Sr Lead Software Engineer - Quant, Python, KDB+

Location: LONDON, LONDON, United Kingdom

Job Family: Software Engineering

About the Role

At JPMorgan Chase & Co., one of the world's leading financial services firms, we are seeking a Sr Lead Software Engineer to join our Quantitative Research and Development team in London. This role is pivotal in driving significant business impact by tackling diverse challenges across multiple technologies and applications in our global markets division. As a key contributor, you will leverage your expertise in Quant, Python, and KDB+ to build sophisticated software solutions that power algorithmic trading, risk assessment, and real-time market analytics. Our London office, a hub for European operations, offers a dynamic environment where innovation meets the rigor of financial regulation, allowing you to influence strategies that manage trillions in assets daily. In this senior leadership position, you will architect and implement high-performance systems that handle vast datasets from global exchanges, ensuring low-latency execution critical to our trading desks. Collaborating with elite quant researchers and engineers, you will translate advanced mathematical models into scalable Python-based applications integrated with KDB+ for efficient data storage and retrieval. Your work will directly contribute to enhancing JP Morgan's competitive edge in derivatives, equities, and fixed income markets, while adhering to stringent compliance standards. This role demands not only technical prowess but also the ability to mentor teams and foster a culture of excellence in software engineering. We value professionals who thrive in a collaborative, high-stakes setting and are passionate about quantitative finance. Joining JP Morgan Chase means access to cutting-edge resources, global opportunities, and a commitment to work-life balance. If you are ready to drive transformative solutions in the financial industry, apply today to shape the future of banking technology.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design, development, and optimization of quantitative software solutions using Python and KDB+ to support trading and risk management
• Collaborate with quant researchers, traders, and data scientists to translate complex financial models into production-ready code
• Build and maintain high-performance data pipelines for handling large-scale market data and real-time analytics
• Drive innovation in quantitative tools, tackling challenges across multiple technologies and applications within JP Morgan's global markets division
• Mentor junior engineers and contribute to code reviews, ensuring best practices in software engineering and security
• Integrate systems with JP Morgan's infrastructure, including compliance with regulatory standards like MiFID II and Dodd-Frank
• Analyze and resolve performance bottlenecks in quant applications to deliver significant business impact
• Participate in agile sprints, contributing to sprint planning and delivery of features for financial products
• Stay abreast of emerging technologies in quant finance and recommend adoption to enhance JP Morgan's competitive edge
• Document technical specifications and ensure robust testing of software components for reliability in live trading environments

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Mathematics, or a related quantitative field; advanced degree preferred
• 8+ years of professional software engineering experience, with a focus on quantitative development in financial services
• Proficiency in Python for developing high-performance quantitative models and data analysis tools
• Strong experience with KDB+ (q language) for time-series data management and real-time analytics in trading environments
• Demonstrated ability to design and implement scalable software solutions in a high-stakes financial context
• Experience with quantitative finance concepts, including risk modeling, algorithmic trading, or market data processing
• Solid understanding of software development lifecycle, including agile methodologies and version control systems like Git

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's or PhD in a quantitative discipline such as Financial Engineering or Data Science
• Prior experience at a major investment bank or financial institution, particularly in quant research or trading systems
• Familiarity with cloud platforms like AWS or Azure for deploying financial applications
• Knowledge of machine learning frameworks (e.g., TensorFlow, PyTorch) applied to financial datasets
• Certifications in relevant technologies, such as KDB+ developer certification or Python advanced programming

Required Skills

• Expertise in Python programming for quantitative analysis and automation
• Advanced proficiency in KDB+ for database management and querying financial time-series data
• Strong quantitative modeling skills, including statistical analysis and algorithmic development
• Experience with SQL and NoSQL databases in high-volume financial data environments
• Knowledge of financial instruments, derivatives, and market microstructure
• Proficiency in version control (Git) and CI/CD pipelines for software deployment
• Agile development practices and collaboration tools like Jira or Confluence
• Problem-solving abilities in complex, fast-paced trading scenarios
• Communication skills for cross-functional teamwork with non-technical stakeholders
• Understanding of cybersecurity best practices in financial software
• Familiarity with big data technologies like Hadoop or Spark for processing market data
• Attention to detail in code quality and regulatory compliance
• Adaptability to evolving technologies in quant finance
• Leadership in mentoring teams on technical best practices
• Analytical mindset for optimizing system performance under pressure

Benefits

• Competitive base salary and performance-based annual bonuses aligned with JP Morgan's financial success
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance coverage for employees and eligible dependents
• Generous retirement savings plan with company matching contributions up to 6% of salary
• Paid time off including 25+ vacation days, plus bank holidays and flexible working arrangements
• Professional development support, including tuition reimbursement and access to internal training programs
• Wellness programs featuring gym memberships, mental health resources, and employee assistance services
• Stock purchase plan allowing discounted shares in JPMorgan Chase & Co.
• Relocation assistance for international moves, including visa support for London-based roles

JP Morgan Chase is an equal opportunity employer.