Principal Software Engineer

Location: Columbus, OH, United States

Job Family: Software Engineering

About the Role

At JP Morgan Chase, we are at the forefront of financial services innovation, and our Principal Software Engineers play a pivotal role in building the technologies that power our global operations. In this senior-level position based in Columbus, OH, you will provide technical leadership and engineering excellence to enhance, build, and deliver market-leading solutions that support everything from high-frequency trading platforms to secure client portals. As a key contributor to our Software Engineering category, you will drive the adoption of cutting-edge technologies while ensuring compliance with stringent financial regulations, helping us maintain our position as a trusted leader in the industry. Your responsibilities will span the full spectrum of software development, from architecting scalable systems that handle billions in transactions daily to mentoring teams on best practices in agile environments. You will collaborate closely with cross-functional groups, including risk management and compliance experts, to integrate robust security measures and optimize performance for real-time financial applications. This role demands a deep understanding of the financial services landscape, where precision, reliability, and innovation intersect to deliver exceptional value to our clients and stakeholders. Joining JP Morgan Chase means becoming part of a dynamic team committed to fostering diversity, inclusion, and professional growth. We offer unparalleled opportunities to work on transformative projects that shape the future of finance, backed by a supportive culture that values work-life balance and continuous learning. If you are a seasoned engineer passionate about leveraging technology to solve complex challenges in a fast-paced, regulated environment, this position at our Columbus office is an ideal opportunity to advance your career while contributing to the firm's legacy of excellence.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design, development, and deployment of innovative software solutions to support JP Morgan Chase's core banking and trading platforms
• Collaborate with product managers, data scientists, and stakeholders to define technical requirements and roadmaps for market-leading technologies
• Mentor and guide a team of software engineers, fostering a culture of engineering excellence and continuous improvement
• Optimize and enhance existing systems for performance, scalability, and security in a high-volume financial services context
• Conduct code reviews, ensure adherence to best practices, and implement robust testing strategies to minimize risks
• Integrate emerging technologies like AI/ML and blockchain to drive innovation in financial products and services
• Monitor and troubleshoot production systems, resolving issues that impact business operations or client experiences
• Stay abreast of industry trends and regulatory changes, incorporating them into engineering practices at JP Morgan Chase
• Contribute to firm-wide initiatives for digital transformation and technology standardization

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field; advanced degree preferred
• 10+ years of professional software engineering experience, with a focus on large-scale systems
• Proven track record in designing and implementing scalable software solutions in a financial services environment
• Strong understanding of software development lifecycle (SDLC) and agile methodologies
• Experience with cloud platforms such as AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud, particularly in regulated industries
• Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams and mentor junior engineers
• Excellent problem-solving skills and ability to handle complex technical challenges under pressure

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's or PhD in Computer Science or related field
• Experience in financial technology (FinTech) or banking software development
• Familiarity with regulatory compliance standards such as GDPR, SOX, or PCI-DSS
• Prior work at a major financial institution or in high-stakes enterprise environments
• Contributions to open-source projects or patents in software engineering

Required Skills

• Proficiency in Java, Python, or C++ for backend development
• Expertise in microservices architecture and containerization (Docker, Kubernetes)
• Strong knowledge of databases (SQL/NoSQL) and data modeling for financial datasets
• Experience with CI/CD pipelines and DevOps tools (Jenkins, GitLab)
• Understanding of cybersecurity principles and secure coding practices in finance
• Familiarity with cloud-native development and serverless architectures
• Analytical thinking and ability to translate business needs into technical solutions
• Excellent communication skills for collaborating with non-technical stakeholders
• Leadership and team management abilities
• Problem-solving in high-pressure, time-sensitive environments
• Knowledge of financial protocols like FIX or SWIFT
• Agile/Scrum methodologies and project management tools (Jira)
• Machine learning frameworks (TensorFlow, PyTorch) for AI integration
• Version control systems (Git) and collaborative coding practices

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 leadership training
• Employee stock purchase plan and financial wellness programs
• On-site fitness centers, wellness programs, and mental health support
• Flexible work arrangements and hybrid work options in Columbus, OH

JP Morgan Chase is an equal opportunity employer.