Engineering Lead (Security Applications)

We are looking for an Engineering Lead (Security Applications) to join our dynamic client team in Johannesburg (Hybrid, in office 3 days a week). 

The Engineering Lead for the Security team will be responsible for envisioning, leading, and developing integrated, end-to-end technical solutions across multiple technologies within the organisation. This role demands inspirational technical leadership, strategic foresight, and a strong focus on delivering scalable, fit-for-purpose solutions that align with the company’s overarching objectives. The Engineering Lead will play a pivotal role in ensuring that security-related applications are robust and effective, working across the authorisation, verification, and authentication stack. The ideal candidate should possess in-depth knowledge and experience in Security applications, with expertise in biometrics, Identity Security, Authentication methods, IAM (Identity Access Management), Identity Governance, and Authorisation. This position requires a forward-thinking mindset, technical expertise, and the ability to collaborate cross-functionally to deliver efficient, client-focused, and sustainable solutions.

• Craft comprehensive end-to-end solution designs considering people, technology, systems, and data to enhance operational efficiency, automation, and client satisfaction.
• Ensure that solution delivery aligns with the organisation's overall business strategy and objectives, leveraging technical insights to meet current and future business needs.
• Analyse technical challenges and problems, formulating solutions that are in line with the organisation’s software architecture principles.
• Provide visionary and technical leadership within the organisation, ensuring best practices and modern approaches are adopted across the IT landscape. Lead by example to promote a culture of continuous improvement.
• Evangelise and drive the adoption of sustainable, modern designs to improve the organisation's IT portfolio, building solutions that are future-proof, efficient, and scalable.
• Take proposed solutions through governance forums and secure acceptance from relevant stakeholders, ensuring solutions meet governance and regulatory requirements.
• Flesh out designs by contributing to both functional and non-functional requirements to ensure solutions are robust, secure, and meet the necessary standards.
• Support engineering teams in troubleshooting and resolving complex or high-impact incidents, ensuring that technical roadblocks are addressed quickly and efficiently.
• Work collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams, contributing to infrastructure designs, lower-level system designs, code reviews, and problem-solving activities.
• Engage with the Engineering Lead community through research, presentations, and active participation, sharing knowledge and best practices across the organisation.

• Bachelor's Degree or Diploma in Information Systems, Computer Science, Informatics, Engineering, or a related field. Equivalent work experience is also acceptable.

• Proven expertise in designing end-to-end software systems, including security, integration, and infrastructure design.
• Strong technical acumen with deep knowledge of software application architecture, design patterns, and modelling techniques.
• Experience in troubleshooting within complex software solutions and system environments.
• Proficiency in the full software development lifecycle (SDLC), including DevOps, Agile, and testing methodologies.
• Ability to make sound decisions and maintain accountability in project/product delivery.
• Strong experience with technical design modelling and methods.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to present complex technical concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Solid experience in financial technologies (fintech), banking, start-ups, or financial e-commerce sectors.
• Deep understanding of modern software development practices and the ability to evangelise their adoption.

• Experience working in fintech or financial services sectors.
• Knowledge of cloud technologies, microservices architecture, and modern integration approaches.
• Ability to mentor and guide teams through complex challenges and foster a collaborative culture.

• Minimum of 10 years of experience in the IT industry.

• At least 4+ years of experience in similar roles such as Engineering Lead, Technical Lead, or Solution Architect.

• Proven track record in delivering large-scale projects with accountability for decision-making.