Director, Authentication Engineering

USAA

. Lead the Authentication Engineering organization .

Posted 11/6/2026full-timeSan Antonio • Texas • United StatesLead💰 $164,780 - $314,960 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

Use this summary to align your resume positioning with the role.

Demonstrates expertise in leading authentication engineering initiatives, developing multi-year technology roadmaps, and ensuring the security and reliability of authentication services. Proficient in managing information security policies, risk management, and compliance within enterprise environments.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Leadership In CybersecurityExpert Knowledge Of FFIEC And NIST FrameworksExperience With Microsoft Entra ID And OktaImplementation Of Zero Trust Security ArchitecturesStrong Knowledge Of Cryptography And Security Controls

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Information SecurityCybersecurity SolutionsAuthentication ProtocolsRisk ManagementIdentity GovernanceCapacity PlanningDisaster RecoverySecurity ControlsCompliance RequirementsFinancial Acumen

Soft Skills

Executive CommunicationStrategic PlanningTeam LeadershipPerformance ManagementWritten And Verbal Communication

Tools & Technologies

Microsoft Entra IDOktaForgeRockMFALDAPSAMLOIDCOAuth 2.0Cybersecurity Assessment ToolIdentity Management Platforms

Certifications & Qualifications

CISSPCISMSABSAMicrosoft Identity Certifications

Industry Keywords

FFIECGramm-Leach-BlileyPayment Card Industry Data Security StandardSOXCIS ControlsIdentity And Access ManagementAuthentication ServicesCybersecurity RiskWeb-Based Application SecurityEnterprise Information Security

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

CloudCyber Security

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Lead the Authentication Engineering organization
Establish engineering strategy and multi-year technology roadmaps for enterprise authentication platforms, infrastructure, protocols, integrations, and services
Ensure security, reliability, resiliency, availability, scalability, and recoverability of critical authentication services
Establish engineering standards, platform health metrics, lifecycle management, capacity planning, disaster recovery, and operational readiness expectations
Partner with Workforce IAM, Cybersecurity, Infrastructure, Cloud, and application engineering teams
Lead modernization from legacy authentication platforms and protocols to modern identity services, phishing-resistant authentication, passwordless capabilities, stronger conditional access, automation, and cloud-integrated authentication architectures
Own critical security domains and develop multi-year roadmaps
Govern information security domain policies, standards, procedures, strategic vision, goals, and metrics
Direct enterprise information security domain operations, including capacity, resilience, and dependability
Develop and communicate information security risk management policies and procedures with the CISO and senior leaders
Interface with external regulators regarding the information security domain
Oversee continuous monitoring of cybersecurity activities and alert senior management to risks, compliance issues, and operational inefficiencies
Develop governance and assurance models across multiple domains and the enterprise
Identify and evaluate solutions to reduce information security risk, meet compliance requirements, and improve workforce efficiency and scalability
Promote information security awareness across the enterprise and external security community
Manage organizational budgets, manpower, and financial stewardship
Build and oversee a team through recruiting, development, retention, coaching, performance management, and managerial activities
Ensure business risks are identified, measured, monitored, and controlled according to risk and compliance policies

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor's degree in Information Security, Information Technology, Computer Science, Business Administration, Information Systems/Management, or related field; OR 4 years of relevant education and/or experience
8 years of related information security experience
3 years of direct team lead, supervisor, or management experience in an Information Security or Information Technology domain
4 years of researching, designing or implementing technology, information security or cybersecurity solutions in a large financial institution or large enterprise information security program
Expert knowledge of FFIEC, Gramm-Leach-Bliley, FFIEC Cybersecurity Assessment Tool, NIST Cybersecurity Framework, and Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard
Strong knowledge of cryptography, authentication, authorization, and security controls
Strong knowledge of IT risks and experience implementing security solutions
Knowledge of threats, vulnerabilities, attack methods and countermeasures for web-based applications, networks, and cybersecurity solutions
Demonstrated financial acumen involving budgets, forecasting, and budget execution
Expert business acumen in business operations, risk management, industry practices and emerging trends
Strong written and verbal communication skills, including communicating technical analyses to non-technical audiences
10+ years of leadership experience in cybersecurity, identity and access management, or authentication services
Extensive experience with Microsoft Entra ID, Okta, and ForgeRock
Deep understanding of OIDC, OAuth 2.0, SAML, Kerberos, LDAP, and MFA
Experience leading large-scale enterprise authentication or identity modernization programs
Experience implementing Zero Trust security architectures
Knowledge of identity governance, access certification, privileged access management, and directory services
Experience managing highly available security platforms in enterprise-scale environments
Familiarity with NIST, FFIEC, SOX, and CIS Controls
Experience leading cross-functional engineering, operations, and security teams
Executive communication, strategic planning, and vendor management skills
Relevant certifications such as CISSP, CISM, SABSA, or Microsoft Identity certifications are noted

Benefits

Comp & perks

Remote or hybrid flexibility may be available for active-duty military spouses, consistent with policy and business needs
Relocation assistance
Pay incentives based on overall corporate and individual performance, at the discretion of the USAA Board of Directors
Comprehensive medical, dental and vision plans
401(k)
Pension
Life insurance
Parental benefits
Adoption assistance
Paid time off program
Paid holidays
16 paid volunteer hours
Wellness programs
Career path planning
Continuing education