Charles Schwab

Director, Software Development & Engineering (PL) - Brokerage Customer & Account Technology

Charles Schwab$150K — $180K *
Enterprise Technology
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, or related field
  • 10+ years managing broker-dealer systems focused on transformation
  • In-depth knowledge of broker-dealer operations and regulatory tech considerations
  • Proven track record leading large-scale technology transformations
  • Broad technical expertise in application development, cloud services, and IT infrastructure
  • Experience with AI-first delivery across the software development lifecycle
  • Successful in developing legacy system exit strategies, including data migration and technical debt reduction

Responsibilities

  • Lead the transformation of Schwab's Client Data Platform and shared broker-dealer capabilities
  • Establish vision, architecture, and operating model for modernizing technology platforms
  • Operationalize an AI-first engineering model throughout the software development lifecycle
  • Collaborate with leaders and teams to navigate organizational and regulatory challenges
  • Oversee vendor relationships and manage globally distributed engineering teams
  • Drive accountability for multi-year transformation outcomes
  • Communicate complex strategies transparently and develop talent for an AI-enabled organization

Benefits

  • Eligible for bonus or incentive opportunities
Full Job Description
Your Opportunity

Schwab Technology Services enables the future of how clients manage their money by delivering innovative and reliable technology products and services. As Director, Software Development & Engineering, you will lead the transformation of Schwab’s Client Data Platform and other shared broker-dealer capabilities, advancing a unified technology strategy across multiple business domains. You will establish the vision, architecture, operating model, and execution discipline needed to modernize critical platforms, retire legacy systems, reduce technical complexity, and improve the quality, resiliency, and scalability of the technology that supports our clients.

 

This role provides an opportunity to define and operationalize an AI-first engineering model that incorporates generative and agentic AI throughout the software development lifecycle. You will guide teams in applying AI to requirements analysis, system understanding, development, testing, documentation, modernization, and production operations while establishing measurable improvements in delivery speed, quality, cost, and risk. Your strategic thinking and decision-making will help connect business priorities, regulatory expectations, architecture, data, and engineering practices into a clear, executable transformation roadmap.

 

You will collaborate with senior leaders, technology partners, and cross-functional teams to navigate complex organizational and regulatory considerations, establish priorities, and drive accountability for multi-year transformation outcomes. You will also oversee technology vendor relationships and lead globally distributed teams through significant changes in platforms, processes, and ways of working. Success will require the ability to solve complex problems, adapt the strategy as conditions evolve, communicate with transparency, and develop technical and managerial talent capable of sustaining an AI-enabled engineering organization.

What you have

Required qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, or a related field
  • 10+ years of experience managing broker-dealer systems with a focus on system transformation
  • Deep knowledge of broker-dealer capabilities and operations, including the regulatory considerations affecting technology platforms
  • Demonstrated experience leading large-scale, complex technology transformations from strategy through implementation
  • Broad technical expertise across application development, cloud-based development, web services, middleware, operating systems, databases, networking, security, and IT infrastructure
  • Demonstrated experience leading AI-first delivery across the software development lifecycle, including the application of generative or agentic AI to system analysis, requirements, testing, code modernization, documentation, or production operations
  • Demonstrated experience developing and executing legacy-system exit strategies, including system decomposition, data migration, technical-debt reduction, and platform decommissioning
  • Demonstrated experience building and leading high-performing, globally distributed engineering teams
  • Demonstrated ability to influence senior stakeholders, establish clear expectations, resolve competing priorities, and maintain accountability for transformation outcomes

Preferred qualifications

  • Experience transforming legacy or mainframe-centered engineering environments into modern, distributed technology platforms
  • Experience applying AI to understand, reverse engineer, modernize, or retire complex legacy systems
  • Ability to connect organizational strategy, architecture, engineering practices, operating processes, and platform economics when making decisions
  • Experience establishing measurable improvements in engineering velocity, quality, cost, resiliency, and operational risk
  • Experience evaluating, selecting, and managing IT services providers and third-party technology vendors
  • Ability to operate effectively through ambiguity while maintaining disciplined execution and a strong focus on outcomes
  • Ability to communicate complex technology strategies clearly and credibly to executive, business, and engineering audiences
  • Demonstrated ability to identify, mentor, and develop technical and managerial talent at scale
  • Experience developing an engineering culture that embraces automation, transparency, adaptability, continuous learning, and shared accountability

In addition to the salary range, this role is eligible for bonus or incentive opportunities.

About Charles Schwab

Charles Schwab is a financial services company that provides a full range of securities, brokerage, banking, money management, financial advisory, investor, and retirement plan services. It operates in four main divisions; investing, wealth management, banking, and trading. Charles Schwab provides a full-service brokerage platform that serves individual investors who invest on their own or through a workplace-sponsored retirement or equity plan, as well as banking through Schwab Bank. The firm was founded in 1973 and is headquartered in San Francisco, California.

Charles Schwab Careers

Join the vibrant team at Charles Schwab, a leader in global finance, where your career is propelled by innovation, leadership, and a commitment to diversity and professional growth. At Charles Schwab, we offer more than just job opportunities; we provide a platform for you to make a significant impact on the industry and our clients' lives.

Work You’ll Do

At Charles Schwab, we are dedicated to helping our clients manage their financial futures. Being part of our team means you'll work alongside some of the most skilled professionals in the financial services industry. Our culture thrives on teamwork, integrity, and relentless dedication to our clients. Whether you're looking for a position in financial consulting, technology, or administrative support, Charles Schwab offers a dynamic work environment where your skills will be honed and your achievements recognized.

Innovate and Lead

Embrace the opportunity to lead through innovation. Charles Schwab’s commitment to technology and innovation is fundamental to our service delivery. By joining our team, you will be at the forefront of developing new solutions that redefine the future of finance. Your leadership can guide significant projects that impact our company and the industry.

Grow Your Career

Charles Schwab believes in fostering the growth of its employees. Whether through professional development programs, diversity training, or leadership workshops, we ensure that our team members receive the support and training they need to advance their careers. With a variety of career paths available, your job at Schwab can evolve with your interests and expertise.

Internship and Employment Opportunities

Start your professional journey with Charles Schwab through our internship programs or full-time employment opportunities. We seek individuals who are passionate, curious, and ready to drive change. A career at Schwab is not just about having a job; it's about building a lasting relationship with a company that values your potential.

Benefits and Culture

Charles Schwab is renowned for its employee-friendly culture. We offer a comprehensive benefits package that supports the health, financial stability, and work-life balance of our team members. From competitive salaries and bonuses to health insurance and retirement plans, Schwab ensures that your career is as rewarding as it is enriching.

Networking and Professional Development

Expand your professional network and enhance your skills through our various networking events, mentorship programs, and training sessions. At Charles Schwab, we believe in leveraging collective expertise to foster learning and innovation. Engage with leaders, gain insights from experienced professionals, and build relationships that will aid your career trajectory.

Join Our Team

Explore the numerous career paths available at Charles Schwab and discover how your talents can be utilized to their fullest potential. Search open positions that match your skills and interests. We are continuously hiring across various disciplines and look forward to adding innovative, driven individuals to our team.

Stay Connected

Keep up to date with the latest from Charles Schwab Careers by subscribing to our job alert emails. Tailor your subscription to receive updates that align with your career preferences and be the first to know about new openings, company news, and professional tips.

Explore Charles Schwab Jobs

Ready to take the next step in your career? Visit our careers page to review current job openings, submit your resume, and prepare for your interview. At Charles Schwab, your future is waiting. [SEARCH CHARLES SCHWAB JOBS] Join Charles Schwab today and be part of a team that values diversity, innovation, and leadership—where your career can thrive in the exciting world of finance.
Learn more about Charles Schwab
Size
34,200 employees
Market Cap
$151.6 billion
Industry
Net Income
$3.2 billion
Founded
1973
5 Year Trend
+20%
Revenue
$12.1 billion
NASDAQ

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