Lead Software Developer

About The Role

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, test, and deploy robust application development and infrastructure to support evolving business needs across Ratings, Business, and Operation teams.
• Lead hands-on coding and testing for data engineering and AI/ML-enabled application development initiatives, ensuring quality and reliability in all deliverables.
• Perform complex SQL queries and data analyses to directly support critical business decisions and optimize development delivery.
• Design, implement, and test APIs and data solutions using Python, Java, and related technologies.
• Build and maintain CI/CD pipelines using Docker, Kubernetes, and GitHub Action to automate deployment processes.
• Architect and design scalable data applications and databases using AWS cloud services (EC2, EKS, Lambda, S3, MQ) and modern design patterns.
• Develop data pipelines using Apache Kafka and Kafka Streams to enable real-time data processing.
• Collaborate closely with AI/ML teams to align data engineering practices with leading-edge AI use cases, including LLM-powered applications, intelligent assistants, and semantic search capabilities.
• Estimate project efforts, coordinate and prioritize multiple projects using Agile methodologies and Jira, and mentor contractors and junior team members.
• Partner with cross-functional teams to align dev solutions with broader business goals and present project status and technical insights to stakeholders and senior management.
• Automate manual processes, optimize data delivery, and re-design infrastructure for greater scalability.
• Write unit, integration tests and functional automation, researching problems discovered by quality assurance or product support, developing solutions to address the problems.
• Develop high quality, well documented and efficient code adhering to all applicable standards.

You May Be a Good Fit If

• You have a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field.
• You bring 10+ years of hands-on experience in the development space, with demonstrated expertise in financial services.
• You have advanced proficiency in SQL (including PL/SQL) for data analysis, testing, and creating complex queries to extract data and build performant datasets.
• You demonstrate strong programming skills in Java, REACT, and Typescript with expertise in developing REST and GraphQL APIs.
• You have hands-on experience with AWS cloud services (EC2, EKS, Lambda, S3, MQ) or equivalent cloud platforms.
• You possess expertise in building CI/CD pipelines using Docker, Kubernetes, and related tools.
• You demonstrate proficiency in Agile methodologies and project management tools such as Jira.
• You have experience with Microservices and Distributed Computing architectures.
• You are proficient with development tools including GIT, Maven, Ant, JUnit, IntelliJ, and Netbeans.
• You have working knowledge of Apache Kafka, Spring Boot, MongoDB, and Oracle databases.
• You are familiar with AI/ML tools such as Amazon Q Developer, GitHub Copilot, or other AI-powered coding assistants for software development and productivity enhancement.

What Would Make You Stand Out

• AI/ML Expertise: Hands-on experience with LLM/RAG (Retrieval-Augmented Generation), semantic search, NLP applications, vector databases, and knowledge graphs.
• Advanced AI/ML Knowledge: Awareness of data solutions supporting AI/ML workloads, including familiarity with MCP (Model Context Protocol), LLM-powered applications, intelligent assistants, GPT models, Amazon Q, and Microsoft Copilot.
• Frontend Development: Experience with ReactJS/Typescript for frontend application development and user interfaces.
• Generative AI Tools: Proven experience leveraging generative AI tools for software development, code generation, and productivity enhancement.
• NoSQL Expertise: Advanced knowledge of NoSQL databases and their application in modern data architectures.
• Leadership Skills: Strong project management and multitasking abilities, with a proven track record of delivering high-quality, test-driven code.
• Communication Excellence: Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to mentor and upskill technical teams.
• Collaboration: Demonstrated ability to work effectively in cross-functional, collaborative environments and partner with stakeholders to meet data infrastructure needs.

Why Choose Fitch

• Hybrid Work Environment: 2 to 3 days a week in office required based on your line of business and location
• 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

Key skills/competency

• Software Development
• Data Engineering
• AI/ML
• Cloud Architecture (AWS)
• CI/CD
• API Design
• Java
• Python
• SQL
• Agile Methodologies