Software Engineer (Java, Python)

About The Company

First Citizens Bank is a renowned financial institution committed to delivering exceptional banking services through innovative digital solutions. Currently undergoing a significant digital transformation, the bank aims to simplify, consolidate, and modernize its customer experience. With a focus on building a foundational North Star Architecture, First Citizens Bank strives to enable scalable growth, faster delivery, and differentiated experiences in the competitive financial landscape. The organization values technological innovation, operational excellence, and a customer-centric approach, making it an ideal environment for professionals passionate about shaping the future of digital banking.

About The Role

The Principal Software Engineer - CIAM and Fraud is a senior-level technical leadership role responsible for overseeing and guiding the development and maintenance of customer identity and fraud prevention platforms built on the Okta platform. This remote position is open to candidates located in Arizona, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, and Texas. The role involves setting technical standards, influencing platform roadmaps, and providing expert guidance on complex design decisions related to secure, resilient, and user-friendly digital banking journeys. As a key authority in this domain, the engineer will ensure that the bank’s digital identity solutions effectively balance security, customer experience, and fraud mitigation efforts. The role offers an exceptional opportunity to contribute to foundational technology initiatives that impact millions of customers, supporting the bank’s digital-first strategy and operational resilience.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or related field with 10\+ years of experience in software application development and maintenance.
• Or High School Diploma or GED with 14\+ years of relevant experience.
• Principal or Staff-level engineering experience preferred.
• Deep hands-on expertise with Okta CIAM (Customer Identity and Access Management).
• Strong experience in banking or regulated financial services environments.
• Proven track record of delivering secure, customer-facing platforms at scale.
• Minimum of 5-8 years’ experience with major programming languages such as Java, Python, or Go.
• Extensive knowledge of fraud prevention, risk-based authentication, and secure digital journeys.
• Experience working within agile, product-aligned delivery models.
• Familiarity with regulatory, audit, and operational risk frameworks.
• Expertise in CIAM and fraud-aware identity design principles.
• In-depth understanding of Okta architecture, configuration, and related concepts.
• Proficiency with OAuth 2\.0, OpenID Connect, and SAML protocols.
• Experience integrating fraud signals and implementing risk-based decisioning.
• Strong understanding of REST APIs and event-driven architectures.
• Experience working with cloud platforms such as AWS, Azure, or GCP.

Responsibilities

• Own and uphold engineering integrity and make critical technical decisions for CIAM and Fraud platforms.
• Ensure Okta-based identity solutions effectively balance user experience, security, fraud prevention, and scalability.
• Influence platform roadmaps and prioritize initiatives based on deep domain expertise and strategic goals.
• Act as a control point for high-risk changes impacting customer journeys and regulatory compliance.
• Serve as the engineering authority for Customer Identity Cloud implementations, including Okta Identity Engine and Universal Directory.
• Define, develop, and maintain engineering standards, patterns, and reference implementations specific to CIAM and fraud detection.
• Lead complex engineering projects such as OAuth2/OIDC authentication, token lifecycle management, and adaptive risk-based authentication using Okta Identity Engine.
• Implement MFA step-up protocols for high-risk transactions and integrate behavioral risk signals for enhanced fraud detection.
• Lead resolution efforts for severe production incidents and address security vulnerabilities promptly.
• Collaborate with Architecture, Security, Fraud, and Delivery teams to ensure alignment and adherence to best practices.
• Partner with cross-functional teams to design and implement secure API architectures, zero-trust security patterns, and cloud-native solutions.
• Mentor and coach senior engineers, fostering a culture of technical excellence, resilience, and ownership.
• Act as a trusted advisor to senior leadership, including Directors, Architects, and Security leaders, providing strategic technical guidance.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package.
• Health, dental, and vision insurance options.
• Retirement savings plans with employer contributions.
• Paid time off and holiday leave.
• Professional development opportunities and continuous learning support.
• Work-from-home flexibility and remote work environment.
• Employee assistance programs and wellness resources.

Equal Opportunity

First Citizens Bank is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status. We believe that diverse perspectives foster innovation and drive our success.