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Director Software Security Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Dir-Software Engineering

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$144K - $256K/yr

Director, Software Engineering leads, mentors, and coaches high-performing teams to foster ... security, data management as well as cost efficiency. * Leading a team of successful, forward ...

As a Visa Software Engineer, you will be an integral part of a multi functional development team ... security, and reusability * Collaborate multi functionally to create design artifacts and develop ...

As a Visa Software Engineer, you will be an integral part of a multi functional development team ... Knowledge of regulatory, compliance, and security requirements in global payments. Experience ...

... direct teams to existing Gen AI and agentic security controls currently available Review and coach teams regarding their plans to meet required Gen AI and Security Controls within their project ...

Director, Software Engineering

Denver, CO · Hybrid

$260K/yr

Partners closely with product managers, QA, risk, compliance, and security functions to deliver ... Experience in leading software engineering teams in fintech, payments, or banking technologies ...

Director, Software Engineering

Irvine, CA · On-site

$271K/yr

Cotality is seeking a highly experienced and strategic Director of Software Engineering to lead our ... Protocols & Security: Deep knowledge of network protocols (SFTP, AS2, HTTPS, FTPS) and data ...

Oracle Cloud Infrastructure is seeking a Director of Software Development to lead the engineering ... Collaborate with OCI, IDCS, database, security, and enterprise architecture teams to ensure the ...

Oracle Cloud Infrastructure is seeking a Director of Software Development to lead the engineering ... Collaborate with OCI, IDCS, database, security, and enterprise architecture teams to ensure the ...

Director, Software Engineering

Houston, TX · On-site +1

$241K/yr

Overview HungerRush is seeking a Director, Software Engineering to lead and scale our engineering ... Ensure adherence to security, compliance, and data privacy standards across all engineering ...

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Director Software Security information

See salary details

$37K

$104.5K

$167K

How much do director software security jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for director software security in the United States is $104,452.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $85,000.00 and $117,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Is CISO a high paying job?

A Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) is typically a high-level executive role with substantial compensation, often among the highest in cybersecurity careers. Salaries can vary based on company size, industry, and location, but CISOs generally earn six-figure salaries and additional benefits due to their strategic responsibilities and expertise in security management.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Director of Software Security, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Director of Software Security, you need deep expertise in cybersecurity principles, secure software development, risk management, and typically a bachelor's or master's degree in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with security frameworks (like NIST or ISO 27001), secure coding tools, penetration testing platforms, and relevant certifications such as CISSP or CSSLP is highly valued. Strong leadership, strategic thinking, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for guiding teams and influencing stakeholders. These skills and qualities are essential to effectively protect organizational assets, ensure regulatory compliance, and drive a culture of security throughout the software development lifecycle.

What is the difference between Director Software Security vs Security Manager?

AspectDirector Software SecuritySecurity Manager
CredentialsTypically requires CISSP, CISM, or CISA certificationsOften holds CISSP or CISM certifications
Work EnvironmentStrategic leadership, overseeing security programs across multiple teamsOperational management, implementing security policies and procedures
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in large tech companies, finance, and healthcare sectorsCommon in various industries, including corporate and government sectors

The main difference is that the Director Software Security focuses on strategic planning and overseeing security initiatives at a high level, while the Security Manager handles day-to-day security operations and policy enforcement. Both roles require similar certifications but differ in scope and responsibilities.

What does a Director of Software Security do?

A Director of Software Security is responsible for developing, implementing, and overseeing strategies to protect an organization’s software systems from security threats. They manage security teams, set security policies, and ensure best practices are followed throughout the software development lifecycle. Their role also involves conducting risk assessments, responding to security incidents, and collaborating with other departments to ensure compliance with industry standards and regulations.

What are the main challenges a Director of Software Security faces when aligning security initiatives with business objectives?

One of the key challenges for a Director of Software Security is balancing robust security measures with the need for agility and innovation in software development. This often requires close collaboration with engineering, product, and executive teams to ensure security protocols do not hinder business goals or time-to-market. Additionally, staying ahead of emerging threats while managing compliance requirements and resource constraints can be demanding. Effective communication and a strategic approach are essential for successfully integrating security into the organization's broader objectives.

Can you make $500,000 a year in cyber security?

A Director of Software Security can potentially earn $500,000 annually, especially with extensive experience, leadership responsibilities, and in high-paying industries or organizations. Achieving this level often requires advanced certifications, such as CISSP or CISM, and a strong track record in managing security teams and strategies.

What is the 80 20 rule in cyber security?

The 80/20 rule in cybersecurity suggests that approximately 80% of security issues are caused by 20% of vulnerabilities or threats. For a Director of Software Security, focusing on the most critical vulnerabilities and implementing prioritized security measures can significantly reduce risk and improve overall security posture.

How to make 300k a year in cyber security?

A Director of Software Security can reach a 300k annual salary by gaining extensive experience, advanced certifications like CISSP or CISM, and demonstrating leadership in managing security teams and projects. High salaries are often associated with senior roles in large organizations, specialized skills in threat management, and a strong understanding of security tools and compliance standards.
More about Director Software Security jobs
What cities are hiring for Director Software Security jobs? Cities with the most Director Software Security job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Software Security jobs? The most popular types of Software Security jobs are:
What states have the most Director Software Security jobs? States with the most job openings for Director Software Security jobs include:
Infographic showing various Director Software Security job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $104,452 per year, or $50.2 per hour.
Dir-Software Engineering

Dir-Software Engineering

American Express

Phoenix, AZ • On-site

$144K - $256K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 5 days ago


American Express rating

8.5

Company rating: 8.5 out of 10

Based on 33 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

26th of 138 rated financial services


Job description

Job Description
Joining Amex Tech means discovering and shaping your contribution to something big. Here, you can work alongside talented tech teams and build a unique career with the Powerful Backing of American Express. With a range of opportunities to work with the latest technologies, and a commitment to back the broader engineering community through open source, our mission is to power your success. Because Amex Tech is powered by our technology, our culture, and our colleagues.
If you like to challenge the status quo and desire to use best in class technology, it's time to join the GMST organization which strives for continuous innovation. Are you a change agent with a deep engineering passion to build outstanding products for merchants? If so, we are looking for an enthusiastic, driven, and forward-thinking Engineering Director to join us on our mission.
Director, Software Engineering leads, mentors, and coaches high-performing teams to foster continuous improvement and professional development, provides technical direction, directs software development and deployment, drives innovation and scalable solutions, and collaborates on technology strategy.
Responsibilities
  • Collaboration with key business partners to help drive the strategic vision, technical design, development, and delivery of strategic roadmaps and prioritized initiatives across a portfolio of software products / Technology Platforms to ensure they met the evolving needs of American Express and its merchants.
  • Driving key architectural decisions and design considerations to ensure system scalability and resiliency for transformation and modernization initiatives.
  • Accountability for delivery, quality, and operational metrics of a portfolio, including system performance, platform availability, operational efficiency, risk management, information security, data management as well as cost efficiency.
  • Leading a team of successful, forward-thinking, creative, multi-functional Engineers (Scrum masters, Engineers, and Architects) to enable delivery.
  • Empower teams to automate demand driven scalable application deployments in test or production environments.
  • Provide technical leadership and coaching to engineers on coding, quality and testing; developing skills and ensuring an environment of continuous engineering improvement through mentoring, feedback, and metrics.
  • Building a culture of GEN AI first for innovation, development across teams, delivering dynamic software solutions, and inspiring change.

Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in computer science, engineering, or related field required, advanced degree preferred.
  • 8+ years demonstrated senior technical leadership experience leading highly sophisticated, ambitious, multi-functional technology software teams.
  • Core Engineering Stack:
    • Web Engineering
    • Languages: Java, Vert.x
    • APIs and RPC: REST, gRPC
    • Cloud and infrastructure: AWS and/or GCP, Kubernetes
    • Distributed systems: Event-driven architectures, including Kafka
  • 12+ years of hands-on engineering and/or software development (of Java, Vert.x, Spring, REST, PostgreSQL, One data and distributed applications design).
  • 5+ years of large-scale capabilities product engineering experience with modern tools and delivery methods in a sophisticated environment (i.e., GEN AI, DevOps, CD/CI, Agile, etc.).
  • 5+ years proven experience driving B2B and B2C platform capabilities through complex partner ecosystems, including external merchants, fintechs, and third-party service providers, with strong focus on integration, scalability, partner experience, security and shared outcomes.
  • Experience leading large scale Agile portfolio delivery and solution integration.
  • Technical expertise related to the core components of the tech stack, as well as delivery optimization techniques in a 'total dev' continuous delivery environment.
  • Knowledge of Merchant Ecosystems - Digital Servicing, Onboarding, Payments, Submissions, and Merchant Data Characteristics platforms preferred.
  • Ability to understand the overall picture of a product roadmap (1 - 3 years) and experienced in building real time/batch distributed applications in cloud Architecture, In Memory computing systems and event driven architecture.
  • Deep functional knowledge of AXP organization and business processes to effectively influence software solutions.
  • Ability to lead multiple priorities and rapidly guide the organization through change moments.
  • Demonstrate thought leadership to overcome challenges and inspire change.
  • Understand how effectively deliver innovative products that link customer needs and business drivers together.
  • Be a hands-on technologist that can not only do effective code reviews but can also code, understands what a pull request means, and understands code etiquette.
  • Possess extraordinary influential and collaboration skills; ability to drive consensus and tangible outcomes, demonstrated by breaking down silos and fostering cross communication process.
  • Excellent leadership skills, with the ability to impact all levels across functions, conduct intelligent business and technology conversations with SVP and/or EVP level business leaders.
  • Able to lead with an external view, adopt industry change to drive effectiveness into engineering and delivery processes, building bold solutions.
  • Experience in building high quality and efficient Engineering teams with a strong engineering approach.
  • Attract, retain, and develop the best engineering talent in the market; mentor, and cultivate technology leaders within the team.
  • Able to define precise, well-understood objectives and key results for the department, teams, and individuals.

Depending on factors such as business unit requirements, the nature of the position, cost and applicable laws, American Express may provide visa sponsorship for certain positions.
About Us
At American Express, our culture is built on a 175-year history of innovation, shared values and Leadership Behaviors, and an unwavering commitment to back our customers, communities, and colleagues. From delivering differentiated products to providing world-class customer service, we operate with a strong risk mindset, ensuring we continue to uphold our brand promise of trust, security, and service.
As part of Team Amex, you'll experience our powerful backing with comprehensive support for your holistic well-being and many opportunities to learn new skills, develop as a leader, and grow your career. Here, your voice and ideas matter, your work makes an impact, and together, you will help us define the future of American Express.
About the Team
We back you with benefits that support your holistic well-being so you can be and deliver your best. This means caring for you and your loved ones' physical, financial, and mental health, as well as providing the flexibility you need to thrive personally and professionally:
  • Competitive base salaries
  • Bonus incentives
  • 6% Company Match on retirement savings plan
  • Free financial coaching and financial well-being support
  • Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and disability benefits
  • Flexible working model with hybrid, onsite or virtual arrangements depending on role and business need
  • 20+ weeks paid parental leave for all parents, regardless of gender, offered for pregnancy, adoption or surrogacy
  • Free access to global on-site wellness centers staffed with nurses and doctors (depending on location)
  • Free and confidential counseling support through our Healthy Minds program
  • Career development and training opportunities

For a full list of Team Amex benefits, visit our Colleague Benefits Site.
American Express is an equal opportunity employer and makes employment decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, disability status, age, or any other status protected by law. American Express will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with arrest or conviction records, in accordance with the requirements of applicable state and local laws, including the California Fair Chance Act, the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers, and the City of Los Angeles' Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance. For positions covered by federal and/or state banking regulations, American Express will comply with such regulations as it relates to the consideration of applicants with criminal convictions.
We back our colleagues with the support they need to thrive, professionally and personally. That's why we have Amex Flex, our enterprise working model that provides greater flexibility to colleagues while ensuring we preserve the important aspects of our unique in-person culture. Depending on role and business needs, colleagues will either work onsite, in a hybrid model (combination of in-office and virtual days) or fully virtually.
US Job Seekers - Click to view the "Know Your Rights" poster. If the link does not work, you may access the poster by copying and pasting the following URL in a new browser window: https://www.eeoc.gov/poster.
The below represents the expected salary range for this job requisition. Ultimately, in determining your pay, we'll consider your location, experience, and other job-related factors.

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