Lead Security Engineer

Location: Plano, TX, United States

Job Family: Security Engineering

About the Role

At JP Morgan Chase, we are at the forefront of financial services innovation, and our cybersecurity teams play a pivotal role in safeguarding our global operations against evolving threats. As a Lead Security Engineer in our Plano, TX office, you will spearhead the implementation and integration of advanced cybersecurity architecture solutions across diverse technologies, ensuring the protection of critical assets in our banking, investment, and payment systems. This role demands a strategic mindset to align security measures with business objectives, while navigating the stringent regulatory landscape of the financial industry. You will work within a collaborative environment, leveraging cutting-edge tools to fortify defenses against cyber risks that could impact millions of clients and trillions in assets. Your primary focus will be on designing robust security architectures that integrate seamlessly with JP Morgan's hybrid cloud and on-premises infrastructures. This includes leading the rollout of critical updates to mitigate vulnerabilities in real-time trading platforms and secure data flows in compliance with standards like PCI-DSS and SOX. You will conduct comprehensive threat modeling, perform risk assessments, and orchestrate incident response efforts to maintain operational continuity. Collaborating with engineering, compliance, and executive teams, you will embed security best practices into the SDLC, fostering a culture of proactive defense in a firm renowned for its technological leadership in finance. In addition to technical leadership, you will mentor emerging talent and drive innovation in areas like AI-enhanced threat detection and zero-trust architectures tailored to financial services. This position offers the opportunity to contribute to high-impact projects that shape the future of secure banking at JP Morgan Chase, with exposure to global teams and executive visibility. If you thrive in a dynamic, high-stakes environment and are passionate about protecting the integrity of the world's leading financial institution, join us in Plano to make a lasting difference.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and integrate cybersecurity architecture solutions across multiple technologies, ensuring alignment with JP Morgan Chase's enterprise security standards
• Lead the deployment of critical security updates and patches to protect sensitive financial data and systems from emerging threats
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including software developers, network engineers, and compliance officers, to embed security into the software development lifecycle (SDLC)
• Conduct threat modeling and risk assessments for new financial products and services, mitigating risks in real-time trading and transaction processing environments
• Monitor and respond to security incidents, providing forensic analysis and recommendations to prevent recurrence in a 24/7 financial operations context
• Develop and maintain security policies, procedures, and documentation compliant with federal regulations and JP Morgan's internal governance
• Mentor junior engineers and lead security engineering initiatives to enhance the firm's overall cyber resilience
• Evaluate and integrate third-party security tools and vendors, ensuring seamless interoperability with JP Morgan's core banking platforms
• Stay abreast of industry trends in financial cybersecurity, such as AI-driven threats and quantum computing risks, and propose innovative defenses
• Participate in audits and regulatory reviews, presenting security architecture strategies to senior stakeholders

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Cybersecurity, or a related field
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in cybersecurity engineering, with a focus on architecture and implementation in financial services
• Proven track record of leading security projects in a large-scale enterprise environment, preferably in banking or financial institutions
• Deep knowledge of regulatory compliance standards such as PCI-DSS, SOX, GDPR, and FFIEC guidelines
• Experience with cloud security architectures (AWS, Azure) and hybrid environments common in financial systems
• Strong understanding of threat modeling, risk assessment, and vulnerability management in high-stakes financial networks
• Professional certifications such as CISSP, CISM, or CEH

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree (Master's or MBA) in Cybersecurity or related field
• Experience working at a major financial institution like JP Morgan Chase or similar
• Familiarity with JP Morgan's internal security tools and frameworks
• Leadership experience in agile teams delivering security solutions for trading or payment systems
• Knowledge of blockchain security or fintech innovations

Required Skills

• Expertise in cybersecurity frameworks like NIST, ISO 27001, and MITRE ATT&CK
• Proficiency in secure coding practices and tools (e.g., OWASP, SAST/DAST)
• Strong knowledge of network security protocols (e.g., firewalls, IDS/IPS, VPNs)
• Experience with identity and access management (IAM) systems like Okta or Active Directory
• Skills in cloud security platforms (e.g., AWS Security Hub, Azure Sentinel)
• Familiarity with endpoint detection and response (EDR) tools like CrowdStrike or Microsoft Defender
• Analytical problem-solving for complex security incidents in financial data environments
• Leadership and communication skills for collaborating with executive stakeholders
• Project management abilities using Agile/Scrum methodologies in security projects
• Understanding of encryption standards (e.g., TLS, AES) for protecting financial transactions
• Scripting and automation skills (Python, Bash) for security operations
• Risk assessment and compliance auditing expertise
• Adaptability to fast-paced, high-pressure financial services operations
• Team collaboration and mentoring capabilities
• Strategic thinking for long-term security architecture planning

Benefits

• Competitive base salary and performance-based annual bonuses tied to firm and individual contributions
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance with low employee premiums
• 401(k) retirement savings plan with generous company matching up to 6% of eligible pay
• Paid time off including vacation, sick days, and parental leave for work-life balance
• Professional development opportunities, including tuition reimbursement and access to JP Morgan's internal training programs
• Employee stock purchase plan and other financial wellness benefits tailored to the banking industry
• On-site fitness centers, wellness programs, and mental health support services
• Relocation assistance for moves to Plano, TX, and commuter benefits for hybrid work arrangements

JP Morgan Chase is an equal opportunity employer.