Lead Software Engineer

Location: Wilmington, DE, United States

Job Family: Software Engineering

About the Role

At JP Morgan Chase, we are at the forefront of financial innovation, powering the world's leading financial services with cutting-edge technology. As a Lead Software Engineer in our Wilmington, DE technology hub, you will play a pivotal role in shaping our technology strategy and driving high-impact projects that enhance our global banking operations. This position sits within our Software Engineering category, where you'll leverage your expertise in C++, PySpark/Scala, and AWS to build robust, scalable solutions that support everything from real-time transaction processing to advanced risk analytics. In a dynamic environment that demands both technical excellence and strategic foresight, you'll lead teams to deliver innovations that keep JP Morgan Chase ahead in the competitive financial landscape. Your day-to-day will involve architecting complex systems that handle massive volumes of financial data while ensuring unwavering security and compliance with regulations like Dodd-Frank and Basel III. You'll collaborate closely with cross-functional teams—including traders, risk managers, and compliance experts—to translate business needs into technical roadmaps. Using C++ for performance-critical components, PySpark and Scala for big data orchestration, and AWS for cloud-native deployments, you'll optimize platforms that drive actionable insights and operational efficiency. This role offers the opportunity to mentor emerging talent and influence enterprise-wide decisions, all while contributing to JP Morgan Chase's commitment to digital transformation in finance. We value engineers who thrive in fast-paced settings and bring a passion for solving real-world financial challenges. Joining our team means becoming part of a supportive community that invests in your growth through world-class resources and a culture of inclusion. If you're ready to lead transformative projects at one of the largest banks in the world, apply today and help shape the future of finance at JP Morgan Chase.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design and implementation of complex software solutions using C++ to support core banking applications and ensure high reliability in transaction processing
• Drive big data initiatives with PySpark and Scala to analyze vast financial datasets, enabling insights for risk assessment and portfolio management
• Architect and deploy scalable systems on AWS, optimizing for cost-efficiency and performance in a regulated financial environment
• Collaborate with product managers, data scientists, and compliance teams to shape technology strategy aligned with JP Morgan Chase's business goals
• Mentor junior engineers, conduct code reviews, and foster a culture of innovation and best practices in software development
• Identify and mitigate technical risks, ensuring solutions adhere to industry standards like GDPR and SOX for financial data security
• Prototype and iterate on new features for trading and analytics platforms, integrating feedback from stakeholders across global teams
• Monitor system performance and lead troubleshooting efforts to maintain 24/7 availability for critical financial services
• Contribute to strategic planning by evaluating emerging technologies and their applicability to JP Morgan Chase's digital transformation
• Document technical architectures and processes to support knowledge sharing within the engineering organization

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field; advanced degree preferred
• 7+ years of professional software engineering experience, with at least 3 years in a lead or senior role
• Strong proficiency in C++ for high-performance applications in financial systems
• Experience with big data technologies including PySpark and Scala for processing large-scale financial datasets
• Hands-on expertise in AWS cloud services for building scalable infrastructure
• Proven track record of leading cross-functional teams in delivering technology solutions in the financial services sector
• Deep understanding of financial regulations and compliance requirements in banking environments

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in Computer Science or related field
• Experience in developing trading platforms or risk management systems at a major financial institution
• Certifications in AWS (e.g., AWS Certified Solutions Architect) or relevant big data tools
• Prior leadership in agile methodologies within a global banking context
• Knowledge of machine learning applications in fraud detection or predictive analytics for finance

Required Skills

• C++ programming for low-latency financial applications
• PySpark and Scala for distributed data processing
• AWS services including EC2, S3, and Lambda
• Agile and Scrum methodologies
• Big data frameworks like Hadoop or Spark
• Financial domain knowledge in banking and trading systems
• Cloud architecture and DevOps practices
• Leadership and team management
• Problem-solving in high-stakes environments
• SQL and database optimization for financial reporting
• Version control with Git and CI/CD pipelines
• Risk analysis and compliance awareness
• Communication and stakeholder collaboration
• Machine learning basics for data-driven finance
• Performance tuning and debugging complex systems

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 through internal training and tuition reimbursement
• Employee stock purchase plan and financial wellness programs
• On-site fitness centers and wellness initiatives at JP Morgan Chase locations
• Flexible work arrangements including hybrid options in Wilmington, DE

JP Morgan Chase is an equal opportunity employer.