Principal Software Engineer

Information Technology
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, or related field with 10 years of experience, or a Master’s degree with 8 years of experience.
  • Mastery level system design expertise.
  • Extensive experience in cloud technologies.
  • Strong background in object-oriented development and performance tuning.
  • Proficient in DevOps and CI/CD processes.

Responsibilities

  • Design and develop solutions for unstructured document processing and system architecture.
  • Create scalable, high-performance backend systems with modern frameworks.
  • Architect enterprise-grade document ingestion and processing systems.
  • Implement and maintain CI/CD pipelines for cloud-native applications.
  • Leverage NLP and machine learning to analyze diverse data sources.

Benefits

  • Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
  • 401(k) plan with company match and additional company-funded retirement contribution.
  • Generous paid time off starting at 15 days, increasing with tenure.
  • Support for employee wellness programs including adoption assistance and backup family care.
  • Tuition reimbursement and commuter benefits.
Full Job Description

Works autonomously having responsibility to deliver on longer term outcomes. Reports directly to a Director or Senior Director. Requires extensive knowledge of multiple/related functional areas and industry practices.

Essential Job Functions:

  • Has specialized depth and/or breadth in unstructured document processing, and system design and architecture and is considered a company-level expert.
  • Designs and develops industry-leading solutions that meet defined quality standards, reliability specifications, and help achieve key strategic objectives.
  • Mastery in computer science fundamentals - Algorithm design, Problem solving, Complexity analysis and data structures.
  • Requires deep technical fluency in modern Java frameworks, microservices architectures, and event-driven systems, with experience across the full stack from API layer through data persistence to inform architectural decisions, and design and develop software components.
  • Expertise in comprehensive data storage strategies across relational databases, NoSQL systems, and/or graph databases.

Unstructured data processing:

  • Deep expertise designing and building large-scale, high-throughput pipelines that ingest, extract, parse, classify, and normalize content from diverse unstructured and semi-structured sources (Example: PDF, Word, HTML, scanned images), applying techniques such as OCR, document layout analysis, text extraction, entity recognition, and metadata enrichment, leveraging NLP/ML frameworks and cloud-native services to transform raw documents into structured, queryable data.

Backend Development:

  • Experience in backend development across server-side technologies and architectures. Ability to design and implement scalable, high-performance systems from API layer to data persistence, with deep understanding of modern frameworks (Spring Boot), RESTful and GraphQL APIs, microservices architectures, event-driven architectures, and database design patterns.

Data Storage Technologies:

  • Experience with modern data storage solutions including relational databases, NoSQL systems, and/or graph databases with expertise in data modeling approaches and design patterns for diverse data persistence requirements.

System Design & Architecture:

  • System design experience with ability to architect scalable, enterprise-grade document and metadata ingestion, processing, and persistence at scale

DevOps & Infrastructure:

  • Implement and maintain CI/CD pipelines while architecting and developing cloud-native solutions leveraging AWS services, including Lambda, Step functions, SQS, SNS, S3, ECS, Fargate, Aurora, fostering a strong DevOps culture within the team.

 

Education/Experience Requirements: 
  • Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Systems or related discipline with at least ten (10) years of related experience, or equivalent training and/or work experience or Master’s degree and eight (8) years of related experience.
  • Mastery level system design experience
  • Mastery level experience in object-oriented development
  • Mastery level experience with cloud technologies
  • Strong experience in data storage technologies
  • Strong background in performance tuning and optimization
  • Strong background in DevOps and CI\CD technologies
  • Strong background in test automation and unit testing
  • Strong background in 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 $134,400, Maximum Salary $260,400

IL/PA: Minimum Salary $147,600, Maximum Salary $286,500

MA/MD/VA/Washington, DC: Minimum Salary $154,400, Maximum Salary $299,600

NY/NJ: Minimum Salary $154,400, Maximum Salary $312,600

#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 starting at 15 days of paid time off (increasing with years of service, up to 25 days), 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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