Senior Lead Software Engineer - Java and Kafka

Location: Wilmington, DE, United States

Job Family: Software Engineering

About the Role

At JP Morgan Chase, we are at the forefront of financial services innovation, powering everything from global payments to sophisticated risk management solutions. As a Senior Lead Software Engineer - Java and Kafka in our Wilmington, DE technology hub, you will drive significant business impact by leading the development of robust, scalable systems that handle real-time data streams critical to our banking operations. This role sits within our Software Engineering category, where you'll tackle a diverse array of challenges spanning multiple technologies and applications, ensuring our platforms remain resilient and efficient in a fast-paced, regulated industry. Your work will directly contribute to enhancing client experiences and operational excellence across JP Morgan's vast ecosystem. In this leadership position, you will architect and implement Java-based applications leveraging Apache Kafka to process high-volume financial transactions and events. Collaborating with product managers, data scientists, and fellow engineers, you'll design event-driven architectures that integrate seamlessly with our core banking systems, adhering to strict compliance standards like those from the SEC and FDIC. You'll mentor a team of developers, foster a culture of innovation, and optimize solutions to support 24/7 global operations, all while navigating the complexities of secure data handling in the financial sector. Joining JP Morgan Chase means becoming part of a world-class team committed to pushing the boundaries of technology in finance. This role offers the opportunity to grow your expertise in cutting-edge tools while making a tangible difference in how we serve millions of clients worldwide. If you thrive on solving intricate problems and leading transformative projects, this position in Wilmington, DE, is your chance to shape the future of digital banking at one of the world's leading financial institutions.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design, development, and deployment of Java-based applications integrated with Kafka for real-time financial data processing
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to architect scalable microservices that support JP Morgan's global banking operations
• Mentor junior engineers and drive best practices in code quality, testing, and CI/CD pipelines
• Tackle complex challenges spanning multiple technologies, ensuring solutions align with business goals in areas like risk assessment and transaction processing
• Implement secure, compliant systems adhering to financial regulations and JP Morgan's internal security standards
• Optimize system performance for high-volume data streams in a 24/7 financial services environment
• Contribute to innovation by exploring emerging technologies to enhance platform reliability and efficiency
• Conduct code reviews, troubleshoot production issues, and participate in on-call rotations for critical systems
• Drive significant business impact by delivering features that improve operational efficiency and customer experience in JP Morgan's digital banking platforms

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field; advanced degree preferred
• 8+ years of professional software engineering experience with a focus on Java development
• Proven experience designing and implementing scalable systems using Apache Kafka for real-time data streaming
• Strong understanding of financial services technologies, including secure data handling and regulatory compliance (e.g., GDPR, SOX)
• Experience leading cross-functional teams in agile environments within large-scale enterprise settings
• Demonstrated ability to drive business impact through innovative software solutions in high-stakes financial environments

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in Computer Science or related field
• Experience with cloud platforms like AWS or Azure in a financial services context
• Knowledge of machine learning integration with streaming data pipelines
• Certifications in Java (e.g., Oracle Certified Professional) or Kafka (e.g., Confluent Certified Developer)
• Prior work at a major financial institution with exposure to trading, risk management, or payment systems

Required Skills

• Expertise in Java programming and Spring Boot framework
• Proficiency in Apache Kafka for event-driven architectures
• Strong knowledge of microservices design and RESTful APIs
• Experience with relational databases (e.g., Oracle, PostgreSQL) and NoSQL (e.g., MongoDB)
• Familiarity with containerization tools like Docker and orchestration with Kubernetes
• Skills in agile methodologies, Scrum, and Jira for project management
• Understanding of cybersecurity principles in financial systems
• Ability to analyze complex data streams for financial insights
• Excellent problem-solving and debugging skills in high-pressure environments
• Strong communication and collaboration for team leadership
• Knowledge of DevOps practices including Jenkins or GitHub Actions
• Experience with performance tuning and monitoring tools (e.g., Prometheus, ELK Stack)
• Adaptability to evolving technologies in the fintech landscape
• Attention to detail for ensuring compliance and accuracy in financial applications

Benefits

• Competitive base salary and performance-based annual bonuses
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance coverage
• 401(k) retirement savings plan with generous company matching
• Paid time off including vacation, sick days, and parental leave
• Professional development opportunities through JP Morgan's internal training programs and tuition reimbursement
• 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 Wilmington, DE

JP Morgan Chase is an equal opportunity employer.