Director Software Engineering

Socket.dev; Toronto; On-site; CAD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Total rewards program including bonuss

Leadership development opportunities

Flexible work/life balance

World-class training

Job summary

RBC in Toronto is seeking a Director of Software Engineering to lead the modernization of the Digital Cheque Processing portfolio, aiming for 99.5% availability and enterprise-wide data strategy. You will own end-to-end delivery, oversee cross-functional teams, govern tech direction across five lines of business, manage vendor relationships, and champion AI-driven delivery models.

The role requires 12+ years of software development with 7+ in leadership, strong Java/Spring Boot, cloud-native

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or equivalent.
• 12+ years of progressive software development experience; 7+ years in leadership roles within payments/financial services technology.
• Proven track record leading development teams through complex, multi-vendor payment processing programs in regulated environments.
• Extensive experience with platform modernization (legacy systems to cloud/microservices) and large-scale vendor-led rollouts.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategic direction for platform modernization across the Digital Cheque Processing portfolio.
• Oversee end-to-end design, development, and modernization of platforms with cross-functional teams and vendors.
• Mentor senior leaders, drive AI-driven delivery models, and champion governance and security initiatives.
• Manage vendor relationships to ensure timely delivery and value realization.

Skills

Java/Spring Boot

Microservices

Event-Driven Architecture

API Management

Cloud-native Development

DevOps / CI-CD

Jenkins

Git

Docker

Kubernetes

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or Engineering

Tools

PCF/OpenShift

Kafka

Job description

Job Description

What is the opportunity?

Are you a visionary technical leader ready to transform how we process cheques at scale?

We're looking for a Director of Software Engineering to spearhead the modernization of our Digital Cheque Processing Portfolio—a mission-critical platform serving five lines of business with 99.5% availability standards. In this role, you'll combine deep technical expertise with strategic vision to drive platform evolution, establish governance frameworks, and embed AI-driven innovation into our delivery lifecycle. You'll own the full spectrum of software delivery, from design to support, while building high-performing teams and shaping enterprise-wide data strategies. If you thrive on solving complex technical challenges, mentoring emerging leaders, and catalyzing organizational transformation, this opportunity awaits.

What will you do?

Strategic Leadership & Delivery

• Partner with senior business leaders across five Lines of Business to align platform modernization initiatives with evolving enterprise needs
• Make independent strategic decisions on platform direction, technology roadmap, and operational excellence while mentoring senior management teams
• Drive innovation by identifying and solving highly complex technical challenges in platform engineering, data integration, and emerging AI-driven delivery models

Platform & Technology Ownership

• Oversee end-to-end design, development, and modernization of Digital Cheque Processing platforms, managing cross-functional teams and leading transformational technology changes
• Manage complex vendor relationships (Candescent, IBM, Instantiations, Symcor) to ensure seamless integration, timely delivery, and value realization
• Advance platform resilience and operational capabilities while maintaining 99.5% availability across mission-critical systems
• Evaluate emerging technologies and industry trends to enhance organizational data capabilities and competitive positioning
• Own accountability for zero critical vulnerabilities across 13 production platforms and lead security/compliance initiatives

Team Leadership & Development

• Direct multiple development teams, fostering high performance through clear accountability, mentorship, and professional growth opportunities
• Champion AI adoption and hands‑on innovation initiatives to increase team efficiency and develop new organizational capabilities
• Model leadership through example, reinforcing RBC's people‑driven, client‑focused leadership model

What do you need to succeed?

Must-have:

Experience & Track Record

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or equivalent
• 12+ years of progressive software development experience; 7+ years in leadership roles within payments/financial services technology
• Proven track record leading development teams through complex, multi-vendor payment processing programs in regulated environments
• Extensive experience with platform modernization (legacy systems to cloud/microservices) and large-scale vendor‑led rollouts

Technical Acumen

• Advanced expertise across: Java/Spring Boot, Microservices, Event‑Driven Architecture (Kafka), API Management (REST/SOAP/MQ), Cloud‑native Development (PCF/OpenShift)
• Strong DevOps foundation: Agile/DevOps, CI‑CD pipelines (Jenkins, Git, Docker), container orchestration
• Solution architecture and design pattern expertise
• Working knowledge of payment platform user interfaces and underlying capabilities

Leadership & Communication

• Executive‑level communication skills; ability to articulate technical strategy, trade‑offs, and delivery status to senior leadership
• Strong stakeholder management across business, operations, and technology in matrixed environments
• Proven ability to build, retain, and develop high‑performing engineering teams
• Deep technical judgment paired with pragmatic risk management and prioritization skills
• Ability to balance long‑term architectural vision with near‑term delivery commitments

Nice‑to‑have:

• Graduate degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or Business
• Deep expertise in end‑to‑end payment processing: clearing, settlement, infrastructure, and platform user interfaces
• Experience with AI‑driven development practices (AI‑SDLC) and change management
• Cheque Processing platform experience or knowledge of industry exchange standards
• Track record of driving organizational transformation while supporting employees through change
• Growth mindset with demonstrated commitment to continuous learning and building inclusive, diverse teams
• Experience exemplifying RBC's Collective Ambition and leadership model

What's in it for you?

We thrive on the challenge to be our best, progressive thinking to keep growing, and working together to deliver trusted advice to help our clients thrive and communities prosper. We care about each other, reaching our potential, making a difference to our communities, and achieving success that is mutual.

• A comprehensive Total Rewards Program including bonuses and flexible benefits, competitive compensation, commissions, and stock whereapplicable
• Leaders who support your development through coaching and managing opportunities
• Ability to make a difference and lasting impact
• Work in a dynamic, collaborative, progressive, and high‑performing team
• A world‑class training program in financial services
• Flexible work/life balance options
• Opportunities to do challenging work, take on progressively greater accountabilities, and build close relationships with clients

Job Skills

Application Development, Application Maintenance, Applications Architecture, Commercial Acumen, Enterprise Application Delivery, Information Technology Management, Information Technology Trends, Programming Languages, System Applications

Additional Job Details

Address: RBC WATERPARK PLACE, 88 QUEENS QUAY W:TORONTO

City: Toronto

Country: Canada

Work hours/week: 37.5

Employment Type: Full time

Platform: TECHNOLOGY AND OPERATIONS

Job Type: Regular

Pay Type: Salaried

Posted Date: 2026-08-11

Application Deadline: 2026-08-28

Note

Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the day prior to the application deadline date above

Our Employment Opportunities

At RBC, we are guided by living shared values of Client First, Integrity, Collaboration, Respect and Excellence and winning together as One RBC. We believe an inclusive workplace that has diverse perspectives is core to our continued growth as one of the largest and most successful banks in the world. Maintaining a workplace where our employees feel supported to perform at their best, effectively collaborate, drive innovation, and grow professionally helps to bring our Purpose to life and create value for our clients and communities. RBC strives to deliver this through policies and programs intended to foster a workplace based on respect, belonging and opportunity for all.