Lead Security Architect (Application Security)
About this role:
Wells Fargo is seeking a Lead Systems Architect - Application Security to join the Security Architecture organization. This role will provide security architecture leadership across application development, APIs, DevSecOps, and emerging technologies, helping teams build secure-by-design solutions at enterprise scale.
In this role, you will:
- Lead the implementation of complex projects and initiatives that have companywide scope
- Lead the implementation of complex projects and initiatives that have companywide scope
- Drive secure-by-design practices across applications, APIs, cloud-native platforms, and AI-enabled solutions
- Assist in the creation of architectural artifacts including standards, reference architectures, design patterns, and security requirements
- Participate in the definition of future technology architecture and Application Security strategy
- Identify medium to high architectural impact projects and provide security architecture guidance throughout the project lifecycle
- Conduct complex technology, security, and system assessments for architecture solutions
- Perform threat modeling, architecture reviews, and risk assessments for critical applications and platforms
- Provide guidance on DevSecOps, software supply chain security, CI/CD security, and application security testing
- Make decisions in the development and maintenance of security architectures and controls
- Understand compliance and risk management requirements for supported areas
- Ensure applications adhere to established Wells Fargo standards, policies, methodologies, and industry best practices
- Collaborate and consult with peers, colleagues, and managers to resolve issues and achieve goals
Required Qualifications:
- 5+ years of Architecture experience, or equivalent demonstrated through one or a combination of the following: work experience, training, military experience, education
- 5+ years of Information Security, Security Architecture, Application Security, or Software Security experience
- Experience performing threat modeling, architecture reviews, and security assessments
- Knowledge of secure software development lifecycle (SSDLC) and secure coding practices
- Experience securing cloud-based applications, APIs, and modern application architectures
Desired Qualifications:
Strong knowledge of application security principles, OWASP Top 10, API Security, and common attack vectors
Experience with SAST, DAST, SCA, IaC scanning, and software supply chain security controls
- Experience with cloud-native architectures, containers, Kubernetes, microservices, and APIs
- Knowledge of Azure, AWS, or Google Cloud security architectures
- Experience developing security standards, patterns, and reference architectures
- Familiarity with AI/GenAI security risks and mitigation strategies
- Strong verbal, written, and stakeholder management skills
Job Expectations:
- This position offers a hybrid work schedule
- This position is not eligible for Visa sponsorship
- Demonstrate proficiency in using AI‑assisted development and analysis tools (e.g., GitHub Copilot and approved code‑centric agents)
- Leverage AI to accelerate system design, coding, testing, analysis, and troubleshooting
- Apply strong technical judgment when validating and integrating AI‑assisted outputs into solutions
- Understand and account for model limitations, security risks, and operational considerations
- Apply AI responsibly in development and production environments
- Ensure AI usage aligns with security, compliance, privacy, and ethical standards
- Serve as a trusted security architecture advisor for application and platform teams
- Partner with engineering, architecture, risk, and cybersecurity teams to drive secure technology adoption
- Deliver architecture reviews, threat models, and security recommendations for strategic initiatives
- Support and enhance enterprise Application Security standards and secure-by-design practices
- Mentor architects and engineers on application security and emerging technology risks
- Operate effectively in a highly regulated and risk-driven environment
- Influence security strategy, architecture patterns, and technology decisions across the enterprise
Salary Ranges:
$119,000 - $187,000 - Charlotte, NC
$119,000 - $187,000 - Irving, TX
$119,000 - $187,000 - Columbus, OH
$131,000 - $206,000 - Minneapolis, MN
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 - $206,000.00Benefits
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:
30 Aug 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.
