Charles Schwab

Director, Architect Principal

Charles Schwab$130K — $180K *
Enterprise Technology
11 - 15 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 15+ years in enterprise application and platform architecture.
  • Expertise in large-scale modernization projects.
  • Proven experience with modern distributed and cloud architectures.
  • Strong leadership in architecture standards and governance enforcement.
  • Ability to clearly communicate architectural goals to senior leadership.
  • Deep knowledge of Agile, DevSecOps, and CI/CD practices.
  • Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field.

Responsibilities

  • Provide architectural leadership across diverse platforms including mainframe and cloud systems.
  • Define and advocate for application modernization methodologies.
  • Establish governance for public cloud application architecture.
  • Lead architecture governance activities including design reviews.
  • Define scalable application patterns for different technologies.
  • Enhance developer productivity through modern tools and CI/CD.
  • Shape API architecture and integration strategies.

Benefits

  • In-office collaborative environment based in Westlake, TX or Austin, TX.
  • Empowerment to make significant career impacts.
  • Opportunity to be part of an elite engineering community.
  • Engagement with cutting-edge technologies in finance.
  • Clear architectural direction influencing modernization efforts.
Full Job Description
Your Opportunity

This role is designed for in-office collaboration and is based on site in Westlake, TX or Austin, TX.  At Schwab, you’re empowered to make an impact on your career. Here, innovative thought meets creative problem solving, helping us challenge the status quo and transform the finance industry together.  As part of Schwab’s Enterprise Architecture community, you will join an elite group representing the pinnacle of technical expertise and architectural leadership. Distinguished Engineers at Schwab set enterprise direction, define paved roads, and elevate engineering outcomes across platforms and domains.  This role focuses on enterprise-scale modernization, governance, and platform evolution—spanning mainframe, distributed systems, and public cloud architectures. You will influence how teams modernize legacy platforms, adopt cloud-native patterns, and scale applications in a secure, resilient, and governed manner. 

 

In this role, you will 

  • Provide enterprise architecture leadership across heterogeneous platforms including mainframe, distributed, and cloud-native systems.
  • Define and evangelize application modernization patterns and practices (e.g., strangler, decomposition, re-platforming).
  • Establish and govern public cloud application patterns and reference architectures.
  • Lead architecture governance, including standards, design reviews, and exception management.
  • Define and promote scalable application patterns supporting diverse deployment models and technologies.
  • Influence developer productivity through modern tooling, CI/CD pipelines, and GitHub-based workflows.
  • Shape enterprise API architectures and integration strategies.
  • Optimize security requirements into architecture governance processes
  • Partner with business, product, and engineering leaders to define current, transitional, and target-state architectures.

 

Core Skill Set and Expertise 

  • Enterprise Architecture leadership across application, platform, and integration domains.
  • Application modernization patterns and migration strategies.
  • Public cloud application architectures and hybrid integration models.
  • Architecture governance frameworks and operating models.
  • Developer tooling, CI/CD, and automation using GitHub and modern pipelines.
  • API and event-driven architectures
  • AI Solution Architectures
  • Familiarity with mainframe application architecture, SDLC, optimization, and modernization.
  • Scaling patterns for high-volume, mission-critical applications across heterogeneous environments.
  • Familiarity with Business Architecture concepts and practices
What you have

Required:

  • 15+ years of experience in enterprise application and platform architecture.
  • Proven leadership in large-scale modernization initiatives.
  • Demonstrated depth in modern distributed/cloud architectures.
  • Strong experience defining and enforcing architecture standards and governance.
  • Ability to influence senior leaders and translate complex systems into clear architectural direction.
  • Deep understanding of modern delivery practices including Agile, DevSecOps, and CI/CD.
  • Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or related field. 

About Charles Schwab

Charles Schwab is a financial services company that provides a full range of securities, brokerage, banking, money management, financial advisory, investor, and retirement plan services. It operates in four main divisions; investing, wealth management, banking, and trading. Charles Schwab provides a full-service brokerage platform that serves individual investors who invest on their own or through a workplace-sponsored retirement or equity plan, as well as banking through Schwab Bank. The firm was founded in 1973 and is headquartered in San Francisco, California.

Charles Schwab Careers

Join the vibrant team at Charles Schwab, a leader in global finance, where your career is propelled by innovation, leadership, and a commitment to diversity and professional growth. At Charles Schwab, we offer more than just job opportunities; we provide a platform for you to make a significant impact on the industry and our clients' lives.

Work You’ll Do

At Charles Schwab, we are dedicated to helping our clients manage their financial futures. Being part of our team means you'll work alongside some of the most skilled professionals in the financial services industry. Our culture thrives on teamwork, integrity, and relentless dedication to our clients. Whether you're looking for a position in financial consulting, technology, or administrative support, Charles Schwab offers a dynamic work environment where your skills will be honed and your achievements recognized.

Innovate and Lead

Embrace the opportunity to lead through innovation. Charles Schwab’s commitment to technology and innovation is fundamental to our service delivery. By joining our team, you will be at the forefront of developing new solutions that redefine the future of finance. Your leadership can guide significant projects that impact our company and the industry.

Grow Your Career

Charles Schwab believes in fostering the growth of its employees. Whether through professional development programs, diversity training, or leadership workshops, we ensure that our team members receive the support and training they need to advance their careers. With a variety of career paths available, your job at Schwab can evolve with your interests and expertise.

Internship and Employment Opportunities

Start your professional journey with Charles Schwab through our internship programs or full-time employment opportunities. We seek individuals who are passionate, curious, and ready to drive change. A career at Schwab is not just about having a job; it's about building a lasting relationship with a company that values your potential.

Benefits and Culture

Charles Schwab is renowned for its employee-friendly culture. We offer a comprehensive benefits package that supports the health, financial stability, and work-life balance of our team members. From competitive salaries and bonuses to health insurance and retirement plans, Schwab ensures that your career is as rewarding as it is enriching.

Networking and Professional Development

Expand your professional network and enhance your skills through our various networking events, mentorship programs, and training sessions. At Charles Schwab, we believe in leveraging collective expertise to foster learning and innovation. Engage with leaders, gain insights from experienced professionals, and build relationships that will aid your career trajectory.

Join Our Team

Explore the numerous career paths available at Charles Schwab and discover how your talents can be utilized to their fullest potential. Search open positions that match your skills and interests. We are continuously hiring across various disciplines and look forward to adding innovative, driven individuals to our team.

Stay Connected

Keep up to date with the latest from Charles Schwab Careers by subscribing to our job alert emails. Tailor your subscription to receive updates that align with your career preferences and be the first to know about new openings, company news, and professional tips.

Explore Charles Schwab Jobs

Ready to take the next step in your career? Visit our careers page to review current job openings, submit your resume, and prepare for your interview. At Charles Schwab, your future is waiting. [SEARCH CHARLES SCHWAB JOBS] Join Charles Schwab today and be part of a team that values diversity, innovation, and leadership—where your career can thrive in the exciting world of finance.
Learn more about Charles Schwab
Size
34,200 employees
Market Cap
$151.6 billion
Industry
Net Income
$3.2 billion
Founded
1973
5 Year Trend
+20%
Revenue
$12.1 billion
NASDAQ

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