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Chief Software Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

As a Chief Software engineer for the VISA CMS team, you will provide technology leadership to build the next generation of B2B Payables and Visa Commercial Solutions Hub products. You will get the ...

As a Chief Software engineer for the VISA CMS team, you will provide technology leadership to build the next generation of B2B Payables and Visa Commercial Solutions Hub products. You will get the ...

You will work closely with the CTO, CEO, and other software engineers to build features that drive user growth, engagement, and retention. Responsibilities * Product research and design * Conduct ...

Software Engineer

New York, NY · On-site

$140K - $200K/yr

You will work closely with the CTO, CEO, and other software engineers to build features that drive user growth, engagement, and retention. Responsibilities * Product research and design * Conduct ...

Software Engineer

Manhattan, NY · Remote

$120K - $180K/yr

As a software engineer at Lightyear, you will work directly with our CTO and VP of Product to build the core components of Lightyear's IT automation software, helping us design a robust set of ...

Senior Software Engineer - Backend

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$134K - $177K/yr

Our team includes the Chief Data Office, Chief Software Office, Chief Technology Office, Emerging ... Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field (or equivalent practical ...

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Chief Software Engineer information

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$32.5K

$92.9K

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How much do chief software engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for chief software engineer in the United States is $92,945.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $59,000.00 and $120,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What engineer makes $500,000 a year?

Senior software engineers, especially those in high-demand industries or with extensive experience and specialized skills, can earn $500,000 or more annually. This level of compensation often includes base salary, bonuses, stock options, or other incentives, particularly in large tech companies or executive-level engineering roles.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Chief Software Engineer position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Chief Software Engineer, you need an extensive background in software architecture, programming languages, system design, and often an advanced degree in computer science or a related field. Experience with project management tools, cloud platforms (such as AWS or Azure), and relevant certifications (like PMP or Certified ScrumMaster) are commonly expected. Exceptional leadership, strategic thinking, and communication skills help you guide teams and align technical goals with business objectives. These competencies ensure the delivery of complex software projects, foster innovation, and drive the success of engineering teams.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior software engineers, especially those in specialized fields like machine learning, cloud infrastructure, or with extensive experience at large tech companies, can earn $300,000 or more annually. High compensation often includes base salary, bonuses, and stock options, and requires advanced skills, certifications, and leadership responsibilities.

What types of teams and departments does a Chief Software Engineer typically collaborate with?

Chief Software Engineers regularly work alongside product management, quality assurance, UI/UX design, and IT operations to ensure smooth product development and delivery. They also engage with executive leadership to align software strategies with broader business goals, and may coordinate with customer support or sales teams to address client needs and feedback. These cross-functional collaborations help ensure the finished product not only meets technical specifications but also aligns with user requirements and market demands. Effective communication and partnership with various departments are essential parts of this leadership role.

What does a chief software engineer do?

A chief software engineer leads the development and implementation of software projects, overseeing technical teams and ensuring code quality, system performance, and project deadlines. They often collaborate with stakeholders, set technical standards, and utilize tools like version control and project management software. Strong leadership, programming skills, and experience in software architecture are essential for this role.

What is the highest paid job in software engineering?

The highest paid roles in software engineering are often senior positions such as Staff Software Engineer, Principal Engineer, or Engineering Director, especially in large tech companies. These roles typically require extensive experience, advanced technical skills, and leadership responsibilities, with salaries often exceeding $200,000 annually, plus bonuses and stock options.

What is a Chief Software Engineer job?

A Chief Software Engineer is a senior technical leader responsible for overseeing software development, architecture, and innovation within an organization. They provide strategic direction, ensure best practices, and guide engineering teams in building scalable and high-quality software solutions. This role often involves collaboration with stakeholders to align technical goals with business objectives. Additionally, they mentor developers, optimize development processes, and stay updated on emerging technologies to drive continuous improvement.

More about Chief Software Engineer jobs
What states have the most Chief Software Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Chief Software Engineer jobs include:
Chief SW Engineer

Chief SW Engineer

Visa

Austin, TX • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 8 days ago


Visa rating

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 20 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

4th of 20 rated payment service providers


Job description

About Us
Visa is a world leader in payments technology, facilitating transactions between consumers, merchants, financial institutions and government entities across more than 200 countries and territories, dedicated to uplifting everyone, everywhere by being the best way to pay and be paid.
At Visa, you'll have the opportunity to create impact at scale - tackling meaningful challenges, growing your skills and seeing your contributions impact lives around the world.
Join Visa and do work that matters - to you, to your community, and to the world. Progress starts with you.
Job Description
Company Description
Visa is a global leader in payments and technology, facilitating over 259 billion secure transactions annually across more than 200 countries and territories, connecting consumers, merchants, financial institutions, and government entities. Our mission is to connect the world through the most innovative, convenient, reliable, and secure payments network, enabling individuals, businesses, and economies to thrive while driven by a common purpose - to uplift everyone, everywhere by being the best way to pay and be paid.
Make an impact with a purpose-driven industry leader. Join us today and experience Life at Visa.
Job Description
Visa's Technology Organization is a collaborative community of problem solvers and innovators dedicated to reshaping the future of commerce. We operate the world's most sophisticated processing networks capable of handling more than 65k secure transactions a second across 80M merchants, 15k Financial Institutions, and billions of individuals.
CMS (Commercial and Money Movement Solutions) represents a key strategic growth area for Visa, as we seek to digitize commercial payments and money movement flows, supporting financial institutions, fintechs and fintech enablers, corporates and governments. CMS delivers value through:
  • Commercial solutions: B2B credential solutions and supporting data, analytics and services for small businesses, mid-market, large corporates and governments
  • Money movement: Send/receive funds domestically and cross-border to any card, account or wallet globally - with the features that are most relevant for your use case.

As a Chief Software engineer for the VISA CMS team, you will provide technology leadership to build the next generation of B2B Payables and Visa Commercial Solutions Hub products. You will get the opportunity to work on complex distributed systems and lead massive scale projects centered on new payment flows while collaborating with product and architecture partners. You will drive technical expertise for strategic projects aligned to business strategy and contribute to GenAI innovation across the organization.
Essential Functions:
  • Drives the architecture for key cross team / cross product development projects (via architecture/design documents and developing code key modules).
  • Establishes software development patterns and best practices via examples and shipping code.
  • Ensures that all relevant project teams follow a common set of principles and patterns and utilize a standard set of technology frameworks and libraries.
  • Provides leadership across the engineering community to ensure solutions are built in alignment with platform principles and standards.
  • Mentors and builds world-class high-performing engineering teams.
  • Applies architecture best practices that helps increase execution velocity.
  • Contributes to key GenAI initiatives for developer productivity and product innovation.
  • Develops architectures that are inherently secure, robust, scalable, modular, API-centric and global.
  • Influences technology selection for the enterprise.
  • Defines deployment topology by working with peers across the technology organization.
  • Optimizes use of Visa's Platforms & Solutions.
  • Demonstrates thought leadership through presentations and teaching across Visa.
  • Contributes to key Visa and CyberSource technology initiatives.

This is a hybrid position. Hybrid employees can alternate time between both remote and office. Employees in hybrid roles are expected to work from the office 2-3 set days a week (determined by leadership/site), with a general guidepost of being in the office 50% or more of the time based on business needs.
Visa requires at least 3 days in office, expectations of these days will be confirmed by your Hiring Manager.
Qualifications
Basic Qualifications
• 12+ years of relevant work experience with a Bachelor's Degree or at least 9 years of work experience with an Advanced degree (e.g. Masters, MBA, JD, MD) or 6 years of work experience with a PhD, OR 15+ years of relevant work experience.
Preferred Qualifications
• 15 or more years of experience with a Bachelor's Degree or 12 years of experience with an Advanced Degree (e.g. Masters, MBA, JD, or MD), PhD with 9+ years of experience
• Experience in Java language, Spring, Hibernate, Angular, JavaScript, jQuery, AJAX, and HTML5/ CSS3
• Expert in web service standards and related patterns (REST, gRPC)
• Advanced knowledge of AI / Generative AI / Data Science.
• Proven knowledge of successful design, architecture and development of Shared Services and framework including Micro Services, Container Technologies, Caching, API gateway and Security.
• Possesses a deep understanding of benefits/drawbacks of different integration patterns.
• Continuous delivery and Dev Ops experience - infrastructure automation, monitoring, logging, auditing and security implementation and practices.
• A background in the payment domain is a plus.
U.S. Applicants Only
The estimated salary range for this position is $195,800.00 to $ 313,500.00 USD per year, which may include potential sales incentive payments (if applicable). Salary may vary depending on job-related factors which may include knowledge, skills, experience, and location. In addition, this position may be eligible for bonus and equity.Visa has a comprehensive benefits package for which this position may be eligible that includes Medical, Dental, Vision, 401(k), FSA/HSA, Life Insurance, Paid Time Off, and Wellness Program.
Work Hours
Varies upon the needs of the department.
Travel Requirements
This position requires travel 5-10% of the time.
Mental/Physical Requirements
This position will be performed in an office setting. The position will require the incumbent to sit and stand at a desk, communicate in person and by telephone, frequently operate standard office equipment, such as telephones and computers.
Visa is an EEO Employer
Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or protect veteran status. Visa will also consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the EEOC guidelines and applicable local law.

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About Visa

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Visa is a global leader in digital payments, facilitating over 215 billion transactions annually across more than 200 countries and territories. Our mission is to connect the world through an innovative, reliable, and secure payments network, empowering individuals, businesses, and economies to thrive. When you become a part of Visa, you join a purpose-driven culture that values growth, embraces diversity, and recognizes the significance of your contributions. We believe in creating inclusive economies that uplift everyone, everywhere. Your work at Visa will directly impact billions of people worldwide, enabling access to financial services and shaping the future of money movement.

Industry

Finance and insurance

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

San Francisco, CA, US

Year founded

1958