Applications Architect

NFA is purpose-driven. We safeguard the integrity of the derivatives markets, protect investors and ensure that our Members meet their regulatory obligations. We take pride in our work; maintain a conviction to do the right thing; empower each other; and support our community. Envision your career in a place where performing critical regulatory work within the financial industry is as significant as the passionate and talented individuals with whom you work.

When you join NFA as an Applications Architect, you will play a critical role in shaping the architectural direction of our enterprise applications.

Bring your analytical mindset, technical expertise, and passion for innovation to design modern, secure, and scalable solutions that move our organization forward.  NFA is looking for a self-starter who takes initiative, brings forward new ideas, and continuously looks for ways to solve problems.

Beginning your first day and throughout your career at NFA, you will influence architectural direction, partner across teams, and support the adoption of cloud and emerging technologies that strengthen our systems and processes.

What you'll do:

As an Applications Architect, you will operate across both strategy and execution, thinking through complex problems, defining solutions, and staying closely involved in how they are built.  This role requires an architect who can translate complex technical concepts for both technical and non-technical audiences.  You are eager to collaborate and partner with development teams, contribute ideas, and make informed recommendations.  Additional responsibilities include:

• Design and implement, scalable, secure application architectures across cloud environments (Azure/AWS).
• Lead modern API design and integration patterns to support efficient, connected systems.
• Drive identity and access management solutions using OAUTH2/OIDC and zero trust principles.
• Translate architectural strategy into execution, partnering closely with development teams and remaining hands on to ensure solutions are built effectively.
• Operate across both strategy and delivery, contributing to design decisions while also helping to implement and refine solutions.
• Lead and support efforts to evaluate and adopt AI-enabled solutions and continuous improvement across systems and processes.
• Establish architectural standards and guide teams toward best practices.

Qualifications:

• Self-starter who takes initiative and drives work forward independently.
• Experience as an Application Architect, Solutions Architect, or similar role with a focus on cloud platforms (Azure or AWS).
• Expertise on identity management, including lifecycle practices, access control models, and zero trust principles.  Hands on experience with modern authentication protocols and implementing identify solutions using Microsoft Entra.
• Effective communicator who describes business requirements across various teams, departments, and stakeholders.
• A proven ability to balance innovation with collaboration, you can share ideas, remain patient through discussion, and adapt, based on team input and organizational priorities.
• Experience with Agile/Scrum methodologies and using Azure DevOps for work planning, CI/CD, and deployment pipelines.
• Familiarity with large language models, Copilot/Agentic workflows, and modern AI integration patterns.
• Strong knowledge of modern application architectures (microservices, event-driven patterns, CI/CD pipelines).

The salary range for this position is $117,300 - $204,000

To learn more about NFA and the benefits we offer please visit:  What We Offer | National Futures Association 

Customers and market participants depend on NFA to act with integrity and impartiality as it carries out its mission of safeguarding the markets and protecting investors. Therefore, NFA employees have a responsibility to conduct themselves according to high ethical standards, and must abide by NFA's Code of Professional Conduct. Learn more about the Code of Professional Conduct.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status.