| Position Title: | Application Architect |
| Department: | CPBCTD |
| Direct Supervisor: | VP, Application Development |
| Date: | 03/06/08 |
| Position Summary: |
The Application Architect position provides overall technical leadership for new and existing software applications and application suites. The position requires a thorough understanding of the technical and functional details of the current application landscape and business drivers, in order to formulate a strategic vision for the application of technology to our electronic trading platforms. Will define a detailed view of our long-range goals and ensure development projects are in keeping with the strategic vision. The role entails ongoing interaction with the IT managers, the CIO, and his business-side peers in collaborating on IT/Business strategy and in an advisory capacity. Will elicit business strategy and requirements to ensure understandability and completeness.
Overarching mission is to back business strategy with a coherent architecture and knowledge of emerging technology to drive out technology solutions that provide RJO with a competitive advantage. |
| Responsibility | Essential Aspects of Responsibility | Percent |
| Strategic application architecture | Document and present current and strategic application architecture | |
| Define the architectural vision of how applications will be designed and implemented | Define the architectural vision of how applications will be designed and implemented, ensuring the integrity of the vision throughout application’s life cycle. Architectural duties include: Describe, document, diagram and present systems as interactions between modular capabilities. Identify, plan for and document interfaces between applications and hardware/network. Design systems with an eye on components built and documented for reuse. | |
| Lead the definition and implementation of the Software Development | Lead the definition and implementation of the Software Development Life Cycle Methodology be used in application development. Ensure consistency in the teams’ approach and work with QA Manager to ensure consistent quality. | |
| Define and communicate at departmental level best practices | Define and communicate at departmental level best practices in our approach to application development. Oversee implementation. | |
| Coordinate efforts with team and business stakeholders. | Work with the VP of Application Development in coordinating and prioritizing efforts in software development based on team resource availability and business need. | |
| Assist management | Assist management in the selection of technologies and tools. | |
| Tactical Events | Tactical Event - Develop a detailed plan for the re-engineering of our existing routing framework. Detailed system design; Provide guidance in establishing effective development, testing and staging environments; Technical and developmental lead on the MCD.net project. | |
| Participate and validate the technical approach and assumptions | Participate and validate the technical approach and assumptions that underlie project plans for application development projects at each phase, ensuring conformity to the strategic view. | |
| Provide lead application development | Provide lead application development capability on select key projects. | |
| Review project estimates | Review project estimates during planning and at key milestones for key projects | |
| Assist in the selection process | Assist in the selection process for external & internal resources as needed | |
| Mentor new and existing application | Mentor new and existing application staff as needed. | |
| Assist in all areas of daily and production operation of IT. | Stay current on emerging technology and trends and advise on where and when to shift. | |
| Identify existing points of application failure | Identify existing points of application failure, define and help implement long- term solutions. | |
| Experience: | Includes prior position, industry or prior behavioral skills (i.e.. demonstrated use of computers, ability to organize, prioritize, etc.) |
| 10 years experience with application development | Minimum of 10 years experience with application development, architecture, methodologies and best practices. Experience designing and implementing applications with high requirements for performance and availability/uptime, preferably within a derivatives trading environment. |
| Excellent technology analysis, research and documentation skills | Excellent technology analysis, research and documentation skills required. Ability to conceptualize technology analysis and research into implement-able solutions required |
| Software Engineering Technologies | Demonstrated expertise in multiple server and desktop development technologies, including C#, C++, VB/VB.net, ASP/ASP.net, HTML, XML/XSL, SQL, IIS, SOAP, .NET Framework. |
| ESB/Messaging | Experience with an enterprise messaging system is required. Specifically, experience with Sonic MQ or a related product is strongly desired. |
| Software Engineering Methodology | Experience successfully applying software engineering methodologies and best practices within aggressive and dynamic environments is required. Experience with Agile Methodologies is a plus. |
| Leadership Experience | Must have demonstrated leading teams of developers working on separate projects in the past. Ensuring consistent application of development processes and techniques. |
| Order Applications | Strong preference for solid experience with trading applications such as order entry, order routing, and electronic exchange connectivity applications. |
| Business & Communication Skills |
Strong interpersonal, communication (verbal and written) and coaching skills required. Strong business perspective and ability to convey technology concepts to address business requirements. Good facilitation and negotiation skills. |
| Education: | Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or a related field. |
| Computer Testing Requirements: | |