Lead Software Engineer (Physicist / Engineer)

About this role: Wells Fargo is seeking a Lead Software Engineer (Physicist / Engineer) for Wells Fargo Cybersecurity and Data Science Team

Wells Fargo Cybersecurity and the Data Science Team is a thought leader and driving force in the exploration and adoption of post-quantum cryptography and emerging technologies within the Enterprise and the financial industry. We also focus on identification, exploration, and delivery of enabling emerging cybersecurity technologies; discovering, evaluating, and inspiring new intellectual property and patent content; as well as consultancy and collaboration via very broad engagement model across the enterprise.

We do this by performing extensive research and development, engaging with a landscape of elite academic and industry entities, and collaborating with a robust community of subject matter experts that lead to the implementation of revolutionary and innovative cybersecurity products and services in support of Wells Fargo’s strategic goals. We keep a pulse on technical areas and connect the dots to other technologies while we envision and design the future years ahead.

In this role, you will:

• Be responsible for ensuring the continued security posture of Wells Fargo from developing threats, such as quantum computing.
• Participate in leading research, analysis, design, testing, and implementation of next-generation network security technologies, such as Quantum Random Number Generation and Quantum Key Distribution.
• Combine a creative spirit for designing new technologies and security architectures with a strong quantitative background to take the idea through the development pipeline, to building and implementing these solutions in a lab environment.
• Lead complex technology initiatives including those that are companywide with broad impact
• Act as a key participant in developing standards and companywide best practices for engineering complex and large scale technology solutions for technology engineering disciplines
• Design, code, test, debug, and document for projects and programs
• Review and analyze complex, large-scale technology solutions for tactical and strategic business objectives, enterprise technological environment, and technical challenges that require in-depth evaluation of multiple factors, including intangibles or unprecedented technical factors
• Make decisions in developing standard and companywide best practices for engineering and technology solutions requiring understanding of industry best practices and new technologies, influencing and leading technology team to meet deliverables and drive new initiatives
• Collaborate and consult with key technical experts, senior technology team, and external industry groups to resolve complex technical issues and achieve goals
• Lead projects, teams, or serve as a peer mentor

Required Qualifications:

• 5+ years of Software Engineering experience, or equivalent demonstrated through one or a combination of the following: work experience, training, military experience, education
• 3+ years of Quantum Security/Post-Quantum Cryptograph – QKD, quantum-resistant algorithms, QRNG, fraud detection, advanced authentication models and systems, data visualizations in an academic or work environment

Desired Qualifications:

• Prefer master’s degree or Doctoral / Post-Doctoral in a STEM field - preference for Physics, Mathematics – or bachelor’s degree in the same fields
• Preference for a background in Quantum Information Systems, quantum key distribution / advanced communications technologies.
• Experience in performing experimentation in physics labs.
• Strong knowledge and skills in math – preference for number theory, linear algebra, probability, abstract algebra, Fourier transformations, etc.
• Familiarity with optical communication
• Familiarity with post-quantum cryptographic algorithms
• Familiarity with Monte Carlo simulations and quantitative analytics.
• Blockchain/DLT – constructs & use cases.
• Knowledge Graph Technology – graph databases, AI/ML, NLP.
• Strong creative and ideation abilities with a desire to think “out-of-the-box”.
• Strong analytical skills and ability to solve complex technical problems.
• Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to organize and manage multiple priorities.
• Ability to prioritize work, meet deadlines, achieve goals, and work under pressure.
• Ability to learn from, and interact with, a diverse set of team members in a fast paced, fun, and dynamic environment.
• A desire to learn and grow your portfolio of various businesses and technologies.

Job Expectations:

• Ability to work on-site in one of the listed locations in a hybrid work environment
• We will not provide visa sponsorship for this opportunity

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.

$119,000.00 - $224,000.00

Benefits

Wells Fargo provides eligible employees with a comprehensive set of benefits, many of which are listed below. Visit Benefits - Wells Fargo Jobs 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:

29 Mar 2026

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

We Value Equal Opportunity

Wells Fargo is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other legally protected characteristic.

Employees support our focus on building strong customer relationships balanced with a strong risk mitigating and compliance-driven culture which firmly establishes those disciplines as critical to the success of our customers and company. They are accountable for execution of all applicable risk programs (Credit, Market, Financial Crimes, Operational, Regulatory Compliance), which includes effectively following and adhering to applicable Wells Fargo policies and procedures, appropriately fulfilling risk and compliance obligations, timely and effective escalation and remediation of issues, and making sound risk decisions. There is emphasis on proactive monitoring, governance, risk identification and escalation, as well as making sound risk decisions commensurate with the business unit’s risk appetite and all risk and compliance program requirements.

Applicants with Disabilities

To request a medical accommodation during the application or interview process, visit Disability Inclusion at Wells Fargo.

Drug and Alcohol Policy

Wells Fargo maintains a drug free workplace.  Please see our Drug and Alcohol Policy to learn more.

Wells Fargo Recruitment and Hiring Requirements:

a. Third-Party recordings are prohibited unless authorized by Wells Fargo.

b. Wells Fargo requires you to directly represent your own experiences during the recruiting and hiring process.

For more details click Job Post.