Lead Software Engineer

Information Technology
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or related field with 7+ years of experience in software QA and automation development.
  • Proven experience setting testing direction and mentoring others in a lead capacity role.
  • Hands-on expertise with automation frameworks using tools like Playwright, Cucumber, or Selenium.
  • Strong coding skills in Java for developing and maintaining automation code.
  • Experience with comprehensive test strategies including functional, integration, and performance testing.
  • Familiarity with Workday testing across HCM and Finance functional areas.
  • Experience with AWS and CI/CD pipelines for automation testing.

Responsibilities

  • Define and implement a test automation strategy for multiple application teams.
  • Lead test automation efforts for Workday HCM and Finance functionalities.
  • Develop and maintain automated test cases and frameworks for custom applications and Workday.
  • Mentor engineers on best practices in testing and quality assurance.
  • Collaborate with application teams to integrate quality practices throughout the development lifecycle.
  • Establish and track quality metrics, reporting findings to executive leadership.
  • Drive cultural change and promote shift-left testing within teams.

Benefits

  • Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
  • 401(k) plan with company match and additional FINRA-funded retirement contributions.
  • Generous paid time off policy including 15 days PTO, 5 personal days, and 9 sick days.
  • Tuition reimbursement and commuter benefits.
  • Support for employee wellness through various programs, including adoption assistance and backups for family care.
Full Job Description

We're seeking an experienced lead developer with strong Java development and test lead skills to drive our testing automation strategy across FINRA's enterprise applications. This hands-on role (approximately 40% QA strategy/leadership, 50% automation and test case development, 10% code reviews) combines quality leadership with advanced technical capabilities to champion best practices, implement automation frameworks, and influence stakeholders at all levels. The ideal candidate will bring extensive experience with test automation tools and a passion for building quality into our diverse application portfolio, including Workday HCM and Finance systems.

Description:

This position supports multiple Corporate Systems application teams across FINRA's enterprise, working with a diverse portfolio including SaaS, COTS, and custom-built software. The successful candidate will provide both direct hands-on support and influence-based leadership to 10+ analysts and developers across multiple peer teams, requiring strong communication skills to drive outcomes and champion quality practices. Key technical requirements include advanced hands-on development capabilities, deep quality assurance practice knowledge, and the ability to understand application architectures to assess risk, set strategy, and communicate priorities effectively.

Responsibilities:

  • Define, implement, and evolve test automation strategy across multiple application teams.

  • Lead Workday test automation and tool evaluation for HCM and Finance functional areas.

  • Develop and maintain automated test cases and frameworks for both custom-built applications and Workday systems.

  • Mentor engineers and developers on testing best practices.

  • Collaborate with application teams to integrate quality practices throughout the development lifecycle.

  • Establish and track quality metrics, presenting findings to executive leadership.

  • Drive cultural change around quality practices and shift-left testing adoption.

  • Software QAexperience as well as being in a lead capacity role setting testing direction and mentoring others.

  • Deep, hands-on expertise designing, building, and maintaining test automation frameworks using tools (such as Playwright, Cucumber, or Selenium).

  • Strong coding skills (Java preferred) with ability to develop, review, and maintain automation code.

  • Experience definingand implementing comprehensive test strategies covering functional, integration, regression, and performance testing, including test data management and shift-left testing practices.

  • Strong communication and influence skills to champion quality practices and drive outcomes across multiple teams and stakeholders, up to senior leadership.

  • Software QAexperience with experience as well in a lead capacity role setting testing direction and mentoring others.

  • Deep, hands-on expertise designing, building, and maintaining test automation frameworks using tools (such as Playwright, Cucumber, or Selenium).

  • Strong coding skills (Java preferred) with ability to develop, review, and maintain automation code.

  • Experience definingand implementing comprehensive test strategies covering functional, integration, regression, and performance testing, including test data management and shift-left testing practices.

  • Workday testing experience across HCM and/or Finance functional areas (Kainos Smart Test or Opkey)

  • Experience building test automation/frameworks and test data management for closed SaaS ecosystems.

  • Experience with AWS and CI/CD pipelines for test automation (Jenkins and GitLab).

Education/Experience Requirements: 
  • Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Systems or related discipline with at least 7 years of related experience, or equivalent training and/or work experience.
  • Strong system design experience
  • Strong experience in object-oriented development
  • Strong experience with cloud technologies
  • Strong experience in data storage technologies
  • Strong experience in performance tuning and optimization
  • Strong experience in DevOps and CI\CD technologies
  • Strong experience test automation and unit testing
  • Strong experience software security

Working Conditions:
  • Hybrid work environment, with defined in-person presence requirements.
  • Occasional travel and extended hours may be required.

For work that is performed in CO, FL, TX, IL, PA, MA, MD, VA, Washington, DC, NY and NJ, please refer to the chart below for the salary range for the corresponding location. FINRA complies with all state and local pay transparency laws and regulations requiring the disclosure of salary ranges for the position. In addition to location, actual compensation is based on various factors, including but not limited to, the candidate’s skill set, level of experience, education, and market considerations. 


CO/FL/TX: Minimum Salary $114,200, Maximum Salary $207,200

IL/PA: Minimum Salary $125,900, Maximum Salary $228,000
MA/MD/VA/Washington, DC: Minimum Salary $131,200, Maximum Salary $238,300

NY/NJ: Minimum Salary $131,200, Maximum Salary $248,700

#LI-Hybrid

To be considered for this position, please submit an application. Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.


The information provided above has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work of the position. It is not a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required.


Please note: If the “Apply Now” button on a job board posting does not take you directly to the FINRA Careers site, enter www.finra.org/careers into your browser to reach our site directly.


Employees may be eligible for a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Non-exempt employees are also eligible for overtime pay in accordance with federal, state, or local law. As part of its dedication to employee wellness, FINRA provides comprehensive health, dental and vision insurance. Additional insurance includes basic life, accidental death and dismemberment, supplemental life, spouse/domestic partner and dependent life, and spouse/domestic partner and dependent accidental death and dismemberment, short- and long-term disability, long-term care, business travel accident, disability and legal. FINRA offers immediate participation and vesting in a 401(k) plan with company match and eligibility for participation in an additional FINRA-funded retirement contribution, tuition reimbursement, commuter benefits, and other benefits that support employee wellness, such as adoption assistance, backup family care, surrogacy benefits, employee assistance, and wellness programs.


Time Off and Paid Leave*


FINRA encourages its employees to focus on their health and wellness in many ways, including through a generous time-off program of 15 days of paid time off, 5 personal days and 9 sick days, unless otherwise required by law (all pro-rated in the first year). Additionally, we are proud to support our communities by providing two volunteer service days (based on full-time schedule). Other paid leave includes military leave, jury duty leave, bereavement leave, voting and election official leave for federal, state or local primary and general elections, care of a family member leave (available after 90 days of employment); and childbirth and parental leave (available after 90 days of employment). Full-time employees receive nine paid holidays.


*Based on full-time schedule

About Financial Industry Regulatory Authority

Financial Industry Regulatory Authority Careers

Joining the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) presents a unique opportunity to become part of a dedicated team of professionals committed to fostering fair and honest financial markets. As the largest independent regulator for all securities firms doing business in the United States, FINRA is at the forefront of the financial industry, offering unparalleled job opportunities in a dynamic environment.

Work You’ll Do

At FINRA, professionals work to protect investors and ensure the market's integrity through effective and efficient regulation of broker-dealers. Team members are engaged in a wide range of critical functions from market regulation to enforcement, and from legal compliance to dispute resolution. This variety ensures that employment at FINRA is not just a job, but a pathway to meaningful professional growth and career advancement.

Join a Leading Team

FINRA’s team is composed of highly skilled professionals who lead through innovation and steadfast leadership in the financial sector. With a commitment to diversity and inclusive culture, FINRA fosters an environment where every team member’s contribution is valued. Joining this team means collaborating on projects that enhance the security and integrity of the financial marketplace.

Innovative Work and Career Development

Professionals at FINRA are encouraged to take initiative and innovate within their roles. The authority offers a robust career development program that supports professional growth through training, workshops, and continued learning opportunities. This focus on professional development ensures that every employee has the tools and knowledge to advance their career.

Internship and Employment Opportunities

For those starting their career, FINRA offers a range of internship and entry-level positions that provide a solid foundation in financial regulation. Interns and new employees work alongside industry experts and gain invaluable hands-on experience. These positions are crucial stepping stones for building a career filled with leadership opportunities and professional advancement.

Benefits and Culture

FINRA is committed to supporting its employees’ well-being both inside and outside of the workplace. The company offers a competitive package of benefits that promote a healthy work-life balance. Employees enjoy comprehensive health benefits, retirement plans, and generous paid time off. Moreover, FINRA’s culture of ethics and leadership is reflected in its daily operations, making it a prime environment for personal and professional growth.

Explore Job Opportunities

The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority is continuously seeking passionate, curious, and skilled individuals to join its team. Explore open positions that match your skills and interests in the financial regulatory field. FINRA is hiring individuals who are driven to excel and ready to contribute to a team that values integrity, competence, and dedication.

Stay Connected

Keep up to date with the latest from FINRA by following the careers blog. Gain insights from insiders, and stay informed about new job opportunities, networking events, and industry news that can help shape your career path.

Apply Now

Ready to take the next step in your career? Review open positions, prepare your resume, and apply through the FINRA Careers portal. Tailor your application to highlight your unique skills and experiences that align with the position you are interested in. The interview process at FINRA is designed to identify and recruit the most talented professionals in the industry.

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