Lead Software Engineer (Java)

Our Purpose
Mastercard powers economies and empowers people in 200+ countries and territories worldwide. Together with our customers, we're helping build a sustainable economy where everyone can prosper. We support a wide range of digital payments choices, making transactions secure, simple, smart and accessible. Our technology and innovation, partnerships and networks combine to deliver a unique set of products and services that help people, businesses and governments realize their greatest potential.
Title and Summary
Lead Software Engineer (Java)
Join a high-impact, collaborative team dedicated to building secure, scalable solutions that form the backbone of enterprise application security. The Cryptographic Security Team focuses on delivering robust capabilities with a strong emphasis on cryptography and secure software development.
We're looking for a technically skilled and security-minded engineer who thrives on solving complex problems, is passionate about secure development practices, and is eager to grow their expertise in cryptographic systems.
What You'll Do
Design and build secure, scalable applications and services using modern back-end technologies such as Java (Spring Boot), Node.js, and nginx
Integrate cryptographic services and APIs into enterprise applications
Collaborate with cross-functional teams to define and implement secure mechanisms for critical business functions across on-prem and cloud environments
Partner with Hardware Security Module (HSM) vendors for lifecycle management and integration
Contribute to the architecture and standards for cryptography, PKI, and key management throughout the SDLC, including CI/CD pipelines
Automate deployment and configuration of security components
Identify and resolve performance bottlenecks to optimize application efficiency
Participate in technical feasibility assessments and promote secure development best practices
What You Bring
Advanced experience developing enterprise-grade applications using Java (Spring Boot), C/C++, or Python
Strong background in enterprise Linux environments (e.g., RHEL, Oracle)
Solid understanding of software engineering principles and secure coding practices
Experience with RESTful APIs, microservices architecture, and integration patterns
Familiarity with CI/CD tools and cloud platforms such as AWS, Azure, or GCP
Working knowledge of cryptographic concepts (encryption, hashing, TLS, PKCS#11) and a willingness to deepen expertise in back-end security
Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to communicate complex technical concepts clearly
Nice to Have
Hands-on experience with HSMs (e.g., Luna, Entrust, Utimaco, Payshield)
Knowledge of DevSecOps and secure software development lifecycle practices
Familiarity with containerization technologies like Docker and Kubernetes
Experience with Jenkins or similar CI/CD tools
Understanding of cryptographic libraries and frameworks in Java
Mastercard is a merit-based, inclusive, equal opportunity employer that considers applicants without regard to gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, disabled or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We hire the most qualified candidate for the role. In the US or Canada, if you require accommodations or assistance to complete the online application process or during the recruitment process, please contact [email protected] and identify the type of accommodation or assistance you are requesting. Do not include any medical or health information in this email. The Reasonable Accommodations team will respond to your email promptly.
Corporate Security Responsibility
All activities involving access to Mastercard assets, information, and networks comes with an inherent risk to the organization and, therefore, it is expected that every person working for, or on behalf of, Mastercard is responsible for information security and must:

• Abide by Mastercard's security policies and practices;
• Ensure the confidentiality and integrity of the information being accessed;
• Report any suspected information security violation or breach, and
• Complete all periodic mandatory security trainings in accordance with Mastercard's guidelines.

In line with Mastercard's total compensation philosophy and assuming that the job will be performed in the US, the successful candidate will be offered a competitive base salary and may be eligible for an annual bonus or commissions depending on the role. The base salary offered may vary depending on multiple factors, including but not limited to location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. Mastercard benefits for full time (and certain part time) employees generally include: insurance (including medical, prescription drug, dental, vision, disability, life insurance); flexible spending account and health savings account; paid leaves (including 16 weeks of new parent leave and up to 20 days of bereavement leave); 80 hours of Paid Sick and Safe Time, 25 days of vacation time and 5 personal days, pro-rated based on date of hire; 10 annual paid U.S. observed holidays; 401k with a best-in-class company match; deferred compensation for eligible roles; fitness reimbursement or on-site fitness facilities; eligibility for tuition reimbursement; and many more. Mastercard benefits for interns generally include: 56 hours of Paid Sick and Safe Time; jury duty leave; and on-site fitness facilities in some locations.
Pay Ranges
O'Fallon, Missouri: $138,000 - $221,000 USD