Senior Software Engineer - C++/Python

Relha LLC; Chicago, Northern (IL, KY); Hybrid; USD 165,000 - 288,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401k plan

Pension

Health benefits

Paid time off

Job summary

Northern Trust is seeking a Senior Software Engineer in Chicago to design, build, and support mission-critical back-office post-trade processing apps. You will use modern C++ and Python, optimize SQL, and collaborate with stakeholders to deliver scalable, reliable financial workflows.

The role emphasizes ownership, code quality, and mentoring, with a culture of learning and innovation. Expect collaboration across teams and opportunities to use AI-assisted development tools like GitHub Copilot

Qualifications

• 12+ years of software development experience in enterprise applications.
• Strong expertise in modern C++ (C++11/14/17/20 preferred).
• Solid Python experience for automation and tooling.
• Strong SQL and performance tuning skills.
• Experience designing scalable, distributed systems.
• Strong Linux and Windows troubleshooting and administration skills.
• Experience with Git, CI/CD pipelines, and modern practices.
• Excellent debugging and analytical skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication with technical/business teams.
• Preferred: financial services or post-trade processing familiarity.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and maintain high-performance server-side apps using C++ and Python.
• Build scalable solutions for reconciliation-related financial workflows.
• Optimize SQL queries and data processing components.
• Implement logging, monitoring, caching, and automated testing.
• Troubleshoot complex production issues across apps, DB, and infra.
• Participate in architecture discussions, code reviews, and improvements.
• Leverage AI tooling to enhance development efficiency and code quality.
• Mentor junior engineers and promote technical excellence.

Skills

12+ years experience

Modern C++ (C++11/14/17/20)

Python

SQL

Distributed systems

Linux troubleshooting

Git / CI/CD

Debugging / problem solving

Technical communication

Ownership / accountability

Tools

GitHub Copilot

Claude

Azure

Kafka

MQ

Job description

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.

About the Role

We are looking for a highly motivated Senior Software Engineer to design, build, and support mission-critical back-office post-trade processing applications. The ideal candidate combines deep technical expertise in C++, Python, and SQL with strong problem-solving, communication, and ownership skills.

You will work closely with business stakeholders, operations teams, architects, and fellow engineers to develop scalable, reliable, and high-performance solutions supporting critical financial workflows. We value engineers who embrace modern development practices and leverage AI tools such as GitHub Copilot and Claude to improve productivity, code quality, and innovation.

Key Responsibilities

Design, develop, and maintain high-performance server-side applications using modern C++ and Python.

Build scalable and reliable solutions supporting reconciliation related financial workflows.

Design and optimize SQL queries, database interactions, and data processing components.

Implement engineering best practices including logging, monitoring, caching, exception handling, performance tuning, and automated testing.

Investigate and resolve complex production issues using application, database, and infrastructure diagnostics.

Participate in architecture discussions, code reviews, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Leverage AI-assisted development tools such as GitHub Copilot and Claude to enhance development efficiency and software quality.

Mentor junior engineers and contribute to a culture of technical excellence and collaboration.

Required Qualifications

12+ years of software development experience building enterprise applications.

Strong expertise in modern C++ (C++11/14/17/20 preferred).

Solid experience with Python for automation, tooling, and application development.

Strong SQL and database performance tuning skills.

Experience designing scalable, maintainable, and resilient distributed systems.

Strong Linux and Windows troubleshooting and administration skills.

Experience with Git, CI/CD pipelines, and modern software development practices.

Excellent debugging, analytical, and problem-solving skills.

Strong written and verbal communication skills and the ability to work effectively with both technical and business teams.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience in financial services, capital markets, or post-trade processing systems.

Familiarity with Azure cloud services, monitoring, and observability tools.

Experience with messaging platforms such as Kafka, MQ, or event-driven architectures.

Knowledge of microservices, containerization, and modern application architectures.

Experience using AI-powered developer tools such as GitHub Copilot, Claude, or similar technologies.

What Makes You a Great Fit

Strong ownership mindset with excellent execution skills.

Able to quickly understand complex business and technical concepts.

Exceptional troubleshooting and root-cause analysis capabilities.

Continuously learning new technologies, frameworks, and engineering practices.

Collaborative team player with strong mentoring and communication skills.

Comfortable working in fast-paced environments supporting critical business systems.

Passionate about delivering reliable, maintainable, and high-quality software.

Salary Range:

$164,600 - 288,000 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 (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).

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 you can discuss your individual requirements with the recruiter you are working with.