Distinguished Software Engineer

M&T Bank; United States; Hybrid; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

M&T Bank seeks an accomplished software engineering leader to shape enterprise-wide software programming, aligning engineering strategy with regulatory requirements. You will mentor teams, drive SDLC best practices, and lead cloud-native initiatives across AKS, Istio, and policy-as-code usage.

Applicants should bring expert Java/Spring Boot skills, proficiency in Azure and service mesh technologies, and a track record of delivering large-scale banking solutions while partnering with executive

Qualifications

• Expert in 3+ programming languages including Java and Spring Boot
• Experience shaping enterprise software strategy
• Strong knowledge of cloud architectures and regulatory requirements

Responsibilities

• Champion SDLC best practices enterprise-wide
• Author clean, secure code in multiple languages
• Lead cross-domain technology rollouts on Azure AKS
• Coordinate with executive leadership to drive engineering strategy
• Ensure adherence to risk, governance and audit requirements

Skills

Programming languages

SDLC leadership

Regulatory compliance

Mentoring

Executive communication

Education

Bachelor's degree

Associate's degree

Tools

Azure/AKS

Istio

Envoy

Open Policy Agent

Job description

This role is four days onsite at our Seneca One Buffalo, NY location, with the flexibility to work from home one day per week

Overview

Responsible for shaping enterprise-wide software programming and strategy and serving as a subject matter expert (SME). Completes work by ensuring regulatory compliance, optimizing large-scale banking systems, and providing technical leadership across the enterprise in conjunction with Executive leaders within the Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC). Acts as a knowledge resource and mentor for less experienced engineers across Technology.

Technical Focus Areas

• Application development in Java and Spring Boot , with expert-level proficiency in a minimum of 3 programming languages overall
• Cloud infrastructure and architecture on Azure , including AKS (Azure Kubernetes Service)
• Service mesh traffic management with Istio and the Envoy reverse proxy
• Policy-as-code and fine-grained authorization using Open Policy Agent (OPA)
• Advanced computer engineering concepts, data structures, and algorithms
• Enterprise pattern creation, refinement, and adoption across a large organization

Primary Responsibilities

• Champion and drive the adoption of Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) best practices at the cross domain and senior leader level enterprise wide to ensure adherence to industry standards and regulatory requirements.
• Author organized, clean, efficient, and secure source code at the expert level in a minimum of 3 programming languages (e.g. Java/Spring Boot) while designing and implementing advanced computer engineering concepts. Coach team members on the appropriate data structures and algorithms to solve business problems.
• Drive pattern creation, refinement, and adoption across the organization for cloud-native services running on AKS, including service mesh (Istio), ingress/reverse proxy (Envoy), and policy-as-code (OPA) standards. Participate in forums with senior engineers and architects to accomplish advancements in organizational maturity.
• Perform quantitative benefit analysis and drive organizational change supported by the technology roadmaps.
• Design and lead cross domain rollouts of engineering capabilities from requirements gathering to execution and acceptance ensuring all regulatory requirements are met.
• Lead discussions with Executive Leadership Team members within technology or business lines to successfully articulate and drive change within the organization from an engineering strategy perspective.
• Enable the teams to adopt enterprise standards to encompass business and technology strategy in driving the execution of a program to ensure that critical objectives are met. Apply highly specialized innovative strategies to solve unique business and technology challenges and opportunities.
• Contribute to advancements of technical, organizational, and strategic change through expertise and influence at an enterprise level.
• Lead technical architecture and design of enterprise implementations, including identification of interdependencies and deliverables.
• Understand and adhere to the Company's risk and regulatory standards, policies and controls in accordance with the Company's Risk Appetite. Identify risk‑related issues needing escalation to management.
• Promote an environment that supports a culture of belonging and reflects the M&T Bank brand.
• Maintain M&T internal control standards, including timely implementation of internal and external audit points together with any issues raised by external regulators as applicable.
• Complete other related duties as assigned.

Scope of Responsibilities

Supervisory / Managerial Responsibilities

No supervisory responsibilities.

Education and Experience Required

Associate's degree and a minimum of 11 years' systems analysis and/or application development work experience, or Bachelor's degree and a minimum of 9 years' systems analysis and/or application development work experience. In lieu of a degree, a combined minimum of 13 years' education and/or relevant work experience, including a minimum of 9 years' systems analysis and/or application development work experience

Expert proficiency in a minimum of 3 programming languages, including Java and Spring Boot

Education and Experience Preferred

• Expert analytical skills specific to application development
• Hands-on experience with Azure/AKS , service mesh ( Istio ), reverse proxy ( Envoy ), and policy‑as‑code ( Open Policy Agent )
• Experience working in a team environment
• Ability to work autonomously
• Ability to multitask on multiple complex projects
• Strong organizational skills
• Strong time management skills
• Advanced verbal and written communication skills with the ability to influence others
• Experience driving project milestones and delivery dates at enterprise level
• Proven experience leading enterprise‑wide projects or initiatives
• Experience partnering with and presenting to multiple executive level stakeholders within technology and business departme