Lead Software Engineer

First Citizens Bank; North Carolina; Remote; USD 130,000 - 154,000; Full time

Job summary

First Citizens Bank is seeking a Lead Software Engineer to drive development of COBOL, CICS, VSAM and DB2 in a remote role with priority for North Carolina, Arizona, Texas and Florida. You will lead design, coding, testing and deployment within Core Banking, mentoring teammates and ensuring 24/7 on-call readiness.

Candidates should have a Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience, 6+ years in software development, and strong knowledge of legacy mainframe tech.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science or equivalent with at least 6 years in software development and maintenance.
• Preference for Computer Science focus and experience with debit/credit card domains.
• Strong knowledge of COBOL, CICS, VSAM, DB2, Easytrieve, JCL; familiarity with change management tools and IT service desks.

Responsibilities

• Lead team efforts to enhance core banking systems and ensure reliable data processing.
• Develop test plans, software, and procedures to improve processing capabilities.
• Mentor associates and provide technical leadership within the work group.
• Collaborate across business units to analyze data requests and plan system changes.
• Provide 24/7 on-call support rotations.

Skills

COBOL

CICS

VSAM

DB2

Easytrieve

JCL

Agile

Team leadership

Mentoring

On-call readiness

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

Changeman

ServiceNow

Job description

Overview

Overview

This is a remote role that may be hired in several markets across the United States. Priority given to those candidates located in North Carolina, Arizona, Texas and Florida.

Lead Software Engineer - Cobol, CICS, VSAM, DB2

Overview:

This position, withing the Core Banking development and support team, is responsible for all phases of data processing system projects, from requirements definition to installation. Leads technical efforts in the development, implementation, and maintenance of complex systems. Develops test plans, software, and procedures that improve processing capabilities. Supports productions systems by resolving complicated issues and ensuring ongoing functionality. Serves as a technical expert and may provide a leadership role for less experienced associates in the work group.

Responsibilities & Qualifications

Duties & Responsibilities:

System Enhancement - Leads team efforts to evaluate and improve department systems, processes, and applications. Utilizes programming specifications to construct modules, develop testing methods, and assists with designing training materials. Designs and executes test plans to validate application functions. Designs modifications that fit within existing system architecture.

Business Support - Provides technical support to production systems by addressing complex issues, anticipating maintenance requirements, and ensuring functionality for end user needs. Develops technical solutions to unique system problems. Leads major projects, delegates tasks, and ensures quality results.

Technical Expertise - Utilizes expertise to mentor and train associates within the work group. Participates in special projects and meetings as needed to convey critical technical insight. Serves as a technical resource for management, associates, and business units.

Data Analysis - Collects data related to user requests and determines scope, time estimates, and system impacts. Inspects business specifications, programming specifications, coding, test plans, documentation, and implementation plans for accuracy.

Provides 24/7 on call rotations

Qualifications:

Bachelor's Degree and 6 years of experience in Software application development and maintenance

OR

High School Diploma or GED and 10 years of experience in Software application development and maintenance

Preferred Area of Study: Computer Science

Preferred Area of Experience: Debit and Credit Cards experience a plus

Preferred Qualifications:

• Advanced experience with COBOL, CICS, VSAM, DB2, Easytrieve, JCL
• Familiarity with source code repository Changeman a plus
• Experience with ServiceNow or other information technology service ticketing systems
• Proven ability to resolve conflicting situations, to move process and people forward
• Ability to build strong collaborative and productive relationships
• Ability to be on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, on a rotating basis
• In depth knowledge and experience with System Life Cycle Development methodologies such as Waterfall and Agile
• Previous banking experience is a plus

Additional Information

This job posting is expected to remain active for 45 days from the initial posting date listed above. If it is necessary to extend this deadline, the posting will remain active as appropriate. Job postings may come down early due to business need or a high volume of applicants.

This job posting has been extended until October 2, 2026.

If hired in North Carolina, the base pay for this position is generally between $130,109 and $154,000. Actual starting base pay will be determined based on skills, experience, location, and other non-discriminatory factors permitted by law. For some roles, total compensation may also include variable incentives, bonuses, benefits, and/or other awards as outlined in the offer of employment.

Benefits are an integral part of total rewards and First Citizens Bank is committed to providing a competitive, thoughtfully designed and quality benefits program to meet the needs of our associates. More information can be found at https://jobs.firstcitizens.com/benefits.