Director of Software Architecture & Engineering Job

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.