Senior Software Engineer - Backend

Fitch Ratings; New York (NY); On-site; USD 165,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive healthcare offerings

Retirement planning and tuition reimbursement

Paid volunteer days

Job summary

Fitch Ratings is looking for a Backend Engineer based out of New York. The role entails designing and developing high-performing backend services and APIs while collaborating closely with various stakeholders.

With a focus on using Java and Python, the role demands strong database skills and the ability to implement best practices for maintainability. Fitch offers a culture of learning and wellbeing, ensuring a supportive work environment.

Qualifications

• 3–5+ years of hands-on experience in full stack software development.
• Strong database skills including SQL.
• Experience building and consuming RESTful APIs.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and maintain scalable backend services and APIs.
• Collaborate closely with stakeholders to deliver high-quality solutions.
• Ensure code quality through automated testing and code reviews.

Skills

Java (Spring Boot)

Python (FastAPI)

SQL

RESTful APIs

Problem-solving

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or related field

Tools

AWS

Docker

Kafka

Job description

Fitch Group is currently seeking a Backend Engineer based out of our New York office. As a leading, global financial information services provider, Fitch Group delivers vital credit and risk insights, robust data, and dynamic tools to champion more efficient, transparent financial markets. With over 100 years of experience and colleagues in over 30 countries, Fitch Group’s culture of credibility, independence, and transparency is embedded throughout its structure, which includes Fitch Ratings, one of the world’s top three credit ratings agencies, and Fitch Solutions, a leading provider of insights, data and analytics. With dual headquarters in London and New York, Fitch Group is owned by Hearst.

Fitch's Technology & Data Team is a dynamic department where innovation meets impact. Our team includes the Chief Data Office, Chief Software Office, Chief Technology Office, Emerging Technology, Shared Technology Services, Technology, Risk and the Executive Program Management Office (EPMO). Driven by our investment in cutting‑edge technologies like AI and cloud solutions, we’re home to a diverse range of roles and backgrounds united by a shared passion for leveraging modern technology to drive projects that matter to our organization and clients.

About the Team

Join the FDR Data Tech team—a highly visible group responsible for designing, building, and maintaining Fitch’s core data repository and ratings platform. The team develops robust Java‑based applications and data solutions that power critical business operations across Fitch Ratings. We collaborate closely with stakeholders including Ratings, Business, and Operation teams to deliver scalable data infrastructure, APIs, and services with a focus on reliability, performance, data integrity, and innovation—including the integration of AI/ML capabilities to enhance data solutions and developer productivity.

How You’ll Make An Impact

• Design, develop, and maintain scalable, secure, and high‑performing backend services and APIs
• Build robust backend services using Java/Spring Boot and/or Python (FastAPI or similar)
• Develop and integrate APIs and data services, ensuring seamless interaction with enterprise data platforms and databases (SQL and NoSQL)
• Collaborate closely with product owners, designers, and data/engineering teams to deliver high-quality, business‑aligned solutions
• Contribute to architectural decisions and implement best practices for performance, scalability, and maintainability
• Ensure code quality through automated testing (unit, integration) and active participation in code reviews
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex technical issues, optimizing applications for performance and reliability
• Support CI/CD pipelines and DevSecOps practices to enable efficient and secure deployments
• Contribute to continuous improvement of engineering standards, tooling, and development processes

You May Be a Good Fit If

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field (or equivalent practical experience)
• 3–5+ years of hands‑on experience in full stack software development
• Strong proficiency in Java (Spring Boot) and/or Python (FastAPI or similar)
• Solid experience building and consuming RESTful APIs and working with distributed systems
• Strong database skills (SQL required; experience with PL/SQL or optimization is a plus)
• Understanding of modern software engineering principles (microservices, event‑driven architecture, scalability, performance)
• Experience with testing frameworks and building automated test suites
• Familiarity with cloud environments (AWS preferred) and modern development tooling
• Strong problem‑solving skills, attention to detail, and ability to work in agile, collaborative environments
• Exposure to AI‑assisted development tools (e.g., GitHub Copilot, Amazon Q)

What Would Make You Stand Out

• Experience building end‑to‑end applications in cloud‑native environments (AWS, Kubernetes/EKS, Docker)
• Experience with event‑driven architectures (Kafka or similar)
• Knowledge of caching and high‑performance patterns (Redis/Valkey, etc.)
• Exposure to NoSQL databases (e.g., MongoDB)
• Experience implementing CI/CD pipelines (e.g., GitHub Actions)
• Understanding of distributed systems design and data‑intensive applications
• Experience working in data‑centric platforms (data lakes, APIs, analytics ecosystems)
• Ability to navigate cross‑functional environments and influence technical decisions
• Hands‑on experience building AI agents (e.g., using LangChain or LlamaIndex), implementing RAG over enterprise data, and enforcing robust guardrails through rigorous testing and evaluation
• Applying AI/ML to boost engineering productivity (e.g., GitHub Copilot, Amazon Q) and using agentic AI to automate workflows such as code reviews, test generation, data quality checks, and runbook execution
• Experience working with AI connection protocols (e.g., MCP, A2A) that ensure secure, interoperable, observable, and vendor‑agnostic communication with authenticated, auditable messaging and robust error handling

Why Choose Fitch

• Work‑Life Balance First: 40% in‑office monthly stay connected while keeping flexibility.
• A Culture of Learning & Mobility: Dedicated trainings, leadership development and mentorship programs designed to ensure that your time at Fitch will be a continuous learning opportunity.
• Investing in Your Future: Retirement planning and tuition reimbursement programs that empower you to achieve your short and long‑term goals.
• Promoting Health & Wellbeing: Comprehensive healthcare offerings that enable physical, mental, financial, social, and occupational wellbeing.
• Supportive Parenting Policies: Family‑friendly policies, including a generous global parental leave plan, designed to help you balance career and family life effectively.
• Inclusive Work Environment: A collaborative workplace where all voices are valued, with Employee Resource Groups that unite and empower our colleagues around the globe.
• Dedication to Giving Back: Paid volunteer days, matched funding for donations and ample opportunities to volunteer in your community.

Equal Opportunity

Fitch is proud to be an Equal Opportunity and Aff…

Expected base pay rates for the role will be between $165,000 and $180,000 per year. Actual salaries will be determined on an individualized basis and may vary based on factors including but not limited to education, training, experience, past performance, and other job‑related factors. Base pay is one part of Fitch’s total compensation package, which, depending on the position, may also include commission earnings, discretionary bonuses, long‑term incentives, and other benefits sponsored by Fitch.