Principal Client Support Specialist

Overview

Principal Client Support Specialist

The Principal Client Support Specialist drives operations within the Certification Operations team, overseeing end-to-end testing and certification management for payment partners, mobile application developers, and merchant payment terminals. This role manages the administrative and operational certification workflow—focusing on Level 2 functional and security certification processes. Serving as a primary technical liaison for external product providers, the Specialist triages and resolves high-volume technical queries, drives projects forward, and ensures streamlined certification timelines.

Core Responsibilities:

• Certification Operations & Administration: Oversee the operational and administrative certification lifecycle (typically 3–4+ week timelines) for payment partners, terminal vendors, and mobile app developers for Level 2 (functional/security) requirements.
• Technical Support & Query Management: Serve as the primary operational contact during the certification process, managing and resolving high-volume technical and process queries from external partners.
• Partner & Client Engagement: Act as a representative to product providers, leading technical discussions, managing expectations, and maintaining momentum across certification projects.
• Project Management & Execution: Coordinate cross-functional steps to move certification projects efficiently from intake through final approval.
• EMV & Security Subject Matter: Leverage knowledge of EMV specifications and card/security testing standards to ensure compliance with network specifications.

Basic Qualifications:

• High School Diploma, GED or equivalent certification
• At least 4 years of experience in payment systems and EMV technologies
• At least 4 years of experience in software or hardware testing and certification workflows
• At least 3 years of experience in product development or technical project support

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree
• Knowledge of payment certification levels (Level 1 physical/interface, Level 2 kernel/functional, and Level 3 brand/acquirer/issuer integration)
• Experience in a client-facing or vendor-support role addressing technical support tickets, partner queries or implementation challenges

At this time, Capital One will not sponsor a new applicant for employment authorization for this position.

The minimum and maximum full-time annual salaries for this role are listed below, by location. Please note that this salary information is solely for candidates hired to perform work within one of these locations, and refers to the amount Capital One is willing to pay at the time of this posting. Salaries for part-time roles will be prorated based upon the agreed upon number of hours to be regularly worked.

McLean, VA: $151,900 - $173,400 for Principal Client Support Specialist

Riverwoods, IL: $138,100 - $157,700 for Principal Client Support Specialist

Candidates hired to work in other locations will be subject to the pay range associated with that location, and the actual annualized salary amount offered to any candidate at the time of hire will be reflected solely in the candidate’s offer letter.

This role is also eligible to earn performance based incentive compensation, which may include cash bonus(es) and/or long term incentives (LTI). Incentives could be discretionary or non discretionary depending on the plan.

Capital One offers a comprehensive, competitive, and inclusive set of health, financial and other benefits that support your total well-being. Learn more at the Capital One Careers website . Eligibility varies based on full or part-time status, exempt or non-exempt status, and management level.

This role is expected to accept applications for a minimum of 5 business days.

No agencies please. Capital One is an equal opportunity employer (EOE, including disability/vet) committed to non-discrimination in compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. Capital One promotes a drug-free workplace. Capital One will consider for employment qualified applicants with a criminal history in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable laws regarding criminal background inquiries, including, to the extent applicable, Article 23-A of the New York Correction Law; San Francisco, California Police Code Article 49, Sections 4901-4920; New York City’s Fair Chance Act; Philadelphia’s Fair Criminal Records Screening Act; and other applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations regarding criminal background inquiries.

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Capital One Financial is made up of several different entities. Please note that any position posted in Canada is for Capital One Canada, any position posted in the United Kingdom is for Capital One Europe and any position posted in the Philippines is for Capital One Philippines Service Corp. (COPSSC).