Lead Software Engineer

Nasdaq, Inc.; Philadelphia (Philadelphia County); Hybrid; USD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) with 6% match

Employee Stock Purchase Program (15%)

Student loan repayment up to $10k

Company paid life and disability plans

Generous paid time off

Comprehensive medical/dental/vision

Health spending account with employer

Paid flex days for wellbeing

Gym membership discounts

Hybrid home/office schedule

Parental leave

Fertility benefits

Paid bereavement leave

Gift matching program

Employee resource groups

Paid volunteer days

Education Assistance Program

Job summary

Nasdaq, Inc. is seeking a Lead Software Engineer in Philadelphia to drive design, development, and maintenance of real-time trading systems powering the Derivatives Market.

You will mentor peers and deliver high-quality code in a fast-paced, high-availability environment. Requirements include a Master’s degree or equivalent, 8–10+ years of experience, strong Java and OO design skills, and excellent communication.

Qualifications

• Masters degree or equivalent in CS or related field.
• 8–10+ years of professional software development experience.
• Strong proficiency in Java programming and object-oriented design principles.
• Proven ability to work independently, solve complex problems, and deliver high-quality code.
• Clear communication skills with experience working in collaborative, fast-paced environments.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and maintain real-time trading systems that support mission-critical operations.
• Review requirements and translate them into scalable, reliable software solutions.
• Code, test, debug, and implement software across the full development lifecycle.
• Mentor team members in design, coding, testing and customization efforts.
• Champion continuous improvement in system performance and efficiency.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to meet performance and security standards.

Skills

Java

OO design

Independent work

Clear communication

Education

Master's degree in Computer Science or related field

Tools

AWS

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.
• Proven 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 will be located in Philadelphia and offers 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.

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)

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.

• 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. At Nasdaq, we’re proud to be the engine behind the world’s capital markets. But we don’t stop there. We build the technology that drives transparency, trust, and access—helping economies grow and people thrive. Our purpose is to advance economic progress for all. Whether you’re a client, a colleague, or part of our broader community, we’re here to move markets—and possibilities—forward. Join our Talent Community to stay in the loop on upcoming roles, events, and new opportunities across Nasdaq. Our hybrid work model, NasdaqBlend, gives you flexibility to do your best work—whether that’s from home, in the office, or a mix of both. Check the job listing or reach out to our team for role-specific details. We’re a global team of over 8,500 innovators across 38 countries, united by a shared purpose: advancing economic progress for all. It’s not just what we do—it’s how we do it, together. Want a deeper look into our culture? Explore our Culture Book. We support your success through You&Q, our total rewards program that covers every dimension of life—from building wealth and growing your career to prioritizing well-being and family care. Join the Team Advancing Economic Progress for All.