Lead Software Engineer Jobs in USA with Visa Sponsorship
Lead Software Engineer positions consistently rank among the most sponsored roles for H-1B, E-3, and TN visas. The role's technical leadership requirements and specialized skillset make it a natural fit for specialty occupation criteria, with employers regularly sponsoring both initial visas and green card applications. For detailed occupation requirements, see the O*NET profile.
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Our Purpose
Mastercard powers economies and empowers people in 200+ countries and territories worldwide. Together with our customers, we’re helping build a sustainable economy where everyone can prosper. We support a wide range of digital payments choices, making transactions secure, simple, smart and accessible. Our technology and innovation, partnerships and networks combine to deliver a unique set of products and services that help people, businesses and governments realize their greatest potential.
Title And Summary
Lead Software Engineer (Mainframe/COBOL)
Who is Mastercard? Mastercard is a global technology company in the payments industry. Our mission is to connect and power an inclusive, digital economy that benefits everyone, everywhere by making transactions safe, simple, smart, and accessible. Using secure data and networks, partnerships and passion, our innovations and solutions help individuals, financial institutions, governments, and businesses realize their greatest potential. Our decency quotient, or DQ, drives our culture and everything we do inside and outside of our company. With connections across more than 210 countries and territories, we are building a sustainable world that unlocks priceless possibilities for all.
Overview
Core Payments of MasterCard is involved in developing Authorization, Clearing, Debit and other major functionalities for MasterCard. Analyze and create cutting edge solutions for Core Payments teams. Proficient with COBOL, DB2, CICS, JCL, PROC, Microfocus COBOL, TWS Scheduler and DB2 LUW.
- Hands on Experience with Software development
- Hands on Experience with Microfocus COBOL, DB2 LUW and TWS scheduler
- Coordinate with other groups including vendors to ensure success of the project.
- Develop project schedule and track the deliverables
- Coordinate with other groups including vendors and other groups within MasterCard to ensure success of the project.
- Have you worked in a full lifecycle development project and used various development methodologies including Agile?
- Do you have an understanding of Payment and Cards industry?
- Are you a technical Subject Matter Expert who can guide young talent?
Role
- Design and Develops software which is high on performance and meets business requirements.
- Maintain and present project related metrics reporting for management review
- Technical Lead for proposing solutions to the team
- Lead initiatives for automation, defect metrics and overall quality initiatives
- Handle coordination between teams based in various locations
All About You
- Experience in Batch and online development
- Experience in CI and CD
- Involved and spearhead quality initiatives
- Result oriented individual
- Automation experience and Code Quality
- Strong Communicator
- Ability to guide people to implement the right solution
Mastercard is a merit-based, inclusive, equal opportunity employer that considers applicants without regard to gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, disabled or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We hire the most qualified candidate for the role. In the US or Canada, if you require accommodations or assistance to complete the online application process or during the recruitment process, please contact reasonable_accommodation@mastercard.com and identify the type of accommodation or assistance you are requesting. Do not include any medical or health information in this email. The Reasonable Accommodations team will respond to your email promptly.
Corporate Security Responsibility
All activities involving access to Mastercard assets, information, and networks comes with an inherent risk to the organization and, therefore, it is expected that every person working for, or on behalf of, Mastercard is responsible for information security and must:
- Abide by Mastercard’s security policies and practices;
- Ensure the confidentiality and integrity of the information being accessed;
- Report any suspected information security violation or breach, and
- Complete all periodic mandatory security trainings in accordance with Mastercard’s guidelines.
In line with Mastercard’s total compensation philosophy and assuming that the job will be performed in the US, the successful candidate will be offered a competitive base salary and may be eligible for an annual bonus or commissions depending on the role. The base salary offered may vary depending on multiple factors, including but not limited to location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.
Mastercard benefits for full time (and certain part time) employees generally include: insurance (including medical, prescription drug, dental, vision, disability, life insurance); flexible spending account and health savings account; paid leaves (including 16 weeks of new parent leave and up to 20 days of bereavement leave); 80 hours of Paid Sick and Safe Time, 25 days of vacation time and 5 personal days, pro-rated based on date of hire; 10 annual paid U.S. observed holidays; 401k with a best-in-class company match; deferred compensation for eligible roles; fitness reimbursement or on-site fitness facilities; eligibility for tuition reimbursement; and many more.
Mastercard benefits for interns generally include: 56 hours of Paid Sick and Safe Time; jury duty leave; and on-site fitness facilities in some locations.
Pay Ranges
O'Fallon, Missouri: $140,000 - $231,000 USD

Our Purpose
Mastercard powers economies and empowers people in 200+ countries and territories worldwide. Together with our customers, we’re helping build a sustainable economy where everyone can prosper. We support a wide range of digital payments choices, making transactions secure, simple, smart and accessible. Our technology and innovation, partnerships and networks combine to deliver a unique set of products and services that help people, businesses and governments realize their greatest potential.
Title And Summary
Lead Software Engineer (Mainframe/COBOL)
Who is Mastercard? Mastercard is a global technology company in the payments industry. Our mission is to connect and power an inclusive, digital economy that benefits everyone, everywhere by making transactions safe, simple, smart, and accessible. Using secure data and networks, partnerships and passion, our innovations and solutions help individuals, financial institutions, governments, and businesses realize their greatest potential. Our decency quotient, or DQ, drives our culture and everything we do inside and outside of our company. With connections across more than 210 countries and territories, we are building a sustainable world that unlocks priceless possibilities for all.
Overview
Core Payments of MasterCard is involved in developing Authorization, Clearing, Debit and other major functionalities for MasterCard. Analyze and create cutting edge solutions for Core Payments teams. Proficient with COBOL, DB2, CICS, JCL, PROC, Microfocus COBOL, TWS Scheduler and DB2 LUW.
- Hands on Experience with Software development
- Hands on Experience with Microfocus COBOL, DB2 LUW and TWS scheduler
- Coordinate with other groups including vendors to ensure success of the project.
- Develop project schedule and track the deliverables
- Coordinate with other groups including vendors and other groups within MasterCard to ensure success of the project.
- Have you worked in a full lifecycle development project and used various development methodologies including Agile?
- Do you have an understanding of Payment and Cards industry?
- Are you a technical Subject Matter Expert who can guide young talent?
Role
- Design and Develops software which is high on performance and meets business requirements.
- Maintain and present project related metrics reporting for management review
- Technical Lead for proposing solutions to the team
- Lead initiatives for automation, defect metrics and overall quality initiatives
- Handle coordination between teams based in various locations
All About You
- Experience in Batch and online development
- Experience in CI and CD
- Involved and spearhead quality initiatives
- Result oriented individual
- Automation experience and Code Quality
- Strong Communicator
- Ability to guide people to implement the right solution
Mastercard is a merit-based, inclusive, equal opportunity employer that considers applicants without regard to gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, disabled or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We hire the most qualified candidate for the role. In the US or Canada, if you require accommodations or assistance to complete the online application process or during the recruitment process, please contact reasonable_accommodation@mastercard.com and identify the type of accommodation or assistance you are requesting. Do not include any medical or health information in this email. The Reasonable Accommodations team will respond to your email promptly.
Corporate Security Responsibility
All activities involving access to Mastercard assets, information, and networks comes with an inherent risk to the organization and, therefore, it is expected that every person working for, or on behalf of, Mastercard is responsible for information security and must:
- Abide by Mastercard’s security policies and practices;
- Ensure the confidentiality and integrity of the information being accessed;
- Report any suspected information security violation or breach, and
- Complete all periodic mandatory security trainings in accordance with Mastercard’s guidelines.
In line with Mastercard’s total compensation philosophy and assuming that the job will be performed in the US, the successful candidate will be offered a competitive base salary and may be eligible for an annual bonus or commissions depending on the role. The base salary offered may vary depending on multiple factors, including but not limited to location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.
Mastercard benefits for full time (and certain part time) employees generally include: insurance (including medical, prescription drug, dental, vision, disability, life insurance); flexible spending account and health savings account; paid leaves (including 16 weeks of new parent leave and up to 20 days of bereavement leave); 80 hours of Paid Sick and Safe Time, 25 days of vacation time and 5 personal days, pro-rated based on date of hire; 10 annual paid U.S. observed holidays; 401k with a best-in-class company match; deferred compensation for eligible roles; fitness reimbursement or on-site fitness facilities; eligibility for tuition reimbursement; and many more.
Mastercard benefits for interns generally include: 56 hours of Paid Sick and Safe Time; jury duty leave; and on-site fitness facilities in some locations.
Pay Ranges
O'Fallon, Missouri: $140,000 - $231,000 USD
How to Get Visa Sponsorship as a Lead Software Engineer
Target companies with established engineering teams
Large tech companies, financial institutions, and healthcare systems sponsor Lead Software Engineers regularly. Look for organizations with 500+ employees and dedicated engineering departments that understand visa processes.
Emphasize architectural and mentoring experience
Lead roles require system design skills and team leadership experience. Highlight projects where you guided technical decisions, mentored junior developers, or designed scalable architectures across multiple systems.
Bachelor's degree requirement varies by employer
While most Lead Software Engineer positions prefer computer science degrees, some accept equivalent experience. The 3-for-1 rule allows three years of experience to substitute for one year of education.
Document your technical leadership impact
Prepare specific examples of system improvements, team productivity gains, or technical debt reduction you've driven. Immigration petitions need concrete evidence of your specialized knowledge and leadership contributions.
Consider both startup and enterprise opportunities
Startups may offer faster visa processing and direct founder access, while enterprises provide established immigration support and higher approval rates. Both regularly sponsor Lead Software Engineers.
Research the company's tech stack alignment
Your background should match the company's primary technologies and architectural patterns. Misaligned technical experience can weaken the specialty occupation argument, even for senior roles.
Lead Software Engineer jobs are hiring across the US. Find yours.
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Get Access To All JobsFrequently Asked Questions
Do Lead Software Engineers get approved for H-1B visas easily?
Yes, Lead Software Engineer roles have strong H-1B approval rates because they clearly meet specialty occupation requirements. The position requires specialized technical knowledge, system design expertise, and team leadership skills that align well with USCIS criteria for complex computer-related occupations.
What degree do I need for Lead Software Engineer visa sponsorship?
Most employers require a bachelor's degree in computer science, software engineering, or a related technical field. However, some accept equivalent experience using the 3-for-1 substitution rule, where three years of progressive software development experience can replace one year of formal education.
How long does Lead Software Engineer green card sponsorship take?
EB-2 processing for Lead Software Engineers typically takes 1-3 years depending on your country of birth. The PERM labor certification process takes 6-18 months, followed by I-140 petition filing. Indians and Chinese nationals face longer waits due to per-country limits.
Can I get an E-3 visa as a Lead Software Engineer from Australia?
Yes, Lead Software Engineer positions qualify for E-3 visas as they meet specialty occupation requirements. Australian citizens can skip the H-1B lottery entirely. The role's technical complexity and leadership responsibilities make it an ideal fit for E-3 classification.
What if I don't have direct leadership experience for Lead Engineer roles?
Focus on technical leadership examples like mentoring junior developers, leading architecture decisions, or driving technical initiatives. Many companies define 'lead' as technical expertise rather than people management. Document your system design work and cross-team collaboration experience instead.
What is the prevailing wage requirement for sponsored Lead Software Engineer jobs?
U.S. employers sponsoring a visa must pay at least the prevailing wage, which is what workers in the same role, area, and experience level typically earn. The Department of Labor sets this rate to make sure companies aren't hiring foreign workers simply because they'd accept lower pay than a U.S. worker. It varies by job title, location, and experience. You can look up current prevailing wage rates for any occupation and location using the OFLC Wage Search page.
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