Software Engineer (Java, Python)

About The Company First Citizens Bank is a leading financial institution committed to delivering innovative banking solutions and exceptional customer service. Currently undergoing a bold digital transformation, the bank is focused on simplifying, consolidating, and modernizing its digital banking platform to better serve its customers. With a focus on scalable architecture and customer-centric experiences, First Citizens Bank is redefining its digital landscape to stay ahead in a competitive market. The organization values innovation, collaboration, and integrity, fostering a dynamic environment where technology and customer needs intersect to create meaningful financial experiences. About The Role The CIAM & Fraud Principal Software Engineer is a senior-level, hands-on engineering role responsible for leading the development and maintenance of customer identity and fraud prevention technologies built on the Okta platform. This role is pivotal in ensuring that digital banking journeys are secure, resilient, and fraud-aware, while providing a seamless and low-friction experience for customers. Operating across multiple squads, the engineer will set technical standards, influence platform roadmaps, and serve as a key authority during complex design decisions, platform updates, and incident management. The role offers an exceptional opportunity to shape the foundational digital infrastructure of First Citizens Bank, contributing to a secure, scalable, and innovative digital banking environment. Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or related field and 10 years of experience in software application development and maintenance, or
• High School Diploma or GED with 14 years of experience in software application development and maintenance.
• Principal or Staff-level engineering experience preferred.
• Deep hands-on expertise with Okta CIAM platforms, including Identity Engine, Universal Directory, and MFA.
• Strong experience in banking or regulated financial services environments.
• Proven track record 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 journey design.
• Experience working within agile, product-oriented development teams.
• Familiarity with regulatory, audit, and operational risk standards.
• Expertise in CIAM and fraud-aware identity design.
• Deep understanding of Okta architecture, OAuth 2.0, OpenID Connect, and SAML protocols.
• Knowledge of fraud signal integration and risk-based decisioning.
• Experience with REST APIs, event-driven architectures, and cloud platforms such as AWS, Azure, or GCP.

Responsibilities

• Own engineering integrity and make critical technical decisions for CIAM and Fraud platforms built on Okta.
• Ensure Okta-based identity solutions effectively balance customer experience, security, fraud prevention, and scalability.
• Influence platform development roadmaps and priorities through domain expertise and strategic insights.
• Act as a control point for high-risk changes impacting customer security and regulatory compliance.
• Serve as the engineering authority for Customer Identity Cloud implementations, including Identity Engine and MFA configurations.
• Define, develop, and maintain engineering standards, patterns, and reference implementations specific to CIAM and fraud detection.
• Lead complex engineering initiatives such as OAuth2 / OIDC authentication, adaptive authentication, and risk-based transaction verification.
• Integrate fraud signals and behavioral risk data into platform decision-making processes.
• Lead resolution efforts for severe production incidents and security vulnerabilities, ensuring minimal impact on customers.
• Collaborate with Architecture, Security, Fraud, and Delivery teams to ensure alignment and best practices.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and comprehensive health benefits package.
• Paid time off and holiday leave to support work-life balance.
• Retirement savings plans with employer contributions.
• Opportunities for professional development and continuous learning.
• Flexible remote work arrangements within eligible states.
• Inclusive and diverse work environment fostering innovation and growth.

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 in providing equal employment opportunities and fostering a workplace where everyone can thrive.