Specialist Technical Application Architect (SPTA/2026)

Overview: The Specialist – Technical Application Architect is responsible for the ground-up design, architecture, development, deployment, integration, and maintenance of the organization's enterprise business applications, working as both a hands-on full-stack developer and the platform's technology architect. The role is technology-agnostic at the framework level and may involve front-end ameworks such as Angular or React, back-end technologies such as .NET Core (C#), Node.js, Python, and MySQL as the primary database, along with integrated document management and workflow automation capabilities and AI-enabled technologies. The role focuses on defining sound application architecture and delivering secure, scalable, and maintainable enterprise platforms, while working under the guidance of senior IT leaders to ensure applications are built for maintainability, scalability, and long-term in-house ownership. Key Responsibilities: • Support requirements gathering, solution architecture, and technical documentation for new and existing platforms, including workflow mapping and stakeholder needs analysis. • Define and own end-to-end application architecture, including technology selection, design patterns, and integration strategy across front-end, back-end, database, and infrastructure layers. • Design and develop front-end modules using Angular/React, delivering responsive, role-based interfaces for diverse user groups. • Design and develop back-end services and RESTful APIs using .NET Core (C#), Node.js, or Python, following clean/layered architecture principles for long-term maintainability. • Design and implement MySQL database schemas optimized for transactional processing, workflow history, audit trails, and reporting. • Build and integrate Document Management System (DMS) capabilities supporting versioning, metadata tagging, secure storage, and retention/disposition rules. • Design and implement multi-stage workflow/approval engines to support business processes, approvals, SLA tracking, and escalations. • Containerize application components using Docker and establish CI/CD pipelines for automated build, test, and deployment. • Design, develop, and integrate AI-powered capabilities including LLMs, AI Agents, Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG), intelligent document processing, semantic search, and conversational assistants. • Develop AI-enabled APIs and services using Python where appropriate for AI integration, automation, and intelligent workflow capabilities. • Develop and secure integrations with external and internal systems (e.g., ERP, identity/authentication providers, and other enterprise platforms) using REST/SOAP APIs and secure service-to-service authentication. • Implement authentication and authorization using JWT, OAuth2/OpenID Connect, Microsoft Entra ID/Active Directory, or equivalent. • Implement background/queued job processing for notifications, SLA timers, and asynchronous workflow tasks. • Ensure all application layers adhere to secure coding practices (OWASP-aware), data protection, and regulatory compliance requirements. • Lead architecture and design reviews, making key technical decisions on framework selection, state management, workflow engine design, and integration patterns. • Coordinate with vendors and internal technical teams (Engineers, Product Managers, Operations, Business Partners) to track progress, quality, and deliverables. • Prepare and maintain technical documentation, architecture diagrams, and tracking materials for timelines, budgets, changes, and progress. Essential Skills & Competencies: • Strong, hands-on full-stack development experience across modern front-end frameworks (Angular / React) and back-end technologies (.NET Core/C#, Node.js, Python). • Proven experience architecting enterprise-grade applications using clean/layered architecture, design patterns, and microservices concepts, with the ability to make sound technology and framework choices. • Solid MySQL database design skills, including schema design for transactional and workflow-driven domains, indexing/query optimization, and production deployment. • Practical experience building or integrating Document Management System (DMS) capabilities — versioning, metadata, access control, and retention rules. • Experience designing and implementing multi-actor, multi-stage workflow or approval engines (BPM-style or custom state machines). • Hands-on experience containerizing applications with Docker and working with CI/CD pipelines (e.g., Gitlab, Jenkins, Azure DevOps) for automated deployment. • Hands-on experience integrating LLMs and AI services into enterprise applications. • Experience using Python for AI integration, automation, and AI-powered application development. • Experience with system integrations — REST/SOAP APIs, message/queue-based patterns, and secure API authentication (OAuth, mutual TLS, or equivalent). • Working knowledge of authentication/authorization frameworks such as Entra ID/Active Directory, JWT, and role-and-claims-based access control. • Strong analytical and architectural thinking, with the ability to evaluate technology trade-offs and design systems for scalability and maintainability. • Effective communication, documentation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate across diverse teams and stakeholders, and mentor junior developers. • Customer-centric approach with strong attention to detail, quality, security, and user experience. • Familiarity with Agile, DevOps, and/or CI/CD methodologies, contributing effectively to iterative development cycles. • Knowledge of IT governance frameworks such as ITIL, with an understanding of best practices for service delivery and operational support. Education Requirements: • Bachelor's degree (16 years of education) in IT, Computer Science, Engineering, Innovation, Technology Management, or a related discipline from a reputable national or foreign university recognized by HEC. • Professional certifications in solution/software architecture, cloud platforms (Azure/AWS), or DevOps andcontainerization (Docker) will be considered an added advantage.