Charles Schwab

Director, Platform Architect (Investment & Research Technology)

Charles Schwab$150K — $180K *
Finance & Insurance
11 - 15 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 15+ years in software engineering or architecture roles
  • Experience in Asset Management or Investment environments
  • Proven track record in platform architecture and modernization
  • Strong Agile software delivery understanding
  • Hands-on ability in architecture implementation
  • Proficient in Java, .NET, or Python
  • Expertise in microservices, APIs, and distributed systems
  • Strong cloud architecture experience, particularly on GCP
  • Familiar with cloud-native technologies like Docker and Kubernetes
  • Knowledge of AI/ML architecture patterns

Responsibilities

  • Define and evolve architecture for Investment and Research tech platforms
  • Develop architecture roadmaps aligned to business and regulatory needs
  • Lead architecture governance, design reviews, and modernization initiatives
  • Drive legacy platform simplification and cloud-native architecture adoption
  • Establish architecture principles and reusable capabilities
  • Partner with engineering teams for solution design and modernization
  • Resolve complex technical challenges related to scalability and performance
  • Lead cloud application design on GCP and PCF platforms
  • Collaborate with data teams to establish scalable data architectures
  • Champion modern engineering practices like CI/CD and automated testing
  • Influence technology direction through collaboration and mentorship

Benefits

  • Collaborative work environment with cross-functional teams
  • Opportunities for mentorship and professional growth
  • Access to cutting-edge technologies and platforms
  • Engagement in impactful modernization initiatives
  • Involvement in strategic technology direction discussions
Full Job Description
Key Responsibilities:

 

Architecture Strategy & Leadership

 

  • Define and evolve the target-state architecture for Investment and Research technology platforms.
  • Develop architecture roadmaps aligned to business priorities, operating models, regulatory requirements, and enterprise standards.
  • Lead architecture governance, design reviews, technology assessments, and modernization initiatives.
  • Drive simplification of legacy platforms and adoption of scalable, cloud-native architectures.
  • Establish architecture principles, integration patterns, reference architectures, and reusable platform capabilities.

Investment & Research Domain Architecture

  • Experience supporting front-office investment and research functions.
  • Portfolio management, construction, optimization workflows
  • Trade lifecycle management and execution processes
  • OMS/EMS platforms and market connectivity
  • Investment research and quantitative analytics platforms
  • Risk, performance, and attribution analytics
  • Market, reference, and investment data ecosystems
  • Research content, data distribution, and decision-support capabilities

Hands-On Technical Leadership

 

  • Partner with engineering teams on solution design, implementation, and modernization efforts.
  • Provide guidance on APIs, microservices, event-driven architecture, integration patterns, and distributed systems.
  • Participate in design validation, proof-of-concepts, code reviews, and architecture troubleshooting.
  • Resolve complex scalability, performance, resiliency, and integration challenges.

Cloud, Data & AI Architecture

 

  • Lead the design and deployment of applications on GCP and PCF platforms.
  • Define cloud-native patterns leveraging containers, automation, observability, and resilient infrastructure.
  • Partner with data engineering teams to establish scalable data architectures, pipelines, metadata, and analytics-ready platforms.
  • Identify opportunities to leverage AI and GenAI capabilities to enhance investment workflows, research productivity, knowledge discovery, and operational efficiency.
  • Ensure AI solutions comply with enterprise governance, security, and risk management standards.

Engineering Excellence & Modernization

 

  • Champion modern engineering practices including CI/CD, automated testing, security-by-design, observability, and platform reliability.
  • Drive adoption of modular, API-first, event-enabled architectures.
  • Collaborate with infrastructure, platform engineering, cybersecurity, and SRE teams to improve operational resilience and scalability.

Collaboration & Influence

 

  • Partner with business, product, engineering, architecture, and data leaders to align technology strategy with business objectives.
  • Communicate architecture decisions effectively to executive and technical audiences.
  • Mentor engineers and architects and help elevate technical capabilities across the organization.
  • Influence strategic technology direction through thought leadership and practical delivery experience.
What you have

Required Qualifications:

 

  • 15+ years of experience in software engineering, solution architecture, or enterprise architecture roles.
  • Significant experience within Asset Management, Investment Management, Research, Trading, or Quantitative Technology environments.
  • Proven track record leading large-scale platform architecture and modernization initiatives.
  • Strong understanding of software delivery within Agile and product-centric organizations.
  • Ability to balance strategic architecture thinking with hands-on implementation leadership.
  • Strong proficiency in Java (Spring Boot/Spring Cloud), .NET/C#, or Python.
  • Deep expertise in microservices, event-driven architectures, API design, and distributed systems.
  • Strong cloud architecture experience on GCP (preferred) or AWS.
  • Experience with cloud-native technologies including Docker and Kubernetes.
  • Strong understanding of data architecture, data engineering patterns, and analytics platforms.
  • Experience with Snowflake, SQL Server, and modern cloud data platforms.
  • Familiarity with DevOps toolchains including Git, Bitbucket, Bamboo, Jenkins, or equivalent platforms.
  • Knowledge of AI/ML architecture patterns, model deployment, and governance frameworks.

Preferred Qualifications:

 

  • Experience with industry platforms such as Aladdin, Charles River, Bloomberg, FactSet, Refinitiv, Perform, or VestmarkOne.
  • Knowledge of FIX protocol, market data platforms, trading workflows, and investment operations.
  • Familiarity with quantitative research, risk, and performance analytics ecosystems.
  • TOGAF, Google Cloud Architect, or similar architecture certifications.

In addition to the salary range, this role is also eligible for bonus or incentive opportunities.

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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