Director of Software Architecture & Engineering

Director of Software Architecture & Engineering (Hybrid - Columbia, SC) 

What You’ll Do:

API Strategy & Enablement

• Deliver an enterprise API strategy that unlocks composable services, accelerates integration, and aligns platform capabilities with business and technology goals
• Lead a high-performing API platform team to build scalable, secure, and performant APIs that enable rapid innovation and system interoperability

Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC) and Application Security (AppSec)

• Own and evolve the SDLC to drive consistency, agility, and quality across engineering teams, improving delivery velocity and reducing rework
• Standardize developer experience through intuitive tooling, clear documentation, and streamlined onboarding, enhancing productivity and retention
• Embed security into the development lifecycle by co-designing a secure-by-design AppSec program with the CISO, leveraging shift-left principles and automation
• Enable proactive threat detection through early warning systems and continuous security validation, reducing vulnerabilities before deployment

DevOps & Automation and Cloud-Native Development

• Establish and scale DevOps patterns that improve release frequency, reduce manual effort, increase system reliability through CI/CD, infrastructure as code, and automation
• Optimize operational efficiency by embedding observability, performance monitoring, and automated rollback mechanisms into delivery pipelines
• Accelerate adoption of modern cloud-native technologies by partnering with Cloud Architecture to implement serverless, container orchestration, and event-driven patterns
• Foster a culture of experimentation and iteration, empowering teams to deliver with speed, confidence, and a bias toward learning and improvement

What You’ll Need:

• Education & Experience: Bachelor’s or master’s in computer science, IT, or related field, or equivalent experience; 10+ years in software engineering and IT leadership.
• Cloud-Native Expertise: Proven ability to design and deploy cloud-native applications using serverless and containerized architectures (AWS, Azure, Docker, Kubernetes).
• API Strategy & Integration: Deep knowledge of API-first design, lifecycle management, and integration platforms (e.g., MuleSoft), including REST, GraphQL, and security models.
• DevOps & Automation: Strong background in CI/CD pipeline design, infrastructure as code (Terraform), and automated testing frameworks.
• Regulatory Compliance: Experience in secure development practices and audit-ready workflows within regulated environments, preferably financial services.
• Certifications (Preferred): Cloud architecture (AWS), API/integration (MuleSoft), DevOps (Kubernetes, Terraform), and security (CISSP, CCSP).
• Developer Experience Advocacy: Track record of improving developer productivity through tooling, process optimization, and self-service platforms.