Wells Fargo

Principal Systems Architect - Application Security

Wells Fargo$159K — $254K *
Information Technology
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 7+ years of architecture experience or equivalent qualifications
  • 7+ years in Architecture, Application Security, Software Security, or related cybersecurity
  • Deep expertise in application security architecture and modern application architectures
  • Experience establishing enterprise security standards and governance frameworks
  • Proven ability to lead enterprise-scale application security transformation initiatives
  • Strong technical background to evaluate architectures and assess application code
  • Expertise in securing modern application ecosystems, including APIs and cloud-native platforms

Responsibilities

  • Advise senior leadership on application security strategy and risk management
  • Define enterprise security standards and design patterns
  • Lead security architecture reviews and threat modeling for strategic initiatives
  • Champion secure-by-design practices across development and DevSecOps pipelines
  • Drive enterprise initiatives related to secure software development and technology modernization
  • Influence architectural direction and investment decisions for secure development
  • Evaluate technologies through architecture analysis and technical experimentation

Benefits

  • Health benefits
  • 401(k) Plan
  • Paid time off
  • Disability benefits
  • Life, critical illness, and accident insurance
  • Parental leave
  • Critical caregiving leave
  • Discounts and savings
  • Commuter benefits
  • Tuition reimbursement
  • Scholarships for dependent children
  • Adoption reimbursement
Full Job Description

About this role:

Wells Fargo is seeking a Principal Security Architect - Application Security to help shape the future of secure software development across one of the world's largest financial institutions.

As a senior technical leader, you will influence enterprise security strategy, define architecture standards, and drive secure-by-design practices across modern application platforms, cloud-native technologies, software supply chains, and emerging technologies, including AI-enabled systems.

This role is ideal for a security architect who combines deep technical expertise, strong engineering fundamentals, and strategic influence to solve complex security challenges at enterprise scale.


In this role, you will:

  • Advise senior technology and cybersecurity leaders on application security strategy, architecture, and risk management.
  • Define and drive enterprise security standards, reference architectures, design patterns, and security requirements.
  • Lead security architecture reviews, threat modeling, and risk assessments for strategic initiatives, enterprise platforms, and emerging technologies.
  • Champion secure-by-design practices across application development, APIs, cloud-native platforms, DevSecOps pipelines, and software supply chain ecosystems.
  • Lead enterprise initiatives related to secure software development, software supply chain security, developer security platforms, application security modernization, and secure AI adoption.
  • Influence enterprise technology strategy, architectural direction, and investment decisions that advance secure software development and technology modernization.
  • Evaluate technologies through architecture analysis, design reviews, prototyping, automation, and technical experimentation.
  • Drive adoption of automation and AI-enabled capabilities that improve security outcomes, engineering productivity, and operational efficiency.
  • Mentor architects and senior engineers while fostering technical excellence and innovation.

Required Qualifications:

  • 7+ years of architecture experience, or equivalent demonstrated through one or a combination of the following: work experience, training, military experience, education
  • 7+ years of Architecture, Application Security, Software Security, or related cybersecurity experience.
  • Deep expertise in application security architecture, secure software development, software supply chain security, threat modeling, and modern application architectures.
  • Experience establishing enterprise security standards, architecture patterns, governance frameworks, or strategic initiatives adopted across multiple organizations.
  • Experience leading enterprise-scale transformation initiatives involving application security, secure software development, software supply chain security, developer security platforms, or secure adoption of emerging technologies.
  • Strong technical and engineering background with the ability to evaluate architectures, review technical designs, assess application code, and validate solutions through prototyping or proof-of-concept development.
  • Experience securing modern application ecosystems, including APIs, cloud-native platforms, software delivery pipelines, open-source software, and distributed architectures.
  • Proven ability to influence senior technology leaders, architects, engineering organizations, and cybersecurity stakeholders.



Desired Qualifications:

  • Expertise in cloud-native security, API security, DevSecOps, and software supply chain security.
  • Experience with modern application security capabilities, including SAST, DAST, SCA, secrets detection, infrastructure-as-code security, container security, SBOM management, and CI/CD security controls.
  • Experience developing secure software, automation, security tooling, reusable frameworks, prototypes, or proof-of-concepts.
  • Demonstrated engineering depth sufficient to engage credibly with software engineers and evaluate application code, development practices, and emerging technologies.
  • Knowledge of secure AI development practices, AI-assisted development technologies, AI application architectures, and security approaches for AI-enabled systems.
  • Ability to translate complex technical challenges into enterprise standards, architecture patterns, and strategic recommendations.

Job Expectations:

  • This position offers a hybrid work schedule
  • This position is not eligible for Visa sponsorship
  • Demonstrate proficiency in using AI‑assisted development and analysis tools (e.g., GitHub Copilot and approved code‑centric agents)
  • Leverage AI to accelerate system design, coding, testing, analysis, and troubleshooting
  • Apply strong technical judgment when validating and integrating AI‑assisted outputs into solutions
  • Understand and account for model limitations, security risks, and operational considerations
  • Apply AI responsibly in development and production environments
  • Ensure AI usage aligns with security, compliance, privacy, and ethical standards

Salary Ranges:

  • $159,000 - $254,000 - Charlotte, NC
  • $159,000 - $254,000 - Chandler, AZ
  • $159,000 - $254,000 - Irving, TX
  • $175,000 - $279,000 - Minneapolis, MN


Pay Range


Reflected is the base pay range offered for this position. Pay may vary depending on factors including but not limited to demonstrated examples of prior performance, skills, experience, or work location. Employees may also be eligible for incentive opportunities. $159,000.00 - $279,000.00

Benefits

Wells Fargo provides eligible employees with a comprehensive set of benefits, many of which are listed below. Visit for an overview of the following benefit plans and programs offered to employees.

  • Health benefits
  • 401(k) Plan
  • Paid time off
  • Disability benefits
  • Life insurance, critical illness insurance, and accident insurance
  • Parental leave
  • Critical caregiving leave
  • Discounts and savings
  • Commuter benefits
  • Tuition reimbursement
  • Scholarships for dependent children
  • Adoption reimbursement

Posting End Date:

4 Oct 2026

*Job posting may come down early due to volume of applicants.

About Wells Fargo

Wells Fargo Careers

Joining Wells Fargo means becoming part of a distinguished financial institution that has been a cornerstone of innovation and leadership in the banking industry. At Wells Fargo, we offer a plethora of job opportunities designed to empower your career growth and development in a diverse and inclusive environment.

Work You’ll Do

At Wells Fargo, you will be part of a team that values diversity and is committed to fostering an inclusive culture. We are looking for professionals who are eager to drive innovation and lead with integrity. Our employees are our greatest asset, and we invest in their professional growth through comprehensive leadership and diversity training programs that are recognized industry-wide.

Explore a Multitude of Career Paths

Whether you're interested in a position in finance, IT, customer service, or management, Wells Fargo has career opportunities in various fields. Our team members benefit from job stability, competitive benefits, and a culture that values and rewards performance and dedication.

Internship Programs

Kickstart your career with a Wells Fargo internship. Our programs provide invaluable industry exposure, professional skills development, and networking opportunities that often lead to full-time employment offers. Interns at Wells Fargo work on real projects, solve actual challenges, and gain the mentorship of seasoned professionals.

Professional Growth and Development

We believe in nurturing the potential of our employees. Wells Fargo offers robust training programs and resources to help every team member excel in their current roles and prepare for future challenges. Growth at Wells Fargo is not just about climbing the career ladder but expanding your skills and expertise to add value to our team and customers.

Benefits and Rewards

Wells Fargo is committed to the well-being of our team members. We offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes health care, retirement plans, and generous paid time off. Additionally, we provide unique perks like employee discounts, adoption assistance, and tuition reimbursement.

Join Our Team

Discover the opportunities waiting for you at Wells Fargo by exploring open positions that match your skills and interests. We are continuously hiring and looking for individuals who bring creativity, passion, and a drive to serve our customers.

Stay Connected

Keep up to date with the latest from Wells Fargo Careers by subscribing to our job alert emails. Tailor your subscription to receive updates that align with your career preferences and get insider tips on crafting the perfect resume and acing your interview.

Networking and Innovation

At Wells Fargo, networking and innovation go hand in hand. We encourage our employees to connect across departments and roles to foster new ideas and strategies that lead to groundbreaking solutions.

Empower Your Career

Step into a role at Wells Fargo where your skills will be honed, your achievements recognized, and your career can flourish. We're not just filling positions; we're building leaders who are equipped to navigate the complexities of the financial world. Join Wells Fargo today and be part of a team that’s redefining the future of banking.
Learn more about Wells Fargo
Size
246,577 employees
Market Cap
$155.2 billion
Industry
Net Income
$3.3 billion
Founded
1852
5 Year Trend
-5.9%
NASDAQ

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