Lead Engineer – Identity & Authentication
New York (Hybrid)
You must already have the Right to Work in the USA. No visa sponsorship is available.
Salary: USD Up to 200,000 + benefits + bonus
The Opportunity
We're partnered with a global Fintech company that is building a new team to own and transform how they approach identity, authentication, and security across their global multi-asset platform.
The Lead Engineer is a foundational role where you'll shape the future of secure access for millions of users managing crypto, fiat, and precious metals.
You'll design and deliver state-of-the-art authentication systems (from passkeys to multi-factor challenges), strengthen compliance controls for regulated environments, and improve the user experience while improving security. This role combines deep technical expertise with leadership responsibilities - you'll architect critical systems, evaluate vendors, and eventually build and lead a team.
What you'll be doing primarily
- Design, build, and improve identity and authentication infrastructure that balances user experience with regulatory requirements.
- Implement modern authentication solutions including passkeys, WebAuthn, and advanced multi-factor authentication mechanisms (2FA, OTP, biometrics).
- Build systems that enable continuous monitoring, compliance reporting, and forensic analysis for fraud prevention and regulatory teams.
- Collaborate closely with Product, Fraud Prevention, Compliance, and Regulatory teams to ensure security solutions meet business and legal requirements.
- Research, evaluate, and select third-party identity providers, security vendors, and authentication platforms.
- Architect and implement integrations with external identity and security solutions.
- Design systems that comply with financial regulations, ensuring strong customer authentication (SCA) and auditability.
- Develop and maintain technical documentation, security policies, and architecture decision records.
- Lead hiring, coaching, and development of team members as the team grows.
- Other duties may be assigned as needed.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or equivalent practical experience.
- 5+ years of relevant work experience in backend engineering with deep expertise in identity, authentication, and security systems.
- Deep experience with at least one of these languages and strong familiarity with the other: JavaScript (node.js) or Golang.
- Proficient in authentication protocols and standards (OAuth2, OIDC, SAML, WebAuthn, FIDO2).
- Experience building and scaling identity platforms at fintech companies or security-focused engineering roles at scale.
- Understanding of risk-based authentication, fraud prevention patterns, and security controls in financial products.
- Knowledge of regulatory frameworks impacting authentication (e.g., PSD2, KYC/AML requirements).
- Proven ability to architect secure, auditable systems that balance user experience with compliance needs.
- Experience evaluating and integrating third-party identity and security vendors.
- Strong communication and organizational skills.
- Strong problem-solving skills.
- Ability to work under pressure.
- Team-oriented and collaborative.
- Interest and readiness to take on people management responsibilities as the team grows.
This role is based in New York with a lucrative salary paying up to $200,000 USD
If you are interested, please apply with an updated resume below or to lizeviljoen@albertbow.com – Initial Interviews are happening ASAP!
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