Sr Lead Software Engineer, Java, React, Kafka - Equity Derivatives Sales & Trading Technology

Location: LONDON, LONDON, United Kingdom

Job Family: Software Engineering

About the Role

At JP Morgan Chase, we are at the forefront of financial innovation, powering global markets with cutting-edge technology. As a Sr Lead Software Engineer in our Equity Derivatives Sales & Trading Technology team, you will play a pivotal role in developing pre-trade solutions that enable seamless secondary trading for equity derivatives. Based in our London office, you will lead initiatives to build robust, scalable platforms using Java for backend logic, React for intuitive front-end experiences, and Kafka for real-time data streaming. This position offers the opportunity to work on high-impact projects that directly influence trading strategies and client outcomes in one of the world's largest investment banks. Your responsibilities will span the full software development lifecycle, from requirements gathering with sales and trading desks to deploying production-ready systems. You will architect event-driven solutions to handle massive volumes of market data, ensuring low-latency performance critical for derivatives trading. Collaborating with global teams, you will integrate advanced analytics and risk assessment tools, adhering to stringent regulatory standards like MiFID II. At JP Morgan, we value innovation and agility, so you will mentor engineers, drive code quality through reviews, and contribute to our technology roadmap that supports sustainable growth in capital markets. Joining JP Morgan Chase means being part of a collaborative culture that invests in your professional growth. We seek engineers who thrive in dynamic environments and are passionate about leveraging technology to solve complex financial challenges. This role not only demands technical excellence but also the ability to lead with vision, making a tangible difference in how we serve institutional clients worldwide. If you are ready to elevate your career in fintech, apply today and help shape the future of equity derivatives trading.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design, development, and deployment of pre-trade technology solutions for equity derivatives trading
• Collaborate with traders, sales teams, and stakeholders to define technical requirements for secondary trading platforms
• Implement scalable, real-time data processing using Java, React, and Kafka to handle high-volume market data
• Mentor and guide a team of software engineers, fostering best practices in code quality and agile methodologies
• Integrate front-end React components with backend services to create intuitive user interfaces for trading workflows
• Optimize system performance for low-latency execution in volatile equity derivatives markets
• Conduct code reviews, ensure adherence to security standards, and manage deployment in JP Morgan's production environments
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex issues in live trading systems, minimizing downtime
• Stay abreast of industry trends in financial technology and propose innovative solutions to enhance trading efficiency
• Contribute to the broader Equity Derivatives Sales & Trading Technology roadmap at JP Morgan Chase

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field; advanced degree preferred
• 8+ years of software engineering experience with a focus on Java development
• Proven experience in full-stack development using React for front-end applications
• Strong knowledge of event-driven architectures, particularly with Apache Kafka
• Experience in financial services, ideally in equity derivatives or trading systems
• Demonstrated leadership in agile teams, including mentoring junior engineers
• Excellent problem-solving skills and ability to work under tight deadlines in a high-stakes environment

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with low-latency trading systems or pre-trade risk management tools
• Familiarity with cloud platforms like AWS or Azure in a financial context
• Knowledge of regulatory compliance in capital markets (e.g., MiFID II, EMIR)
• Prior work at a major investment bank or fintech firm
• Certifications in Java (e.g., Oracle Certified Professional) or Kafka

Required Skills

• Expertise in Java programming and object-oriented design
• Proficiency in React.js for building responsive UIs
• Deep understanding of Apache Kafka for streaming data pipelines
• Experience with RESTful APIs, microservices, and Spring Boot
• Knowledge of SQL/NoSQL databases (e.g., PostgreSQL, MongoDB)
• Familiarity with containerization tools like Docker and Kubernetes
• Strong analytical skills for debugging complex financial systems
• Excellent communication and collaboration in cross-functional teams
• Agile/Scrum methodologies and version control with Git
• Understanding of equity derivatives products (e.g., options, swaps)
• Problem-solving in high-pressure trading environments
• Attention to detail for compliance and risk management
• Adaptability to fast-paced financial markets
• Leadership and mentoring capabilities

Benefits

• Competitive base salary and performance-based annual bonus
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance coverage
• Generous 401(k) matching and pension contributions
• Paid time off including vacation, sick leave, and parental leave
• Professional development opportunities through JP Morgan's learning programs
• Employee stock purchase plan and financial wellness resources
• Hybrid work model with flexibility for work-life balance
• Global mobility programs and relocation support for international roles

JP Morgan Chase is an equal opportunity employer.