10+ years in software engineering, including experience at Staff, Principal, or Architect level. Proven expertise in distributed systems, identity and access management, and authentication protocols (OAuth, SAML, FIDO, OpenID). Advanced proficiency in Go, Node.js, or Python. Cloud infrastructure experience (AWS preferred). Deep understanding of security models, cryptographic systems, and data protection at scale. Exceptional ability to communicate complex ideas, drive alignment across teams, and influence without authority. Patents, open-source contributions, publications, or speaking engagements in identity, security, or related domains (Preferred).