Associate Software Engineer (Central Tech AI)

001_MstarInc Morningstar Inc. Legal Entity; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 83,000 - 101,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401k match up to 6%

Stock ownership

Health benefits (medical/dental/vision

Sabbatical program

Parental leave

Job summary

Morningstar is seeking participants for the Morningstar Development Program – Central Technology AI in Chicago. This full-time role offers hands-on projects, mentorship from experienced leaders, and exposure to Morningstar’s data, products, and AI ecosystem.

You will join an Agile team, contribute to AI-enabled solutions using Python, and present outcomes to stakeholders as you build a long-term career in technology.

Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in and graduating by June 2026 or have completed degree program in Computer Science, Engineering, Data Science, or a related field.
• Resume must be included in the application.
• Base start date January 11, 2027; role posted until November 9, 2026.

Responsibilities

• Contribute as a member of an Agile technology team, solving business problems through research, analysis, and hands-on development.
• Design, build, and enhance AI-enabled solutions using Python and modern AI tools/frameworks.
• Collaborate with engineers, data scientists, and business partners to translate ideas into scalable solutions.
• Participate in individual and team-based projects, presenting findings to stakeholders and senior leaders.
• Engage in training and development sessions to build a foundation for a long-term career in technology and AI.

Skills

Python programming

AI tools

Independent / self-starter

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Data Science or related field

Tools

Python

Job description

The Group:

Technology drives our business. Our team is made up of talented software engineers, infrastructure engineers, data scientists, product leaders, and UX professionals. We care deeply about technology as a craft and a competitive differentiator. The Central Technology AI team sits at the heart of Morningstar’s technology organization, partnering across the firm to enable responsible, scalable, and innovative uses of artificial intelligence. We build and support AI-powered tools, platforms, and solutions that enhance how Morningstar teams work with data, insights, and products.

The Morningstar Development Program (MDP) is a full-time opportunity designed to launch high-potential early career technologists into impactful, long-term careers at Morningstar. Participants gain hands- on experience through meaningful projects, mentorship from experienced leaders, and exposure to Morningstar’s products, data, and technology ecosystem.

The Role:

The Morningstar Development Program – Central Technology AI is accepting applicants graduating in 2026. Successful candidates will join the Central Technology AI team and be given meaningful, hands- on work aligned to their technical background and interests. MDP associates are expected to take ownership of their work, collaborate across teams, and communicate effectively with both technical and non-technical partners.

You will receive structured mentorship, regular feedback, and professional development opportunities throughout the program. All positions are based in our Chicago office, working 4 days a week.

Responsibilities

• Contribute as a member of an Agile technology team, helping to solve business problems through research, analysis, and hands- on development.
• Design, build, and enhance AI- enabled solutions, leveraging modern AI tools, frameworks, and programming languages such as Python.
• Collaborate with engineers, data scientists, and business partners to translate ideas and requirements into practical, scalable solutions.
• Participate in individual and team- based projects, presenting findings and outcomes to stakeholders and senior leaders.
• Engage in training and development sessions across Morningstar to build a strong foundation for a long- term career in technology and AI.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience using AI tools, platforms, or frameworks (e.g., generative AI tools, machine learning libraries, or AI- assisted development workflows).
• Strong coding skills: experience with additional languages or data tools is a plus.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently as a self- starter, taking initiative and ownership of projects.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to explain technical concepts to diverse audiences.
• Strong critical thinking and creative problem- solving abilities.
• Ability to adapt quickly and thrive in a fast- paced, collaborative environment.

Requirements

Currently enrolled in and graduating by June 2026 or have completed degree program, preferably in Computer Science, Engineering, Data Science, or a related field.

A resume is required to apply. Please be sure to include the word "Resume" in the file name of your resume.

The start date for this role is January 11, 2027. The base salary for this role is $92,143. This role will be posted until November 9, 2026.

Compensation and Benefits

At Morningstar we believe people are at their best when they are at their healthiest. That’s why we champion your wellness through a wide range of programs that support all stages of your personal and professional life.

• Financial Health 100% 401k match up to 6% of salary
• Stock Ownership Potential Company provided life insurance - 1x salary + commission
• Physical Health Comprehensive health benefits (medical/dental/vision) including potential premium discounts and company- provided HSA contributions (up to $500-$2,000 annually) for specific plans and coverages
• Additional medical Wellness Incentives - up to $300-$600 annual
• Company-provided long- and short- term disability insurance
• Emotional Health Trust- Based Time Off 6-week Paid Sabbatical Program
• 6-Week Paid Family Caregiving Leave Competitive 8-24 Week Paid Parental Leave
• Adoption Assistance Leadership Coaching & Formal Mentorship Opportunities
• Annual Flex Stipend - $1,000 annually to cover personal education & well- being expenses Tuition Reimbursement Social Health Charitable Matching Gifts program Dollars for Doers volunteer program Paid volunteering days 15+ Employee Resource & Affinity Groups

Morningstar's hybrid work environment gives you the opportunity to collaborate in- person each week as we've found that we're at our best when we're purposely together on a regular basis. In most of our locations, our hybrid work model is four days in- office each week. A range of other benefits are also available to enhance flexibility as needs change. No matter where you are, you'll have tools and resources to engage meaningfully with your global colleagues.

Company overview

Morningstar is a global independent investment research and financial data company. Here, you'll help uncover what’s hidden, simplify what’s complex, and create insights that empower investor success.

Morningstar Development Program Morningstar is strongly committed to creating and preserving equal opportunity for all employees and applicants. We make all employment decisions—including recruitment, hiring, compensation, training, promotion, transfer, discipline, termination, and other personnel matters—without regard to race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation, genetic information, citizenship, gender identity and expression, parental status, or other legally protected characteristics or conduct.