Senior Director of Software Engineering

Location: Jersey City, NJ, United States

Job Family: Software Engineering

About the Role

As the Senior Director of Software Engineering at JP Morgan Chase, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the technological backbone of one of the world's leading financial institutions. Based in Jersey City, NJ, this position involves directing multiple technical areas such as software development, cloud infrastructure, and data analytics, while managing the activities of several departments to deliver cutting-edge solutions for global banking operations. You will collaborate across technical domains to integrate innovative technologies that enhance trading efficiency, risk management, and customer experiences in a highly regulated environment. Your leadership will drive JP Morgan's commitment to digital transformation, ensuring our platforms support secure, scalable, and compliant financial services that power trillions in daily transactions. In this role, you will oversee cross-functional teams of engineers and architects, fostering a culture of excellence and innovation tailored to the financial services industry. Responsibilities include architecting resilient systems for high-frequency trading and fraud detection, while navigating complex regulatory landscapes like Dodd-Frank and MiFID II. You will partner with business leaders to align technical roadmaps with strategic goals, such as expanding AI-driven analytics for investment banking and retail services. By leveraging modern tools like microservices and cloud-native architectures, you will optimize performance and reduce operational risks, contributing directly to JP Morgan's reputation for reliability and technological prowess. We seek a visionary leader passionate about technology's impact on finance, with the ability to inspire teams and execute on ambitious visions. This position offers the opportunity to influence firm-wide initiatives at the intersection of engineering and finance, in a collaborative environment that values diversity, inclusion, and professional growth. Join JP Morgan Chase to lead transformative projects that redefine global financial services.

Key Responsibilities

• Direct multiple technical areas including software development, infrastructure, and data engineering within JP Morgan Chase's technology division
• Manage the activities of multiple departments, overseeing hiring, performance, and professional development of engineering teams
• Collaborate across technical domains to align on strategic initiatives, such as enhancing trading platforms and risk management systems
• Drive innovation in financial services technologies, ensuring solutions support high-frequency trading, fraud detection, and customer analytics
• Ensure all projects adhere to JP Morgan's strict regulatory and compliance standards, mitigating financial and operational risks
• Lead agile transformation efforts, implementing scalable architectures using cloud-native technologies
• Partner with business units to translate complex financial requirements into robust technical roadmaps
• Monitor and optimize departmental budgets, resource allocation, and technology investments for maximum ROI
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement and knowledge sharing across global engineering teams
• Represent technology leadership in executive forums, influencing firm-wide strategy on digital banking and fintech integrations

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field; Master's degree preferred
• 15+ years of progressive experience in software engineering, with at least 8 years in leadership roles managing large-scale teams
• Proven track record of directing multiple technical areas in a financial services environment, including regulatory compliance and risk management
• Experience managing budgets exceeding $10M and leading cross-functional teams of 50+ members in agile environments
• Deep understanding of financial technologies such as trading systems, risk analytics, and secure data processing
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate with C-suite executives and stakeholders across global technical domains
• Strong knowledge of cybersecurity best practices and compliance with regulations like SOX, GDPR, and Basel III

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree (MBA or PhD) with a focus on technology or finance
• Experience in leading digital transformation initiatives at a major financial institution
• Certification in cloud platforms (e.g., AWS, Azure) or financial engineering
• Prior role in a Big Four bank or similar high-stakes financial services firm
• International experience managing distributed teams across multiple time zones

Required Skills

• Expertise in Java, Python, or C++ for building high-performance financial applications
• Proficiency in cloud computing platforms like AWS or Google Cloud for scalable infrastructure
• Strong knowledge of microservices architecture and containerization (Docker, Kubernetes)
• Experience with big data technologies such as Hadoop, Spark, or Kafka for financial data processing
• Deep understanding of cybersecurity protocols and secure coding practices in fintech
• Leadership and team management skills for directing diverse engineering groups
• Agile and DevOps methodologies for rapid deployment in regulated environments
• Analytical problem-solving for complex financial modeling and risk assessment
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management across technical and business domains
• Strategic planning and execution in fast-paced, high-stakes financial services settings
• Familiarity with SQL/NoSQL databases and real-time data streaming
• Project management tools like Jira or Confluence for tracking initiatives
• Adaptability to evolving regulations and technologies in banking
• Mentoring and coaching skills to develop junior engineers
• Business acumen in financial markets, trading systems, and compliance frameworks

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 programs and tuition reimbursement for advanced certifications
• Employee stock purchase plan and equity grants
• Wellness programs including gym memberships and mental health support
• Flexible work arrangements with hybrid options in Jersey City, NJ

JP Morgan Chase is an equal opportunity employer.