Architecture Senior Specialist

You have a clear vision of where your career can go. And we have the leadership to help you get there. At CNA, we strive to create a culture in which people know they matter and are part of something important, ensuring the abilities of all employees are used to their fullest potential. 

The Enterprise Architect is an individual contributor supporting architectural efforts within a Scaled Agile aligned portfolio. This role is intended for individuals with a strong technical or engineering foundation, an inherent architectural mindset, and a demonstrated desire and aptitude to deepen their knowledge and practice of enterprise architecture concepts. It offers exposure to strategic initiatives and enterprise-level thinking while focusing on execution and delivery under the mentorship of Senior and Principal Enterprise Architects. 

JOB DESCRIPTION:

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Performs a combination of duties in accordance with departmental guidelines:

Architectural Strategy, Support & Execution 
Contribute to the definition of architectural strategy and vision within a defined portfolio, while assisting in the design and execution of architectural solutions. Ensure alignment with enterprise principles, standards, and solution intent to drive strategic outcomes and delivery excellence. 

Agile Collaboration 
Collaborate with solution architects, product management, and engineering teams to support solution delivery and ensure architectural clarity throughout the development lifecycle. 

Conceptual & Solution Architecture Contribution 
Contribute to the design of conceptual and solution architectures using modern frameworks (e.g., decoupled, event-based, API-enabled), under guidance from senior architects. 

Cross-Functional Engagement 
Partner with product management, system architects, and developers to translate business needs into aligned technical solutions. 

Documentation & Application Landscape Support 
Support the creation and maintenance of architectural documentation, including application inventories, risk assessments, and technical blueprints. 

Governance Participation 
Participate in architectural reviews and strategy sessions, escalating complex decisions and ensuring compliance with enterprise standards. 

Technology Awareness & Contribution 
Stay informed on emerging technologies and trends, contributing ideas for adoption and integration into portfolio solutions. 

Solution Intent & Standards Alignment 
Ensure architectural work aligns with defined solution intent, reference architectures, and non-functional requirements (NFRs), seeking guidance when needed. 

Continuous Learning & Mentorship 
Engage in continuous learning through mentorship from Senior and Principal Enterprise Architects, building architectural maturity and systems thinking. 

Practice Development Support 
Contribute to the improvement of architectural practices and processes within the portfolio, fostering a mindset of built-in quality and incremental value delivery. 

Reporting Relationship

Typically Director or above

Skills, Knowledge & Abilities

Strategic Thinking & Technical Foundations 
Demonstrates emerging strategic awareness and foundational technical skills, with the ability to contribute meaningfully to architectural discussions and solution design. 

Agile & Enterprise Architecture Familiarity 
Proficient in agile methodologies (e.g., SAFe) and familiar with enterprise architecture principles and frameworks (e.g., TOGAF), with a focus on learning and application. 

Modern Architecture Exposure 
Understands the basics of modern architectural frameworks such as decoupled, event-based, and API-enabled designs, and contributes to solution architecture under guidance. 

Technology & Business Trend Awareness 
Maintains awareness of current technology and business trends, demonstrating curiosity and initiative in exploring their relevance to portfolio solutions. 

Business Process Understanding 
Possesses a basic understanding of business functions and processes, enabling effective collaboration with business and technical stakeholders. 

Communication & Collaboration Skills 
Communicates effectively and works collaboratively across teams, including business analysts, system architects, and developers, to support architectural clarity. 

Problem-Solving Aptitude 
Applies structured thinking to solve problems with guidance, escalating complex decisions appropriately and contributing to architectural reviews. 

Continuous Learning & Mentorship Engagement 
Actively engages in mentorship and learning opportunities to build architectural maturity, systems thinking, and strategic alignment. 

Education & Experience

Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, or a related field; equivalent experience considered. 

Typically, 5–7 years of experience in technology roles such as software development, systems analysis, or solution design, with demonstrated technical proficiency and business acumen. 

Exposure to enterprise architecture practices or participation in architecture-related initiatives preferred, including familiarity with EA frameworks (e.g., TOGAF) and SAFe Agile. 

Experience collaborating with cross-functional teams, including business analysts, developers, and system architects, to support solution delivery and architectural alignment. 

Demonstrated interest in architectural strategy, modern design patterns, and emerging technologies, with a focus on continuous learning and professional development. 

Experience in the commercial insurance industry or other regulated industries preferred. 

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In certain jurisdictions, CNA is legally required to include a reasonable estimate of the compensation for this role. In District of Columbia,California, Colorado, Connecticut, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, New York and Washington, the national base pay range for this job level is $72,000 to $141,000 annually. Salary determinations are based on various factors, including but not limited to, relevant work experience, skills, certifications and location. CNA offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits package to help our employees – and their family members – achieve their physical, financial, emotional and social wellbeing goals.  For a detailed look at CNA’s benefits, please visit cnabenefits.com.

CNA is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in the recruitment process. To request an accommodation, please contact[email protected].