Sr. Software Engineer II, FCM

Ink Foundation; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 96,000 - 192,000; Full time

Job summary

NinjaTrader, a futures-focused trading platform and broker, is expanding its engineering team in Chicago. We are seeking an experienced backend engineer to design, build, and scale real-time systems using Python and TypeScript, with emphasis on reliability, performance, and accuracy.

You will mentor teams, drive best practices, and collaborate with finance, trading, and product to deliver robust back-office solutions and tooling. A BA/MS in CS and 8+ years of backend experience are preferred.

Qualifications

• Requires a BA or MS in Computer Science with 8+ years of software development experience.
• Proven expertise in Python and TypeScript for backend systems.
• Familiarity with Linux and cloud services such as Google Cloud Platform.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and maintain backend systems for high-volume data in trading operations.
• Lead development teams, advocate best practices, and ensure project timelines and quality.
• Own the quality, uptime, and resilience of software and tooling used by back-office operations.

Skills

Python

TypeScript

Real-time systems

Backend design

Mentoring

Linux

Google Cloud Platform

Code reviews

Observability

Education

BA or MS in Computer Science

Job description

JOIN US ON OUR MISSION TO BECOME THE #1 RETAIL TRADING PLATFORM IN THE WORLD

Welcome to the dynamic world of NinjaTrader! As an industry-leading trading platform and futures broker, we're empowering traders to take control of their financial destiny. How do we do it? We provide cutting-edge products and services that enhance the trading journey. Whether a seasoned pro or just starting out, NinjaTrader equips traders with award-winning software and brokerage services to navigate the world's leading financial markets with confidence.

Our growth story is nothing short of exhilarating. Since 2003, NinjaTrader has been dedicated to understanding and supporting traders on their journey toward trading triumph. Through those efforts, our user base has grown to over 2 million users and we have become the number one rated futures brokerage worldwide.

But we're not stopping there. We're constantly evolving, pushing boundaries, and modernizing the futures industry. Our commitment to innovation means users will always have access to dynamic tools, real-time support, and a community of like-minded traders.

So, why work at NinjaTrader? Here, you're not just part of a team; you're part of a movement. We empower employees to reach new heights in their careers by providing a dynamic culture focused on social connection, professional development, and employee recognition initiatives. Sounds too good to be true? Take it from our employees.

Join us as we redefine what's possible in trading, advocate for our customers, and continue our journey toward becoming the world's top retail-focused trading platform in the world.

The team

NinjaTrader is a futures-focused brokerage offering low commissions, award-winning trading platforms, and a suite of customizable tools for active traders. The platform delivers integrated multi-device trading across desktop, web, and mobile, with access to thousands of third-party trading apps and add-ons.

The opportunity

You'll work alongside NinjaTrader's FCM development team designing, building, and deploying back-end server solutions that distribute large volumes of data in support of our trading operations. This role plays a critical part in the efficiency and success of our FCM, giving you the chance to lead by example while owning software that has to be fast, reliable, and correct.

In This Role You Will

• Design, develop, and maintain backend systems using Python and TypeScript to facilitate customer funding and trading
• Lead development teams by guiding best practices in coding and code reviews, and ensuring adherence to project timelines and quality standards
• Own the quality, uptime, and resilience of your software
• Collaborate with finance, treasury, new accounts, and trading teams to implement accurate and efficient algorithms and tools that support the back office
• Implement robust monitoring and logging using industry-standard observability tooling such as OpenTelemetry
• Review code changes from other team members to ensure consistency, correctness, and good architecture choices
• Streamline processes to improve operational efficiency and reduce manual intervention
• Create and maintain technical documentation for back-office processing systems and workflows
• Stay current on advancements in Python, TypeScript, and retail trading technologies

What You Bring

• BA or MS degree in Computer Science
• 8+ years of software development experience designing, implementing, testing, and maintaining real-time applications
• Proven experience in Python and TypeScript software development, with a focus on backend systems
• Familiarity with Linux-based operating systems
• Familiarity with cloud services such as Google Cloud Platform
• Dependable team player with a strong work ethic, exceptional accuracy, and strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Comfort resolving uncertainty, with strong communication and collaboration skills to drive issue resolution, mentor others, and drive change across teams
• Experience leveraging AI-assisted development tools (e.g., code generation, static analysis, automated test synthesis) to increase engineering productivity and system quality in production environments
• Ability to take full ownership of projects, from design through implementation, testing, deployment, and iteration
• Must be eligible to work in the United States; visa sponsorship is not available

Nice to have

• Direct experience at a futures commission merchant (FCM), clearing firm, or broker-dealer operating under CFTC/NFA or SEC/FINRA regulatory frameworks
• Experience with CME clearing operations or self-clearing implementation such as GMI or other FIS services
• Familiarity with treasury and money movement systems: ACH, wire transfers, fund hold logic, account segregation
• Track record of leading successful platform modernization or cloud migration programs in regulated financial environments
• Passion for futures, derivatives, and trading technologies, and for democratizing access to these markets for retail traders

We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender, gender identity or expression, or veteran status. We are proud to be an equal opportunity workplace.

Compensation Range: $96K - $192K