Charles Schwab

Senior Software Engineering Team Manager - R&D

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

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in computer science, computer engineering, or a related field; advanced degree is advantageous.
  • Over 8 years of experience in software engineering and applied research, with a focus on delivering tech prototypes and initiatives.
  • Minimum 3 years of leadership experience with proven capability in team development and retention.
  • Strong foundation in modern architectures and cloud-native development; able to influence technical direction without direct implementation.
  • Experience in driving innovation through hypothesis framing and experimental design in uncertain environments.
  • Proficient in cross-organizational collaboration, especially with Product, Risk, Compliance, and Security divisions.
  • Exceptional communication skills for inspiring teams and clarifying technical tradeoffs.

Responsibilities

  • Influence the R&D portfolio strategy to align with enterprise goals while balancing short-term and long-term innovation.
  • Lead and develop a high-performing team, fostering clarity, psychological safety, and a culture of shared accountability.
  • Promote innovation methods like prototyping and establish metrics to assess value and feasibility of projects.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional leaders to identify opportunities, clarify problems, and align on metrics for success.
  • Direct technical architecture for prototypes, focusing on areas like generative AI and ensuring scalable engineering practices.
  • Effectively communicate complex technical ideas and results to both executives and non-technical audiences.
  • Act as a trusted partner within R&D to enhance collaboration and promote a culture of innovation across the organization.

Benefits

  • Opportunity for bonus or incentive compensation.
  • Strong emphasis on leadership development and team growth.
  • Encourages innovative practices and supports experimentation.
Full Job Description
Your Opportunity

The Senior Manager, R&D leads a versatile team of engineers responsible for shaping the R&D portfolio, inspiring high-impact experimentation, and translating emerging technology into outcomes. This leader sets a clear vision, creates an environment where people do their best work, and builds strong partnerships across Technology, Product, Risk, Legal/Compliance, etc.

Key Responsibilities:
  • Influence the vision and strategy for an R&D portfolio aligned to enterprise priorities, balancing near-term delivery with longer-horizon innovation.
  • Lead, coach, and grow a high-performing team—creating clarity, psychological safety, and a culture of learning, experimentation, and shared accountability.
  • Champion innovation practices (discovery, prototyping, rapid experimentation) and establish mechanisms to measure value, risk, and feasibility.
  • Partner across Technology, Product, and business leaders to identify opportunities, define problem statements, and align on success metrics and adoption pathways.
  • Guide technical direction and architecture for prototypes and proof-of-concepts (e.g., generative AI, digital assets, emerging platforms), ensuring engineering excellence and scalable patterns.
  • Communicate complex technical concepts and experimentation outcomes to executive and non-technical stakeholders through crisp narratives, demos, and recommendations.
  • Represent R&D as a trusted partner—strengthening collaboration, amplifying team impact, and fostering a community of innovation across Schwab.
What you have Required Qualifications:
  • Bachelor’s degree in computer science, computer engineering, or a related technical field (advanced degree a plus).
  • 8+ years of experience in software engineering and/or applied research, including leading teams delivering prototypes, platforms, or complex technology initiatives.
  • 3+ years of people leadership experience with a demonstrated ability to hire, develop, and retain diverse, high-performing teams.
  • Strong technical foundation in modern architectures, cloud-native development, and engineering best practices; ability to guide technical decisions without needing to be the primary implementer.
  • Experience driving innovation in ambiguous problem spaces—framing hypotheses, designing experiments, and translating learnings into actionable recommendations.
  • Demonstrated ability to influence across organizational boundaries and collaborate effectively with Product, Risk, Legal/Compliance, Security, and business stakeholders.
  • Excellent communication skills—able to inspire teams, align leaders, and convey technical tradeoffs clearly.

In addition to the salary range, this role is also 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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