Lead Software Engineer

Our Purpose
Mastercard powers economies and empowers people in 200+ countries and territories worldwide. Together with our customers, we're helping build a sustainable economy where everyone can prosper. We support a wide range of digital payments choices, making transactions secure, simple, smart and accessible. Our technology and innovation, partnerships and networks combine to deliver a unique set of products and services that help people, businesses and governments realize their greatest potential.
Title and Summary
Lead Software Engineer
Overview:
Mastercard's Global Credit Authorization team is seeking a Lead Software Engineer (C/C++) to build and enhance high-performance, mission-critical systems that power secure, reliable payment processing at global scale.
In this role, you'll combine deep software engineering expertise with technical leadership to deliver resilient, scalable solutions while championing software quality across the development lifecycle. You'll contribute hands-on development, drive testing strategy, improve system design and testability, and mentor engineers to elevate engineering excellence across the team.
You'll work in a collaborative, fast-paced Agile environment where quality, reliability, automation, and continuous improvement are core to how we build software.
This is a hybrid position based in O'Fallon, MO, requiring three days per week onsite.
Role: • Design, develop, and maintain software solutions using C/C++ for high-performance, scalable systems.• Develop robust unit tests using Google Test and contribute to automated test frameworks.• Create comprehensive test plans based on functional requirements and high-level design documentation.• Execute functional, integration, system, and User Acceptance Testing (UAT) activities.• Analyze logs, traces, and system behavior to validate functionality and ensure test coverage.• Perform root cause analysis, identify defects, and drive issues through resolution.• Champion quality throughout the software development lifecycle and ensure production readiness prior to deployment.• Identify opportunities for process improvement, automation, and increased engineering efficiency.• Contribute detailed technical designs, implementation plans, and technical documentation.• Participate in requirements analysis, backlog refinement, sprint planning, and Agile ceremonies.• Collaborate closely with engineers, architects, product owners, and cross-functional stakeholders to deliver business outcomes.• Support production systems through troubleshooting, incident response, and on-call participation.• Mentor and coach junior engineers, fostering technical growth and engineering excellence.• Present technical concepts, project updates, and recommendations to both technical and non-technical audiences.• Promote a culture of collaboration, innovation, continuous learning, and operational excellence.
All About You:• Strong software development experience using C/C++ (Java experience is also valued).• Proven experience developing and executing functional, integration, system, and UAT testing.• Experience creating test strategies and test plans from high-level technical designs and requirements.• Deep understanding of software quality practices, test automation, defect management, and test coverage analysis.• Strong knowledge of Linux/Unix environments and command-line tools.• Proficiency with scripting languages, preferably Shell scripting.• Experience using source control systems such as Git in a collaborative development environment.• Solid understanding of algorithms, data structures, operating systems, and distributed systems concepts.• Experience developing applications and tests for highly available, performance-sensitive systems.• Strong familiarity with Agile methodologies, including Scrum, Kanban, CI/CD, and iterative software delivery practices.• Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot complex technical issues and drive resolutions across teams.• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and debugging skills.• Self-motivated with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.• Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to explain technical concepts clearly to diverse audiences.• Proven ability to mentor engineers and influence technical direction through leadership and collaboration.• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Information Technology, Mathematics, or a related field; equivalent practical experience will also be considered.
Mastercard is a merit-based, inclusive, equal opportunity employer that considers applicants without regard to gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, disabled or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We hire the most qualified candidate for the role. In the US or Canada, if you require accommodations or assistance to complete the online application process or during the recruitment process, please contact [email protected] and identify the type of accommodation or assistance you are requesting. Do not include any medical or health information in this email. The Reasonable Accommodations team will respond to your email promptly.
Corporate Security Responsibility
All activities involving access to Mastercard assets, information, and networks comes with an inherent risk to the organization and, therefore, it is expected that every person working for, or on behalf of, Mastercard is responsible for information security and must:

• Abide by Mastercard's security policies and practices;
• Ensure the confidentiality and integrity of the information being accessed;
• Report any suspected information security violation or breach, and
• Complete all periodic mandatory security trainings in accordance with Mastercard's guidelines.

In line with Mastercard's total compensation philosophy and assuming that the job will be performed in the US, the successful candidate will be offered a competitive base salary and may be eligible for an annual bonus or commissions depending on the role. The base salary offered may vary depending on multiple factors, including but not limited to location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. Mastercard benefits for full time (and certain part time) employees generally include: insurance (including medical, prescription drug, dental, vision, disability, life insurance); flexible spending account and health savings account; paid leaves (including 16 weeks of new parent leave and up to 20 days of bereavement leave); 80 hours of Paid Sick and Safe Time, 25 days of vacation time and 5 personal days, pro-rated based on date of hire; 10 annual paid U.S. observed holidays; 401k with a best-in-class company match; deferred compensation for eligible roles; fitness reimbursement or on-site fitness facilities; eligibility for tuition reimbursement; and many more. Mastercard benefits for interns generally include: 56 hours of Paid Sick and Safe Time; jury duty leave; and on-site fitness facilities in some locations.
Pay Ranges
O'Fallon, Missouri: $140,000 - $231,000 USD
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