Principal, SW Quality Eng

Northern Trust; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 114,700 - 194,900; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits package

Discretionary bonus program

Flexible work culture

Philanthropic opportunities

Job summary

Northern Trust in Chicago, IL is seeking a Principal, Quality Engineering, to lead quality engineering initiatives. Candidates should have 14–18 years of experience, with at least 8 years in quality engineering and experience in leading teams. The role emphasizes innovation in test automation and collaboration with cross-functional teams.

The successful candidate will help drive product quality and process improvement, while also mentoring junior SDETs and ensuring compliance with best practices. Offering a robust salary range and comprehensive benefits package, Northern Trust fosters a collaborative and inclusive work environment.

Qualifications

• 14–18 years of overall experience with at least 8 years in quality engineering.
• 5–8 years of experience implementing test automation.
• 5–8 years of experience leading teams.

Responsibilities

• Provide thought leadership and mentoring for test automation.
• Advance product quality via testing innovations and process improvement.
• Collaborate with BAs and Developers in designing testable applications.
• Design and manage technical proof-of-concept and feasibility studies.

Skills

SDLC

Agile development practices

Java

Selenium/LeanFT

CI/CD practices

DevOps toolset

Analytical skills

Problem-solving skills

Education

BS in Computer Science, Engineering, or Information Technology

Tools

Azure DevOps

Selenium with Java

Eclipse/IntelliJ

Maven

Git

Job description

About Northern Trust

As a global leader in innovative wealth management, asset servicing, asset management and banking services, Northern Trust (Nasdaq: NTRS) is proud to guide the world’s most successful individuals, families, corporations and institutions.

Since 1889, we have aligned our efforts with our three guiding Principles That Endure: Service, Expertise, and Integrity. Together, they reflect the three cornerstones of business conduct which we strive to instill in our employees, whom we call partners, and to provide to our clients and the communities we serve worldwide.

With more than 135 years of financial experience and over 24,000 partners, we serve the world’s most sophisticated clients using leading technology and exceptional service.

Position: Principal, Quality Engineering

Location: Chicago, IL, USA

Experience: 14–18 Years (Minimum 8 years in Quality Engineering and 5 years in leadership role)

• Business Domain: Custody Banking, Payments, Liquidity and Trades
• Banking Products: Flex cube / Bancs / LME / GPP / MTS / Polaris LMS
• Payment System: CHAPS, SEPA, CREST, RITS, AustraClear, FEDwire, Chips

Tools: Azure DevOps, Selenium with Java, DevOps concepts, CI/CD implementation

Good to have: Exposure to AI based QE solutioning

Job Description & Principal Responsibilities

• Thought leadership, consultation, mentoring & guidance for test automation
• Advance product quality via testing innovations and process improvement
• Collaborate with BAs, Architects & Developers in designing testable applications
• Technical roadmaps & plans for implementing enterprise/program test strategies
• Design & manage technical proof‑of‑concept and feasibility studies
• Resolve technical issues, anticipate risks and ensure timely management escalation
• Utilize analytical skills in determining the root cause of defects & issues
• Influence and communicate effectively with both technical & non‑technical audiences
• Analysis, optimization, improvement & maintenance of current test automation suites
• Master enterprise/program high‑level business workflows
• Mentor junior SDETs to improve technical ability and effectiveness
• Promote and support implementation of automated CI/CT/CD pipeline
• Develop & extend test automation frameworks for UI, Micro services & API
• Guarantee compliance to automation framework, standards & best practices
• Facilitate automated, on-demand test automation metrics
• Ensure automated tests are run early & often providing quick feedback to the team
• Seek stakeholder feedback via test automation demos
• Accelerate test development process by leveraging existing assets, standards & best practices; Add new functions/methods to the libraries for continuous improvement

Experience & Technical Background

• BS in Computer Science, Engineering, or Information Technology or equivalent
• 14–18 years of overall experience with at least 8 years in quality engineering
• 5–8 years of experience implementing test automation
• 5–8 years of experience leading team of employees/contractors
• Experience in multi‑tiered, complex system design & architecture

Required Skills

• Excellent knowledge of SDLC and Agile development practices
• Lead level exposure to Java, Selenium/LeanFT, BDD (Cucumber/JBehave), TestNG, Eclipse/IntelliJ
• Experience with DevOps/CICD toolset – Bamboo/Jenkins/Concourse, Maven, Git, BitBucket
• Expert in QA process, techniques & methodologies
• Forecasting, estimation & ROI analysis
• Solid analytical and problem‑solving skills
• Both attention to detail & ability to rise above details to see broader implications & recommend strategic solutions
• Self‑starter, positive & adaptable; multi‑task in a continually changing environment
• Ability to work independently and with a team
• Proven interpersonal and communication skills with technical & business partners

Preferred / Recommended Skills

• Proven ability to lead and collaborate in global, cross‑functional teams
• Familiarity with Banking/Financial domain
• Experience in leading large programs

Salary Range

$114,700 – 194,900 USD

Salary range is a good faith estimate of base pay. Northern Trust provides a comprehensive benefits package including retirement benefits (401k and pension), health and welfare benefits (medical, dental, vision, spending accounts and disability), paid time off, parental and caregiver leave, life & accident insurance, and other voluntary and well‑being benefits. Northern Trust also provides a discretionary bonus program that may include an equity component.

Work Authorization

Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S. without the need for employment‑based visa sponsorship now or in the future. Northern Trust will not sponsor applicants for U.S. work visa status for this opportunity.

Working with Us

As a Northern Trust partner, you will be part of a flexible and collaborative work culture, which has a strong history of financial strength and stability. Movement within the organization is encouraged, senior leaders are accessible, and you can take pride in working for a company committed to an inclusive workplace and assisting the communities we serve.

Philanthropy is deeply rooted in Northern Trust’s history and is an essential element of our culture. Employees around the world give their time and talent to work for the greater good of their communities.

Reasonable Accommodation

Northern Trust is committed to working with and providing adjustments to individuals with health conditions and disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please email our HR Service Center at [e-mail], or alternatively discuss your individual requirements with the recruiter you are working with.