custom development across multiple applications or significant third‑party assessments, integrations, and implementations. Develop and maintain current state and target state architecture for an application or technology area in alignment with strategic direction.
• Architecture Planning and Project Support – Define and drive overall architecture at the program/project level by working closely with stakeholders. Participate in business and IT planning, create architectural documentation to support target state architecture, promote alignment across business and technology, and manage technical dependencies between projects.
• Architecture Governance – Ensure application or technology area meets functional and non‑functional requirements, manage capacity and performance models, document and manage technical debt and risk, and provide thought leadership on strategy and complex issue resolution.
• Documentation – Produce and maintain a library of reference architecture documentation including diagrams, requirements, roadmaps, and guidance. Perform periodic reviews to ensure solution health and compliance to reference architectures.
• Technical Debt Management – Manage technical debt introduced or mitigated through programs and projects in an application or technology area.
• Human Relations – Diffuse problematic situations, resolve conflicts, and utilize soft skills to communicate complex concepts. Act as a trusted partner, guiding less experienced team members.
• Professional Advancement – Contribute to the architecture profession by mentoring and guiding other architects, improving architectural practice, and participating in internal and external communities.
• Technical Knowledge and Application – Proficiency in at least five technology platforms or domains such as Java, iOS, Android, Mainframe/Cobol, cloud systems, and infrastructure domains.
• Scope of Role – Support major programs and projects, potentially including several large initiatives simultaneously.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent education and/or experience in Computer Science, Engineering, Mathematics or a related field.
• Ten or more years in Information Technology.

Preferred Experience

• Extensive Infrastructure & Security Expertise – Designing and implementing enterprise‑level infrastructure solutions with strong security principles.
• Cloud Architecture Experience – Hands‑on experience with cloud platforms, preferably AWS, with cloud‑native design, deployment, and operations.
• Cross‑Functional Collaboration – Engaging stakeholders across all levels, acting as a strategic bridge for alignment.
• Strong Technical & Interpersonal Skills – Translating complex technical concepts into business value with excellent communication.
• Development Background – Experience converting business requirements into code and advocating technical solutions.
• Platform Enablement & Value Stream Engagement – Supporting platform enablement teams and enterprise architecture value streams.
• Polyglot Programming Skills – Proficiency in Java and familiarity with multiple languages.
• Integration & API Expertise – Deep understanding of backend systems, infrastructure, data integration, and API design.
• Networking Knowledge – Familiarity with networking concepts in enterprise environments.
• Broad IT Landscape Exposure – Experience across diverse IT areas for a holistic perspective.
• Proof of Concept Development – Ability to create and iterate on proof‑of‑concept solutions.
• Infrastructure as Code & Streaming Interfaces – Experience with IaC, security patterns, and streaming data interfaces.
• Additional Academic Qualifications – Bachelor's degree or equivalent education in Computer Science, Engineering, Mathematics, or related field.
• Additional Experience – Five or more years in IT architecture; three years delivering architecture for large programs.

Reports to

Director

Working Conditions / Physical Requirements

Normal office environment

Direct Reports

None

Other Duties

This job description is illustrative of the types of duties typically performed by this job. It is not intended to be an exhaustive listing of each and every essential function of the job. Because job content may change from time to time, the Company reserves the right to add and/or delete essential functions from this job at any time.

Salary Range

$134,400.00 - $278,200.00

Full Salary Range for position by state

• California: $154,500.00 - $347,700.00
• Colorado: $134,400.00 - $292,100.00
• New York: $147,800.00 - $347,700.00
• Washington: $141,100.00 - $319,900.00
• Maryland: $141,100.00 - $306,000.00
• Washington DC: $154,500.00 - $319,900.00
• Illinois: $134,400.00 - $306,000.00
• New Jersey: $154,500.00 - $319,900.00
• Vermont: $134,400.00 - $278,200.00

Benefits

• Medical, prescription drug, dental, vision, and other voluntary benefits for eligible associates.
• 15‑day paid parental leave after a 180‑day waiting period.
• 401(k) plan participation with company match.
• 11 paid holidays and Flexible Time Off (FTO) program.
• Paid sick and safe time (subject to state).
• Annual incentive bonus based on individual and company performance.

Job Family

Information Technology

Job Type

Regular

EEO Statement & Benefits

• Bread Financial offers competitive pay, a comprehensive selection of benefit options including 401(k). The Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
• Any applicant offered employment will be required to establish that they are legally authorized to work in the United States for the Company.
• The Company participates in E‑Verify.
• The Company will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with a criminal history, in a manner consistent with applicable laws.
• The Company complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and all applicable state/local laws, providing accommodations as needed.