Sr Director of Software Engineering- Identity & Authentication

Location: Houston, TX, United States

Job Family: Software Engineering

About the Role

At JP Morgan Chase, we are at the forefront of financial services innovation, and our technology teams play a pivotal role in securing the future of banking. As the Sr Director of Software Engineering for Identity & Authentication, you will lead a dynamic group of engineers in building and maintaining robust security infrastructures that protect our global client base. Based in our Houston, TX office, this role involves directing multiple technical domains, including access management, multi-factor authentication, and zero-trust frameworks, while managing the activities of several departments to deliver scalable solutions that comply with stringent regulatory standards like SOX and GDPR. You will collaborate across technical and business domains to integrate cutting-edge identity technologies into our core platforms, ensuring seamless, secure experiences for millions of users in a fast-paced financial ecosystem. In this senior leadership position, you will oversee the end-to-end lifecycle of identity and authentication projects, from architectural design to deployment and ongoing optimization. Your responsibilities will include fostering innovation in areas like adaptive authentication and biometric integration to combat evolving cyber threats, while driving operational excellence through agile practices and cross-functional partnerships. At JP Morgan Chase, we value leaders who can balance technical depth with strategic vision, mentoring high-performing teams and aligning engineering efforts with the firm's risk management priorities. This role demands a proactive approach to staying ahead of industry trends, ensuring our authentication systems not only meet but exceed the security needs of a leading global bank. Joining JP Morgan Chase means becoming part of a world-class organization committed to integrity, innovation, and inclusion. You will have the opportunity to influence enterprise-wide security strategies, contribute to high-impact projects that safeguard financial assets, and grow your career in an environment that supports professional development and work-life balance. If you are a seasoned engineering leader passionate about cybersecurity in finance, this position offers a chance to make a lasting impact on one of the world's most trusted financial institutions.

Key Responsibilities

• Direct multiple technical areas focused on identity and authentication, ensuring alignment with JP Morgan Chase's enterprise security strategy
• Manage the activities of multiple engineering departments, overseeing 50+ team members across development, operations, and security
• Collaborate with cross-functional stakeholders in risk, compliance, and business units to integrate authentication solutions into core banking platforms
• Drive the design and implementation of scalable IAM systems to support secure access for millions of users in a high-stakes financial environment
• Lead innovation in authentication technologies, including biometrics and adaptive access controls, to mitigate fraud risks
• Oversee budgeting, resource allocation, and performance metrics for identity engineering initiatives
• Ensure all projects adhere to regulatory requirements and internal JP Morgan standards for data privacy and security
• Mentor senior engineers and foster a culture of continuous improvement in software engineering practices
• Partner with global teams to deploy identity solutions across hybrid cloud environments
• Monitor emerging threats in identity management and proactively enhance system resilience

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field; Master's degree preferred
• 15+ years of experience in software engineering, with at least 8 years in leadership roles managing large-scale teams
• Proven track record in identity and authentication technologies, including IAM systems in a financial services environment
• Deep expertise in cybersecurity compliance standards such as GDPR, SOX, and PCI-DSS
• Experience leading cross-functional teams in agile environments within a global financial institution
• Strong understanding of cloud-based identity solutions (e.g., AWS IAM, Azure AD) and microservices architecture
• Demonstrated ability to manage budgets and resources for multi-department technical initiatives

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced certifications in cybersecurity (e.g., CISSP, CISM) or identity management (e.g., GIAC)
• Experience with zero-trust architecture and multi-factor authentication implementations in banking
• Prior leadership in regulatory audits and risk management for financial technology projects
• Familiarity with JP Morgan Chase's internal tools and processes for secure software development
• MBA or equivalent business acumen in fintech innovation

Required Skills

• Expertise in identity and access management (IAM) platforms like Okta, Ping Identity, or SailPoint
• Proficiency in authentication protocols (OAuth, SAML, OpenID Connect) and encryption standards
• Strong knowledge of Java, Python, or Go for backend development in secure environments
• Experience with cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP) and containerization (Docker, Kubernetes)
• Leadership and team management in agile/Scrum methodologies
• Risk assessment and compliance management in financial services
• Strategic planning and stakeholder communication skills
• Problem-solving in high-pressure, regulated settings
• Data analytics for monitoring authentication metrics and threat detection
• Familiarity with DevSecOps practices and CI/CD pipelines
• Business acumen for aligning tech solutions with financial goals
• Mentoring and talent development
• Adaptability to evolving cybersecurity landscapes
• Project management tools (Jira, Confluence)

Benefits

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans with employer contributions
• 401(k) retirement savings plan with generous company matching
• Annual performance bonuses and stock awards tied to firm success
• Paid time off including vacation, sick days, and parental leave
• Professional development programs, including tuition reimbursement and leadership training
• Wellness initiatives with gym memberships, mental health support, and onsite fitness centers
• Flexible work arrangements, including hybrid options in Houston, TX
• Employee stock purchase plan and financial planning services

JP Morgan Chase is an equal opportunity employer.