Principal Architect, Identity Access Management

Location: Chicago, IL, United States

Job Family: Architecture

About the Role

At JPMorgan Chase, we are at the forefront of redefining the future of financial services through innovative technology solutions. As a Principal Architect in Identity Access Management (IAM), you will play a pivotal role in architecting secure, scalable identity and access technologies that safeguard our global operations. Based in our Chicago office, you will provide expertise to enhance and build IAM systems across the firm, ensuring robust protection for client assets, trading platforms, and internal resources in one of the world's largest financial institutions. This position demands a strategic thinker with deep technical acumen to drive architecture excellence in a highly regulated environment, collaborating with engineering, compliance, and business teams to mitigate risks and enable seamless access for over 250,000 employees worldwide. Your key contributions will include leading the design of advanced IAM architectures, integrating cutting-edge solutions like zero-trust frameworks and AI-driven identity analytics to address evolving cyber threats in the financial sector. You will evaluate emerging technologies, develop governance policies aligned with regulations such as SOX and GDPR, and oversee the implementation of authentication protocols to support secure transactions in investment banking, asset management, and consumer services. By fostering innovation, you will help JPMorgan Chase maintain its leadership in digital transformation, ensuring that identity management evolves with cloud migrations and hybrid infrastructures while prioritizing data privacy and operational resilience. This role offers an opportunity to influence enterprise-wide strategies at a firm renowned for its commitment to technology and inclusion. You will mentor teams, contribute to thought leadership on IAM best practices, and participate in high-impact projects that directly impact our clients' trust and the firm's competitive edge. Join JPMorgan Chase in Chicago to architect the secure foundations of tomorrow's banking, where your expertise will drive meaningful change in a dynamic, supportive culture.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design and architecture of IAM solutions to support secure access across JPMorgan Chase's global financial platforms
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate IAM technologies with core banking systems, ensuring compliance with industry regulations
• Evaluate and recommend emerging IAM tools and technologies to enhance identity governance and access controls
• Develop and maintain architectural blueprints for identity federation, single sign-on (SSO), and multi-factor authentication (MFA) implementations
• Conduct risk assessments and audits of IAM systems to mitigate security threats in financial transactions
• Mentor junior architects and engineers on best practices for scalable IAM in a high-volume trading and lending environment
• Drive innovation in zero-trust models to protect sensitive client data and internal resources at JPMorgan Chase
• Partner with compliance and legal teams to align IAM strategies with evolving financial regulations
• Oversee the migration of legacy IAM systems to modern, cloud-native architectures
• Provide technical leadership in IAM-related projects, ensuring alignment with firm-wide technology roadmaps

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field; Master's degree preferred
• 10+ years of experience in identity and access management (IAM) architecture, with at least 5 years in a senior or lead role
• Proven track record in designing and implementing enterprise-level IAM solutions in a financial services environment
• Deep knowledge of regulatory compliance standards such as SOX, GDPR, and PCI-DSS relevant to financial institutions
• Experience with cloud-based IAM platforms (e.g., AWS IAM, Azure AD) and hybrid environments
• Strong understanding of authentication protocols (OAuth, SAML, OpenID Connect) and authorization frameworks
• Ability to obtain necessary security clearances and pass background checks required for JPMorgan Chase

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced certifications such as CISSP, CISM, or GIAC in IAM
• Experience working at a large-scale financial institution like JPMorgan Chase or similar
• Familiarity with zero-trust architecture and privileged access management (PAM) in high-stakes environments
• Prior involvement in IAM transformations for global banking operations
• Knowledge of machine learning applications in identity analytics and threat detection

Required Skills

• Expertise in IAM frameworks like Okta, Ping Identity, or SailPoint
• Proficiency in programming languages such as Java, Python, or PowerShell for IAM automation
• Strong knowledge of directory services (LDAP, Active Directory) and identity repositories
• Experience with API security, microservices, and RESTful integrations in financial systems
• Analytical skills for threat modeling and vulnerability assessments
• Leadership and communication skills for stakeholder engagement
• Problem-solving abilities in complex, high-pressure financial environments
• Understanding of cybersecurity principles including encryption and key management
• Project management skills using Agile or DevOps methodologies
• Familiarity with big data tools for identity analytics (e.g., Splunk, ELK Stack)
• Soft skills in collaboration and influencing cross-functional teams
• Knowledge of financial protocols like SWIFT and secure transaction processing
• Adaptability to fast-paced regulatory changes in banking
• Technical writing for documentation of architectural designs

Benefits

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans with employer contributions
• 401(k) retirement savings plan with generous company matching
• Annual performance-based bonuses and stock awards
• Paid time off including vacation, sick days, and parental leave
• Professional development programs and tuition reimbursement for certifications
• Wellness programs with gym memberships and mental health support
• Flexible work arrangements including hybrid options in Chicago
• Employee stock purchase plan and financial planning services

JP Morgan Chase is an equal opportunity employer.