Lead Software Engineer, Back End; Java​/Python​/Go Backend, REST​/GraphQL APIs, WAF, HTTP Proto

Lead Software Engineer, Back End (Java/ Python/ Go Backend, REST/ GraphQL APIs, WAF, HTTP Protocol, AWS)

Do you love building and pioneering at the intersection of security and cloud infrastructure? Do you enjoy solving complex problems in a fast‑paced, collaborative, and iterative environment? At Capital One, you’ll be part of a team of makers, breakers, doers, and disruptors who protect millions of customers at the edge of our network every day. We are seeking Back End Software Engineers who are passionate about edge security, automation, and leveraging emerging technologies—including AI—to stay ahead of evolving threats.

• Design, build, and operate edge network security infrastructure including WAF rule sets, bot protection services, and traffic inspection pipelines that defend Capital One’s applications at scale.
• Develop and maintain Python‑based automation and tooling that manages WAF policies, infrastructure, bot mitigation configurations, and security event workflows across AWS environments.
• Build and maintain serverless architectures using AWS Lambda, Application Load Balancers, DynamoDB, and related AWS services to power real‑time threat detection and response.
• Use AI coding assistants and AI‑driven analysis tools to accelerate development, identify patterns in security telemetry, and build smarter, faster protection capabilities.
• Collaborate with security, product, and platform teams to translate threat intelligence and compliance requirements into deployable infrastructure‑as‑code.
• Participate in on‑call rotations and incident response for edge security events, using automation and AI tooling to reduce toil and mean time to resolution.
• Stay current with the WAF, bot protection, and cloud security landscape—experimenting with new capabilities, contributing to internal security communities, and sharing knowledge across engineering teams.

• Bachelor’s Degree
• At least 4 years of professional software engineering experience (internship experience does not apply)
• At least 1 year experience with cloud computing (AWS, Microsoft Azure, Google Cloud)

• Master’s Degree
• 7+ years of experience in at least one of the following:
  Java, Scala, Python, Go, or Node.js
• 2+ years of experience with AWS, GCP, Azure, or another cloud service
• 4+ years of experience in open source frameworks
• 1+ year of people management experience
• 2+ years of experience in Agile practices
• Experience leveraging interactive AI tooling to accelerate productivity, utilizing capabilities beyond basic code completion

At this time, Capital One will not sponsor a new applicant for employment authorization or offer any immigration related support for this position (e.g., H1B, F‑1 OPT, STEM OPT, J‑1, TN).

• McLean, VA: $197,300 – $225,100 for Lead Software Engineer
• Plano, TX: $179,400 – $204,700 for Lead Software Engineer
• Richmond, VA: $179,400 – $204,700 for Lead Software Engineer
• Other locations: salary will be based on the pay range associated with that location and the annualized amount offered at hire.

Capital One offers a comprehensive, competitive, and inclusive set of health, financial, and other benefits that support your total well‑being. This role is also eligible to earn performance‑based incentive compensation, which may include cash bonuses and/or long‑term incentives.

Capital One is an equal opportunity employer (EOE, including disability/veteran) committed to non‑discrimination in compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. Capital One promotes a drug‑free workplace. Capital One will consider qualified applicants with a criminal history in a manner consistent with applicable laws regarding criminal background inquiries.

All information you provide will be kept confidential and used only to the extent required to provide needed reasonable accommodations.