İbrahim ATAY

Senior Software Architect, AVP

Istanbul, Türkiye

About

Software architect and engineering leader focused on building scalable, secure technology platforms that deliver real business value in complex, regulated environments. I translate business strategy into executable architectures, working across business, security, infrastructure, and enterprise architecture teams to deliver production-ready systems aligned with long-term goals. I'm drawn to challenges that require balancing technical excellence with regulatory requirements and organizational realities. I champion AI-first software delivery and technical best practices (clean code, TDD, pair programming, design patterns) while operating within TOGAF-aligned frameworks and Agile delivery models (PMI-ACP, CSM certified). As a technical advisor, I break down complex technical decisions into clear business value and actionable implementation steps. I've built engineering teams from scratch, shaped delivery models, and led initiatives from ambiguity to successful delivery. I stay hands-on with architecture, system design, DevOps pipelines, and code reviews to maintain quality and velocity. I lead effectively in ambiguous environments, turning uncertainty into successful outcomes, navigate parallel priorities seamlessly, and leverage strong relationships with senior leadership to drive strategic improvements across the organization. Sharing insights on software architecture, AI-driven development, engineering leadership, and building effective technical cultures. Technologies, platforms, and concepts experienced during this period include: - C#, Golang, Java, TypeScript, and JavaScript - Spring, Spring Boot, and Hibernate/JPA - .NET Core, .NET Framework, ASP.NET, and EF - Angular, ReactJS, VueJS, and Web Components - Azure, Kubernetes, Docker, and OpenShift - PL/SQL, Oracle, SQL Server, Postgres, and MongoDB - Jenkins, Redis, RabbitMQ, Kafka, and Elasticsearch - SonarQube, Checkmarx, Black Duck, and Snyk

Experience

  • Senior Software Architect at Citi
    Mar 2025 - Present · 1 yr 4 mos

  • Senior Software Architect at Akbank
    Nov 2022 - Feb 2025 · 2 yrs 4 mos

    • Led a cross-functional team of 4 business analysts and 7 software developers, acting as functional manager with full responsibility for performance evaluations, career development, and 1:1 coaching. • Designed high-level and low-level solution architectures, establishing standards and governance criteria for scalable banking platforms. • Coordinated end-to-end delivery across all project stakeholders, ensuring time, budget, and quality targets were met. • Owned the hiring pipeline: defined role profiles, conducted technical interviews, and evaluated candidates. • Identified and managed project risks, dependencies, and constraints through proactive risk management planning. Projects; - CreditGateway (A platform that facilitates the sale of shopping loans from multiple banks.) / Tosla Business Solutions

  • Lead Software Engineer at DefineX-ConsultingITechnologyILabs
    Jun 2021 - Nov 2022 · 1 yr 6 mos

    • Managed two Agile squads of software engineers and business analysts (6–8 members each), providing technical leadership and hands-on code review. • Drove application modernization initiatives: defined migration strategies, designed target-state architectures, and ensured alignment with enterprise standards. • Facilitated communication between technical teams and non-technical stakeholders to frame work and align priorities. • Identified risk areas proactively and implemented preventive measures across delivery streams. • Mentored and coached team members on technical growth and Agile best practices; contributed to talent acquisition. Projects; - Decision Support System for Customer Offers / NBA (Garanti BBVA) - Project Finance Modelling / Xtre SaaS (DefineX Lab)

  • Software Team Lead at Turkish Technic
    Nov 2019 - Jun 2021 · 1 yr 8 mos

    • Led a team of 2 business analysts and 5 software developers across HR, Education, and R&D operational platforms. • Oversaw architecture and project management for 16 concurrent projects involving 5 outsourcing companies. • Established Agile engineering culture: Simple Design, Pair Programming, Refactoring, and Continuous Integration. • Managed release planning, change management, and configuration management across multiple delivery pipelines. • Mentored team members and fostered an open discussion environment focused on continuous improvement. Projects; HR Development - PRATIK (Easy HR) - WeSafe (Occupational Health & Safety) - APAM (Alcohol and Psychoactive Substance Testing) Training Development - TMS (Training Management System - TYPE 147) - CT (Continuity Training) - Duyuru (Announcement Tracking System) - Academy Portal (akademi.thyteknik.com.tr) - Sınavmatik (Exam automation) - Website (Training.Turkishtechnic.com) R&D Development - PTOF (Permit to Fly) - PMS (Project Management System) - PMTS (Project Management Tracking System) - MTP (Stamp Tracking System)

  • Software Architect at Burgan Bank Türkiye
    Feb 2018 - Nov 2019 · 1 yr 10 mos

    • Co-managed a team of 2 BAs, 6 developers, and 2 UI/UX designers; facilitated cross-team collaboration across 5 culturally diverse units (Infrastructure, Core Banking, Credit, Cash Management, Internet Banking). • Guided architectural design and implementation of middleware services across the organization. • Developed automation testing frameworks and enforced coding standards for middleware services. Projects; - New Internet and Mobile Banking Branch