Lead Engineer / Payment Architect

Location: Remote (U.S. overlap preferred) Type: Contract (Full-Time Preferred) Domain: Payments / Fintech / eCommerce Infrastructure About the Project We are leading a modernization initiative for a high-growth digital commerce platform focused on payment orchestration, gateway optimization, and API-driven architecture. This role will architect and lead integration efforts involving: - Payment gateway orchestration - Tokenization strategy - Direct PSP integrations - Subscription billing logic - Checkout modernization without disruption Experience with orchestration platforms such as Gr4vy, Stripe, etc. is highly desirable, but not required. Deep payments architecture experience is mandatory. What You’ll Do - Architect and lead end-to-end payment orchestration strategy - Design multi-PSP routing logic and failover systems - Lead integration from gateway abstraction to direct acquirer connections - Oversee token migration and vault strategy - Ensure PCI-compliant design and security best practices - Guide backend and DevOps engineers through execution What Success Looks Like - Clean abstraction layer across PSPs - Reduced payment friction - Improved authorization rates - Modernized checkout infrastructure Requirements - 8+ years backend engineering experience - 4+ years in payments infrastructure - Strong knowledge of: - REST APIs - Webhooks - Tokenization - Recurring billing logic - Card-not-present flows - Experience integrating PSPs (e.g., Worldpay, Checkout.com, Adyen, Stripe, etc.) - Experience designing high-availability systems Ideal (Not Required) - Gr4vy integration exposure - Subscription/SaaS billing systems - Gateway-to-direct processor migration projects Benefits - High-Impact Architecture Project - Executive Visibility - Competitive Contract Compensation - Flexible Remote Structure - Clear Scope, Clear Timeline - Long-Term Engagement - Technical Ownership