This is a position with direct client of Merritt Technical Associates inc. The interview includes phoneskype and f2f before making an offer. Description The Architect role includes full stack Java development with a skillset emphasis on implementing test automation strategies and frameworks within an enterprise environment. The candidate will participate in assisting in adoption of said strategy, implementing standards and practices, assessments, and complement existing test automation initiatives using various frameworks. The candidate will work closely with Software Developers in a Scrum team to deliver the highest quality products in a timely and cost-effective manner. This is a hands-on, full development lifecycle role which provides an opportunity to solve complex business, data and technical challenges. As a key contributor throughout the entire development cycle, you will be required to think outside the box and bring cutting edge technology in-house. Core Attributes bull High achiever who combines ambition with humility and is happy to let their performance do the talking. bull Demonstrable passion for technology (eg personal projects, open-source involvement) while using their problem solving capabilities to deliver solutions utilizing a top end engineering approach bull Craftsman-like approach to building software takes pride in engineering excellence and instils these values in others bull Focused on delivering value to the business with relentless efforts to improve process bull A proponent of strong collaborative software engineering techniques and methods agile development, continuous integration, code review or pairing, unit testing, refactoring and related approaches Qualifications bull Minimum 3 years of experience building test automation for Java or C applications bull Experience working within a Scrum team and solid understanding Agile principles bull Understanding and experience in ATDD, TDD, and test automation bull Experience with automation tools such as Cucumber, Protractor, Mocha, Postman, ReadyAPI, and JMeter. Experience with REST Assured library. bull Solid database querying knowledge. Preference for MS SQL Server, Oracle a plus bull Familiarity with a variety of programming styles (eg OO, functional) and in-depth knowledge of design patterns required. bull Strong interpersonal skills able to establish and maintain a close working relationship with quantitative researchers, traders and senior business people alike bull Confident communicator able to argue a point concisely and deal positively with conflicting views. bull Enthusiasm for learning results oriented. Strong preference for bull Experience of front office software development with an Asset Management, Hedge fund or Investment Bank is a plus. bull A solid understanding of financial markets and instruments is a plus. Education bull Strong academic record and a degree with high mathematical and computing content eg Computer Science, Mathematics, Engineering or Physics from a leading university.