Lead Software Engineer

Location: Chicago, IL, United States

Job Family: Software Engineering

About the Role

At JP Morgan Chase, we are at the forefront of financial services innovation, and our technology teams are pivotal in delivering secure, scalable solutions that power global banking operations. As a Lead Software Engineer in our Chicago office, you will play a central role in an agile team, carrying out critical tech solutions across multiple technical areas. This position involves leading the development of robust software that supports everything from transaction processing to advanced risk analytics, ensuring our systems meet the highest standards of reliability and security in the financial industry. You will collaborate with diverse teams to translate complex business needs into cutting-edge technical implementations, driving efficiency and innovation for our clients worldwide. In this leadership role, you will mentor engineers, architect system designs, and oversee the full software development lifecycle, from ideation to deployment. Your work will directly impact JP Morgan's ability to handle high-volume financial data securely, integrating technologies like cloud-native services and machine learning to enhance fraud detection and personalized banking experiences. Emphasizing agile practices, you will participate in sprint planning, code reviews, and continuous improvement initiatives, all while adhering to stringent regulatory requirements such as those from the SEC and FINRA. This is an opportunity to lead transformative projects that shape the future of finance in a dynamic, supportive environment. Joining JP Morgan Chase means becoming part of a prestigious institution committed to excellence and employee growth. We offer a collaborative culture where your expertise in software engineering can make a tangible difference in powering sustainable financial solutions. With access to world-class resources and a focus on work-life balance, this role in Chicago provides the platform to advance your career while contributing to initiatives that serve millions of customers globally.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design, development, and deployment of critical software solutions across multiple technical domains in an agile team environment
• Collaborate with product owners, stakeholders, and cross-functional teams to define technical requirements for financial applications
• Mentor junior engineers and drive best practices in code quality, testing, and deployment within JP Morgan's secure infrastructure
• Implement scalable, resilient systems to support high-volume financial transactions and real-time data processing
• Ensure adherence to regulatory standards and security protocols in all software deliverables
• Conduct code reviews, optimize performance, and troubleshoot complex issues in production environments
• Innovate and integrate emerging technologies like AI/ML to enhance risk assessment and fraud detection capabilities
• Contribute to agile ceremonies, including sprint planning and retrospectives, to deliver value to JP Morgan's clients
• Monitor and maintain system health, proactively identifying opportunities for efficiency gains in financial workflows
• Partner with global teams to align technical solutions with JP Morgan's broader enterprise strategy

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field
• 7+ years of experience in software engineering, with a focus on full-stack development
• Proven track record in agile methodologies and leading technical teams in financial services
• Strong understanding of secure coding practices and compliance with financial regulations such as GDPR and SOX
• Experience with cloud platforms like AWS or Azure in a high-stakes financial environment
• Demonstrated ability to design and implement scalable solutions for mission-critical systems
• Excellent problem-solving skills and ability to thrive in fast-paced, collaborative settings

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in Computer Science or related field
• Experience with Java, Python, or Scala in developing trading or risk management systems
• Familiarity with JP Morgan's internal tools and frameworks for financial technology
• Prior leadership in cross-functional teams delivering fintech innovations
• Certifications in cloud architecture (e.g., AWS Certified Solutions Architect) or cybersecurity

Required Skills

• Proficiency in Java, Python, or C++ for backend development
• Experience with front-end frameworks like React or Angular
• Knowledge of databases such as SQL Server, Oracle, or NoSQL solutions like MongoDB
• Expertise in cloud computing (AWS, Azure) and containerization (Docker, Kubernetes)
• Strong understanding of microservices architecture and API design (RESTful, GraphQL)
• Familiarity with CI/CD pipelines and DevOps tools (Jenkins, GitLab)
• Skills in secure coding and vulnerability assessment for financial systems
• Agile methodologies (Scrum, Kanban) and collaboration tools (Jira, Confluence)
• Analytical thinking and problem-solving in high-pressure scenarios
• Effective communication and leadership to guide technical teams
• Experience with big data technologies (Hadoop, Spark) for financial analytics
• Knowledge of financial protocols and risk management principles
• Adaptability to evolving tech landscapes in fintech
• Team collaboration and stakeholder management skills
• Attention to detail in ensuring compliance and data integrity

Benefits

• Competitive base salary and performance-based annual bonuses
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans
• 401(k) retirement savings plan with generous company matching
• Paid time off, including vacation, sick days, and parental leave
• Professional development opportunities, including tuition reimbursement and access to internal training programs
• Employee stock purchase plan and financial wellness resources
• On-site fitness centers, wellness programs, and mental health support
• Flexible work arrangements, including hybrid options in Chicago

JP Morgan Chase is an equal opportunity employer.