Technical Architect ( ACH Implementation ) - Hands on Role

Contract Opportunity: Technical Architect (ACH Implementation) Hands-On Role

We are seeking a highly experienced, hands-on Technical Architect with deep expertise in ACH (Automated Clearing House) payment processing to lead the end-to-end architecture, build, integration, and deployment of our ACH capabilities. This is not just an advisory role we need someone who has personally implemented ACH systems across all layers and can roll up their sleeves to drive execution.

Key Responsibilities

Lead and actively contribute to the entire ACH implementation lifecyclefrom requirements and solution architecture to development and production rollout.

Design and build ACH processing flows: origination, validation, file generation/parsing, settlement, reconciliation, returns, and NOC automation.

Perform hands-on engineering on ACH modules:

- Outbound/inbound ACH file processors

- Microservices/APIs for payment flows

- SFTP/PGP secure transmission

- Error handling, logging, monitoring

Integrate directly with ODFIs, RDFIs, and ACH operators, interpreting bank specs and certification requirements.

Ensure full compliance with NACHA rules, security standards, and financial controls.

Lead end-to-end testing, bank certification, exception flow testing, and operational readiness.

Deliver comprehensive documentation, operational guides, and knowledge transfer.

Support cutover planning, deployment, and post-go-live stabilization.

Required Experience

8+ years in payments engineering/architecture with direct hands-on ACH implementation experience.

Ability to design AND build ACH systemsnot just oversee them.

Deep knowledge of NACHA rules, ACH file formats (PPD, CCD, CTX, IAT), return codes, NOCs, prenotes, and settlement cycles.

Strong backend engineering skills (Java, .NET, Node.js, or similar).

Expertise in SFTP, PGP encryption, API design, microservices, and cloud environments (AWS/Azure/GCP).

Prior consulting/contract roles delivering ACH or payment rail implementations.

Excellent communication skills for workshops, stakeholder management, and bank collaboration.

What We're Looking For

A hands-on technologist who has personally built ACH systems end-to-end.

A practical architect who can bridge strategy + implementation + delivery.

Someone who thrives in an autonomous consulting role and drives results quickly.