Lead Software Developer

Fitch Group is currently seeking a Lead Developer 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. We are also proud to be recognized by Built In as a “Best Place to Work in Technology” 3 years in a row. Whether you're an experienced professional or just starting your career, we offer an exciting and supportive environment where you can grow, innovate, and make a difference.

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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, 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

Fitch is committed to providing global securities markets with objective, timely, independent and forward-looking credit opinions. To protect Fitch’s credibility and reputation, our employees must take every precaution to avoid conflicts of interest or any appearance of a conflict of interest. Should you be successful in the recruitment process at Fitch Ratings you will be asked to declare any securities holdings and other potential conflicts prior to commencing employment. If you, or your immediate family, have any holdings that may conflict with your work responsibilities, you may be asked to divest yourself of them before beginning work.

Fitch is proud to be an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, protected veteran status, and other statuses protected by law.

FOR NEW YORK ROLES ONLY: Expected base pay rates for this role will be between $160,000 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.