Lead Software Engineer

Nasdaq; Philadelphia (Philadelphia County); Hybrid; USD 140,000 - 210,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) match

ESPP 15% discount

Student loan repayment

Company paid life and disability plans

Generous PTO

Health insurance

Flex days

Gym membership discounts

Parental leave

Fertility benefits

Paid bereavement leave

Gift matching program

Employee resource groups

Paid volunteer days

Education assistance program

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

Nasdaq leads the Derivatives Market System development, delivering real-time trading platforms with high throughput and low latency. The Lead Software Engineer will drive design, coding, testing, and mentorship across the full development lifecycle in a high-performance environment.

Based in Philadelphia with a hybrid work setup (in-office at least 3 days/week), the role requires collaboration with cross-functional teams and a focus on reliability, security, and ongoing innovation in financial

Qualifications

• Master's degree or equivalent in CS or related field.
• 8-10+ years of software development experience.
• Strong Java programming and OO design.
• Proven ability to deliver high-quality code.
• Clear communication in fast-paced teams.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and maintain real-time trading systems.
• Review requirements and translate into scalable software solutions.
• Code, test, debug, and implement software across the full life cycle.
• Mentor team members in designing, coding, testing and customizing software.
• Champion continuous improvement in system performance and efficiency.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to meet performance and security standards.
• Exercise innovative thinking and delivery of competitive software solutions.
• Stay up to date on technology trends and the competitive landscape.

Skills

Java

Problem solving

Independent working

Communication

Education

Master's degree or equivalent

Tools

AWS

Cloud platforms

AI/ML

Job description

As a Lead Software Engineer reporting to the VP - Software Engineering, you'll play a critical role in developing and maintaining the technology that powers Nasdaq's Derivatives Market System. You'll work on real-time, mission-critical platforms that demand high throughput, minimal latency, and exceptional reliability.

You'll thrive in this position if you're detail-oriented, passionate about solving complex technical challenges, and excited to work in a high-performance environment where precision and innovation drive global markets.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and maintain real-time trading systems that support mission-critical business operations.
• Review system requirements and translate them into scalable, reliable software solutions.
• Code, test, debug, and implement software across the full development lifecycle.
• Mentor team members in their work relative to designing, coding, testing and/or customizing software solutions to meet requirements.
• Champion continuous improvement in system performance and efficiency.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure applications meet rigorous performance and security standards.
• Exercise innovative thinking, design and delivery of competitive software solutions.
• Stay up to date on technology trends and the competitive landscape, incorporating insights into solution design.
• Provide a deep domain and industry experience and expertise to design and develop creative solutions.

Required Qualifications

• A Masters' Degree or double degree qualified in a discipline related to Computer Science and our industry; or equivalent work experience.
• 8-10+ years of professional software development experience.
• Strong proficiency in Java programming and object-oriented design principles.
• Proofed ability to work independently, solve complex problems, and deliver high-quality code.
• Clear communication skills with experience working in collaborative, fast-paced environments.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with high-performance, low-latency, mission-critical systems.
• Familiarity with AWS, cloud platforms, or AI/ML technologies.

This position willbe located in Philadelphia andoffers the opportunity for a hybrid work environment at least 3 days a week in-office , subject to change, providing flexibility and accessibility for qualified candidates.

This posting is for an existing vacancy within Nasdaq.

Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S. without the need for employment-based visa sponsorship now or in the future; Nasdaq will not sponsor applicants for U.S. work visa status for this opportunity (no sponsorship is available for H-1B, L-1, TN, O-1, E-3, H-1B1, F-1, J-1, OPT, CPT or any other employment-based visa)

Come as You Are

Nasdaq is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds and identities.

We are committed to fostering an inclusive workplace where diverse perspectives, experiences, and identities are valued and celebrated.

We ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided with reasonable accommodation throughout the hiring process.

What We Offer

We're proud to offer a competitive rewards package that is meaningful, recognizes the unique needs of our employees and their families and incentivizes employees for their contribution to Nasdaq's overall success.

In addition to base salary, Nasdaq offers significant other compensation (annual bonus/commissions and equity), benefits, and opportunity for growth. Exact compensation may vary based on several job-related factors that are unique to each candidate, including but not limited to: skill set, experience, education/training, business needs and market demands.

Nasdaq's programs and rewards are intended to allow our employees to:

• Secure Wealth: 401(k) program with 6% employer match, Employee Stock Purchase Program with 15% discount, Student loan repayment program up to $10k, Company paid life and disability plans, Generous paid time off
• Prioritize Health: Comprehensive medical, dental and vision coverage, Health spending account with employer contribution, Paid flex days to support mental wellbeing, Gym membership discounts
• Care for Family : Hybrid home/office schedule (for most positions), Paid parental leave, Fertility benefits, Paid bereavement leave
• Connect with Community: Company gift matching program, Employee resource groups, Paid volunteer days
• Grow Career: Education Assistance Program, Robust job skills training and Professional development opportunities

For more information, visit

Nasdaq Benefits & Rewards Career page.