Solution Architect (Fintech, Trading Platform) – Dubai, UAE | Greenfield Startup Opportunity.

Join a well-funded greenfield fintech project as Solution Architect, working alongside two other founders in a true startup environment. You will take full ownership of the technical vision for building a new, client-focused trading app from the ground up for our clients, including building the team and shaping the company culture.

As Solution Architect, you will lead the design and implementation of a scalable, secure platform for retail trading across US and European stock markets. You will define the architecture, select the technology stack, and balance insourcing and outsourcing decisions to deliver a high-quality product that meets regulatory requirements, including KYC and AML compliance relevant to the UAE and other markets.

You will be a hands-on leader and technical expert, collaborating closely with the two other founders to translate business needs into robust technical solutions. Your role includes guiding the build of core backend systems, cloud infrastructure, and integrations, while mentoring future hires and shaping the evolving engineering team.

This is a unique opportunity to lead a well-funded greenfield fintech project with significant autonomy, working in a close-knit founding team based ideally in Dubai, UAE, or nearby time zones. The ideal candidate is a pragmatic, experienced Solution Architect with fintech or trading platform experience, strong business acumen, and a passion for delivering production-ready solutions in a fast-moving startup setting.

What you'll be doing:

• You define and drive the technical vision and architecture for a greenfield trading app, making key decisions on technology stack, cloud infrastructure, and integration approaches to meet business goals.
• You act as the technical lead and hands-on architect, balancing strategic planning with practical implementation, including insourcing and outsourcing decisions.
• You collaborate closely with product leadership to translate business concepts into scalable, secure, and compliant technical solutions tailored for retail trading on US and European stock markets.
• You design and oversee the development of core backend systems, ensuring scalability to support tens of thousands of users and a seamless customer onboarding and trade execution experience.
• You ensure adherence to regulatory requirements and security standards relevant to the UAE and other target markets, including KYC and AML processes.
• You build and grow the engineering team, hiring and mentoring engineers while establishing effective development processes and quality standards.
• You manage vendor relationships and third-party integrations, balancing cost, risk, and technical fit to optimize delivery.
• You work closely with leadership to prioritize roadmap milestones, manage budgets, and maintain agility in a startup-like environment.
• You foster a collaborative, close-knit team culture, ideally based in or near Dubai, supporting clear communication and rapid iteration.

What we're looking for:

• Experienced technical leader with a strong background as a solution architect, tech lead, or CTO in startups or scale-ups, ideally within fintech or trading platforms; capable of owning the full technical vision and collaborating closely with business leadership to shape product and engineering strategy.
• Proven hands-on expertise in designing and building scalable backend systems, with deep knowledge of microservices, event-driven architectures, and cloud infrastructure; familiarity with modern tech stacks and the ability to evaluate build vs. buy decisions.
• Track record of successfully leading and growing engineering teams, including hiring, mentoring, and defining team structures that support agile delivery in fast-paced, startup-like environments.
• Solid understanding of financial services and regulatory requirements, especially related to trading platforms, onboarding, KYC, and AML processes; experience or strong interest in navigating regional compliance, particularly within the UAE or similar markets.
• Excellent communication skills in English, with the ability to work closely in a hybrid or on-site setting (preferably Dubai or nearby time zones); high ownership, pragmatic problem-solving skills, and enthusiasm for building innovative, client-focused fintech solutions from the ground up.

What you'll need:

• Minimum 8 years of experience in software engineering with progressive responsibility; proven track record leading or significantly contributing to technical architecture and delivery in high-growth startups or scale-ups.
• Prior experience in a senior technical leadership role such as Solution Architect, Tech Lead, or CTO with ownership of product and technical strategy for greenfield projects.
• Strong technical background in backend systems; hands-on experience with cloud-native architectures and technologies, preferably including Kotlin, Java, or TypeScript (Node.js).
• Deep knowledge of distributed systems, microservices, and event-driven architectures, with practical experience balancing scalability, reliability, and rapid delivery.
• Experience designing and managing cloud infrastructure and operations, ideally with exposure to Google Cloud or similar platforms, with a focus on security, backups, and regulatory compliance.
• Familiarity with fintech domains, especially trading platforms, onboarding, KYC/AML processes, and relevant regulatory environments such as UAE licensing or comparable markets; willingness to quickly learn local regulatory requirements.
• Demonstrated ability to evaluate build vs. buy decisions, integrate third-party services securely, and manage vendor relationships.
• Strong product sense and architecture instincts; ability to translate business concepts into scalable technical solutions and collaborate closely with product owners and executive leadership.
• Excellent communication skills in English; ability to work closely with a small, close-knit team in a startup-like environment.
• Preferably based in or willing to relocate to Dubai or nearby time zones to enable close collaboration; hybrid working arrangements possible with some onsite presence.
• High ownership mindset, proactive problem-solver, and readiness to be hands-on in a fast-moving, scrappy startup environment.
• Flexible approach to employment type, open to consulting or full-time roles depending on candidate fit and project needs.

What we offer:

• A dynamic and growing fintech environment where you can contribute to building innovative solutions in a fast-evolving industry.
• The opportunity to work in a close-knit, ambitious engineering team focused on compliance, client experience, and cutting-edge event-driven architectures.
• Competitive salary with a base of up to 100,000 USD plus performance bonus for strong senior candidates; flexibility and room for negotiation beyond the stated base.
• An attractive equity program allowing you to participate in the company’s success through bonuses convertible to cash or equity after one year.
• A hybrid working model with a minimum of three days per week at the office to foster collaboration and team cohesion.
• Support for relocation and visa sponsorship if needed, with a preference for candidates residing in the Netherlands or willing to relocate.
• A thorough and transparent hiring process with take-home assignments and interviews designed to fairly assess your skills and fit.
• The chance to grow your expertise in distributed systems, microservices, and cloud infrastructure within a fintech context.
• A culture that values enthusiasm, ownership, and a willingness to learn and adapt in a startup-like environment with exciting challenges.

If you recognize yourself in this profile we are happy to speak to you and tell you more!