Mastercard is a global leader in payment technologies, fostering economic growth and empowerment across over 200 countries. We are dedicated to building a sustainable economy where everyone can thrive through secure, simple, smart, and accessible digital payment solutions. Our innovative technology, strategic partnerships, and extensive networks empower individuals, businesses, and governments to reach their full potential.

As a Principal Software Development Engineer, you will lead major initiatives, ensuring the timely and cost-effective development and delivery of high-quality software solutions. This role involves researching alternative technical approaches to meet evolving business needs and maintaining daily team activities to meet Service Level Agreements (SLAs).

You will spearhead the definition, development, and delivery of significant cross-departmental projects with long-term business impact. This includes collaborating with stakeholders to identify opportunities, quantify value, manage risks, and drive strategic decisions. You will also develop business cases, lead scenario planning, and present findings to senior management.

Additionally, you will conduct Proofs of Concept (PoCs) to assess and recommend new technologies, guide the creation of strategic roadmaps, and mentor team members through knowledge sharing sessions. You will also lead process improvements, define project scopes, manage project lifecycles, and ensure adherence to quality assurance and control processes.

Key responsibilities include establishing and enforcing quality standards, developing documentation templates, and ensuring compliance with audit requirements by integrating them into the Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC). You will proactively educate the team on compliance regulations and represent the team during audits.

We are seeking a candidate with extensive experience in delivering secure solutions within the Financial Services Sector. A strong background in Software Engineering Concepts and Methodologies is essential, with a proven track record in selecting and implementing Lean methodologies to achieve high efficiency and productivity gains.

Candidates should demonstrate strong leadership principles and possess the ability to manage and influence matrix-based project teams in a diverse, geographically distributed environment. Experience with vendor relationship management, including selection, RFI/RFP processes, and SOW development, is highly desirable. Prior experience in an operations environment is also a significant advantage.

An educational background including a Bachelor’s degree in Information Systems, Information Technology, Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience, is required. You must possess excellent communication, leadership, and influencing skills, with the ability to drive consensus and sell solutions. A superior coding background in Java/Spring or Python is mandatory, along with expertise in AWS, Databricks/Snowflake. Experience leveraging AI for application design and understanding associated risks is also required.