Royal Bank of Canada

Director Software Engineering

Royal Bank of Canada$150K — $180K *
Enterprise Technology
11 - 15 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or equivalent
  • 12+ years progressive software development experience
  • 7+ years in leadership roles in payments/financial services
  • Proven track record in complex, multi-vendor payment processing programs
  • Extensive experience with platform modernization, particularly from legacy to cloud/microservices

Responsibilities

  • Partner with senior leaders to align modernization initiatives with enterprise needs
  • Make strategic decisions regarding platform direction and technology roadmap
  • Identify and resolve complex technical challenges in platform engineering and AI integrations
  • Oversee design and modernization of Digital Cheque Processing platforms
  • Manage vendor relationships to ensure integration and timely delivery
  • Ensure 99.5% availability and advance platform resilience
  • Lead security and compliance initiatives across production platforms

Benefits

  • Comprehensive Total Rewards Program with bonuses and flexible benefits
  • Supportive leadership for development through coaching
  • Opportunity to make a lasting impact
  • Dynamic, collaborative, and high-performing work environment
  • World-class training program in financial services
  • Flexible work/life balance options
  • Challenging work with opportunities for greater responsibilities
Full Job Description
Job Description

What is the opportunity?

Are you a visionary technical leader ready to transform how we process cheques at scale?

We're looking for a Director of Software Engineering to spearhead the modernization of our Digital Cheque Processing Portfolio-a mission-critical platform serving five lines of business with 99.5% availability standards. In this role, you'll combine deep technical expertise with strategic vision to drive platform evolution, establish governance frameworks, and embed AI-driven innovation into our delivery lifecycle. You'll own the full spectrum of software delivery, from design to support, while building high-performing teams and shaping enterprise-wide data strategies. If you thrive on solving complex technical challenges, mentoring emerging leaders, and catalyzing organizational transformation, this opportunity awaits.

What will you do?

Strategic Leadership & Delivery
  • Partner with senior business leaders across five Lines of Business to align platform modernization initiatives with evolving enterprise needs
  • Make independent strategic decisions on platform direction, technology roadmap, and operational excellence while mentoring senior management teams
  • Drive innovation by identifying and solving highly complex technical challenges in platform engineering, data integration, and emerging AI-driven delivery models


Platform & Technology Ownership
  • Oversee end-to-end design, development, and modernization of Digital Cheque Processing platforms, managing cross-functional teams and leading transformational technology changes
  • Manage complex vendor relationships (Candescent, IBM, Instantiations, Symcor) to ensure seamless integration, timely delivery, and value realization
  • Advance platform resilience and operational capabilities while maintaining 99.5% availability across mission-critical systems
  • Evaluate emerging technologies and industry trends to enhance organizational data capabilities and competitive positioning
  • Own accountability for zero critical vulnerabilities across 13 production platforms and lead security/compliance initiatives


Team Leadership & Development
  • Direct multiple development teams, fostering high performance through clear accountability, mentorship, and professional growth opportunities
  • Champion AI adoption and hands-on innovation initiatives to increase team efficiency and develop new organizational capabilities
  • Model leadership through example, reinforcing RBC's people-driven, client-focused leadership model


What do you need to succeed?

Must-have:

Experience & Track Record
  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or equivalent
  • 12+ years of progressive software development experience; 7+ years in leadership roles within payments/financial services technology
  • Proven track record leading development teams through complex, multi-vendor payment processing programs in regulated environments
  • Extensive experience with platform modernization (legacy systems to cloud/microservices) and large-scale vendor-led rollouts


Technical Acumen
  • Advanced expertise across: Java/Spring Boot, Microservices, Event-Driven Architecture (Kafka), API Management (REST/SOAP/MQ), Cloud-native Development (PCF/OpenShift)
  • Strong DevOps foundation: Agile/DevOps, CI-CD pipelines (Jenkins, Git, Docker), container orchestration
  • Solution architecture and design pattern expertise
  • Working knowledge of payment platform user interfaces and underlying capabilities


Leadership & Communication
  • Executive-level communication skills; ability to articulate technical strategy, trade-offs, and delivery status to senior leadership
  • Strong stakeholder management across business, operations, and technology in matrixed environments
  • Proven ability to build, retain, and develop high-performing engineering teams
  • Deep technical judgment paired with pragmatic risk management and prioritization skills
  • Ability to balance long-term architectural vision with near-term delivery commitments


Nice-to-have:
  • Graduate degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or Business
  • Deep expertise in end-to-end payment processing: clearing, settlement, infrastructure, and platform user interfaces
  • Experience with AI-driven development practices (AI-SDLC) and change management
  • Cheque Processing platform experience or knowledge of industry exchange standards
  • Track record of driving organizational transformation while supporting employees through change
  • Growth mindset with demonstrated commitment to continuous learning and building inclusive, diverse teams
  • Experience exemplifying RBC's Collective Ambition and leadership model


What's in it for you?

We thrive on the challenge to be our best, progressive thinking to keep growing, and working together to deliver trusted advice to help our clients thrive

and communities prosper. We care about each other, reaching our potential, making a difference to our communities, and achieving success that is mutual.
  • A comprehensive Total Rewards Program including bonuses and flexible benefits, competitive compensation, commissions, and stock where applicable
  • Leaders who support your development through coaching and managing opportunities
  • Ability to make a difference and lasting impact
  • Work in a dynamic, collaborative, progressive, and high-performing team
  • A world-class training program in financial services
  • Flexible work/life balance options
  • Opportunities to do challenging work, take on progressively greater accountabilities, and build close relationships with clients


Job Skills
Application Development, Application Maintenance, Applications Architecture, Commercial Acumen, Enterprise Application Delivery, Information Technology Management, Information Technology Trends, Programming Languages, System Applications

Additional Job Details

Address:

RBC WATERPARK PLACE, 88 QUEENS QUAY W:TORONTO

City:

Toronto

Country:

Canada

Work hours/week:

37.5

Employment Type:

Full time

Platform:

TECHNOLOGY AND OPERATIONS

Job Type:

Regular

Pay Type:

Salaried

Posted Date:

2026-08-11

Application Deadline:

2026-08-28
Note: Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the day prior to the application deadline date above

About Royal Bank of Canada

Royal Bank of Canada Careers

Join the dynamic team at Royal Bank of Canada (RBC), a global leader in financial services and a company committed to excellence and innovation. At RBC, we offer a wide range of job opportunities that empower professionals to shape their career paths with leadership, diversity training, and continuous growth.

Work You’ll Do

At Royal Bank of Canada, we are not just hiring; we are building a culture of innovation and leadership. Our team members are at the forefront of the financial industry, driving transformation and delivering targeted solutions that meet the evolving needs of our clients and communities.

Explore Job Opportunities and Employment at RBC

Whether you are starting your career or looking to take it to the next level, RBC offers positions that challenge your skills and fuel your ambition. From entry-level positions to leadership roles, our job opportunities span across various functions and regions. Join us and be part of a team that values professional growth and diversity.

Internship and Professional Development

Kickstart your career with an internship at Royal Bank of Canada. Our internships provide invaluable hands-on experience, networking opportunities, and insights into the financial services industry. Interns at RBC gain the skills necessary to excel and are often considered for full-time positions within the company.

Benefits and Culture

At RBC, we prioritize the well-being and satisfaction of our employees. Our benefits package is designed to support our team members at every stage of their life and career. RBC’s culture is built on a foundation of respect, integrity, and responsibility, fostering an environment where everyone can thrive.

Career Growth and Innovation

We believe in nurturing the potential of our employees through continuous learning and career development programs. At RBC, you will find endless opportunities to grow professionally through on-the-job experiences, formal training programs, and leadership development initiatives. Our commitment to innovation means we are constantly seeking out new ideas and perspectives, making RBC a perfect place for those who aim to lead and innovate.

Diversity and Inclusion

Diversity is our strength. At Royal Bank of Canada, we are committed to building an inclusive workplace where every employee feels valued and respected. Our diversity training programs are designed to educate and inspire, creating a more inclusive and equitable workplace.

Join Our Team

Search open positions that match your skills and interests. We look for passionate, curious, creative, and solution-driven team players. Start your journey with RBC today and be part of a world-class team known for its commitment to client service, community involvement, and innovation.

Stay Connected

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Personalize your subscription to receive job alerts, latest news, and insider tips tailored to your preferences. Discover the exciting and rewarding career opportunities awaiting you at RBC. Explore the possibilities with Royal Bank of Canada, where your future is filled with potential and the path to success is paved with countless opportunities for professional and personal growth. Join us and shape not just your career but the future of the financial industry.
Learn more about Royal Bank of Canada
Size
86,007 employees
Market Cap
$130.3 billion
Industry
5 Year Trend
+8.7%
NASDAQ

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