Principal Software Engineer

Nasdaq, Inc.; Atlanta (GA); Hybrid; USD 170,000 - 250,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) match

Employee stock purchase program

Student loan repayment

Medical coverage

Hybrid work model

Paid time off

Education assistance

Professional development

Job summary

Nasdaq, Inc. in Atlanta seeks a Principal Software Engineer to shape the technical direction of our institutional investing platforms.

You will blend hands-on engineering with strategy, drive architecture decisions, explore emerging technologies, and help teams deliver at scale. Collaborating with product, design, and platform teams, you’ll set standards, mentor engineers, and translate complex challenges into robust solutions.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, or equivalent practical experience.
• 8+ years of software engineering experience delivering large-scale systems.
• Proven ability to lead architecture design and technical strategy across teams or workstreams.
• Experience with AI-assisted development and modern software practices.

Responsibilities

• Define and drive technical architecture across multiple engineering teams.
• Lead proof-of-concept initiatives for emerging technologies.
• Serve as a technical lead on large-scale projects; mentor and contribute hands-on.
• Partner with product, design, and platform engineering to align technical decisions with business priorities.

Skills

Full-stack development

Cloud infrastructure

Architecture design

AI-assisted development

Cross-functional collaboration

Technical leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or related field

Job description

As a Principal Software Engineer, you'll play a defining role in shaping the technical direction of the platforms that power the institutional investing marketplace. You'll operate at the intersection of hands-on engineering and strategic influence — driving technology exploration, enabling engineering teams to deliver at scale, and contributing to architecture decisions. You'll thrive in this role if you're a technically deep, collaborative engineer who is energized by complexity, passionate about emerging technology, and skilled at turning ambiguous challenges into well-engineered solutions.

Key Responsibilities

Define and drive technical architecture across multiple engineering teams, ensuring solutions are scalable, secure, and aligned with long-term platform strategy. Lead proof-of-concept initiatives for emerging technologies, evaluating feasibility and translating findings into actionable recommendations for adoption. Serve as a technical lead on large-scale engineering projects, providing direction, mentorship, and hands‑on contribution from discovery through delivery. Partner with cross‑functional teams — including product, design, and platform engineering — to align technical decisions with business priorities and client outcomes. Establish and champion engineering standards, patterns, and best practices that elevate quality and consistency across the organization.

Required Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, or equivalent practical experience. 8+ years of software engineering experience, with a demonstrated track record of delivering complex, large‑scale systems. Proven ability to lead architecture design and technical strategy across multiple teams or workstreams. Deep expertise in full‑stack development, cloud infrastructure, and modern software engineering practices. Strong communication and collaboration skills, with experience influencing technical decisions in matrixed, global environments. Experience with AI‑assisted development, including large language models, agentic workflows, or spec‑driven development.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience leading technology POCs and translating exploration into production‑ready solutions. Prior experience in capital markets, fintech, or other regulated industries.

This position 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.

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

• 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
• Comprehensive medical, dental and vision coverage
• Health spending account with employer contribution
• Paid flex days to support mental wellbeing
• Gym membership discounts
• Hybrid home/office schedule (for most positions)
• Paid parental leave
• Fertility benefits
• Paid bereavement leave
• Company gift matching program
• Employee resource groups
• Paid volunteer days
• Education Assistance Program
• Robust job skills training and Professional development opportunities

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.

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.