Principal Software Engineer

morningstar· 001_MstarInc Morningstar Inc. Legal Entity
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📍 ChicagoFull time💰 USD 118K–123K

About this role

Architect and lead the development of scalable AI and cloud-native Agentic solutions using OpenAI, Azure, and AWS to enhance financial data acquisition and automation capabilities; spearhead the design and implementation of AI-powered transcription platforms, driving significant improvements in speed and efficiency (10%). Design, code, debug, maintain, and upgrade high-performance software systems, ensuring system performance, reliability, and maintainability (10%). Provide technical leadership across multiple engineering teams, guiding day-to-day development activities and architectural decision-making (10%). Lead cross-functional collaboration with Application Architects, Systems Engineers, DevOps/SRE, and business stakeholders to ensure alignment between technical solutions and business objectives (10%). Advocate and enforce global best practices for product performance, reliability, scalability, security, and code reusability (5%). Conduct architectural design and system planning, ensuring scalable solutions that balance technical excellence with financial sector business needs (20%). Enforce coding standards and software engineering best practices for applications across development teams (10%). Lead DevOps efforts with Docker, Kubernetes, and AWS Fargate; implemented CI/CD pipelines with SonarQube and automated infrastructure deployments (10%). Make strategic infrastructure decisions, monitor operational costs, and implement optimizations to reduce spend and improve system efficiency (10%). Attend team meetings to facilitate brainstorming, problem-solving, and project updates, fostering a culture of innovation and technical rigor (5%). ***Remote work requests will be considered consistent with company’s remote work policy.

 

Job Requirements:

This position requires a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Information Technology, or a technology-related filed or foreign equivalent and 8 years of software engineering experience in Lead, Principal, Senior, Associate Software Engineer, Developer, or related position; or a Master’s degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Information Technology, or a technology-related filed or foreign equivalent and 6 years of software engineering experience in Lead, Principal, Senior, Associate Software Engineer, Developer, or related position. 

 

This position also requires 5 years of experience in designing scalable AI and cloud-native solutions using AWS, Azure OpenAI or similar Cloud platforms; 5 years of experience developing commercial quality software products and solutions particularly focused on distributed and real-time systems; 5 years of experience with a variety of technology components and stacks, including Python and Java; 5 years of experience with performance, reliability, scalability, security, and reusability tactics and strategies; 5 years of experience defining, refining, and maintaining application architectures for sophisticated end-user software products; 5 years of experience with troubleshooting and debugging skills; 3 years of experience mentoring and leading engineering teams; 3 years of experience in machine learning, including model development and deployment in production environments; 3 years of experience building and delivering proof-of-concepts (POCs) to validate technical solutions; 3 years of experience with AWS cloud platforms and SaaS architectures; 3 years of experience DevOps, implementing CI/CD pipelines, containerizing using Docker and orchestration using Kubernetes/AWS Fargate; 3 years of experience in agile development practices including scrum and scaled agile. *Will accept any suitable combination of education, training, and experience.

 

Must possess unrestricted right to work in the U.S. in this position

 

Base Salary Compensation: $117,957 – $123,010 per year

Compensation and Benefits

At Morningstar we believe people are at their best when they are at their healthiest. That’s why we champion your wellness through a wide range of programs that support all stages of your personal and professional life. Here are some examples of the offerings we provide:

  • Financial Health

    • 100% 401k match up to 6% of salary

    • Stock Ownership Potential

    • Company provided life insurance - 1x salary + commission

  • Physical Health 

    • Comprehensive health benefits (medical/dental/vision) including potential premium discounts and company-provided HSA contributions (up to $500-$2,000 annually) for specific plans and coverages

    • Additional medical Wellness Incentives - up to $300-$600 annual

    • Company-provided long- and short-term disability insurance

  • Emotional Health 

    • Trust-Based Time Off

    • 6-week Paid Sabbatical Program

    • 6-Week Paid Family Caregiving Leave

    • Competitive 8-24 Week Paid Parental Leave

    • Adoption Assistance

    • Leadership Coaching & Formal Mentorship Opportunities

    • Annual Flex Stipend - $1000 annually to cover personal education & well-being expenses

    • Tuition Reimbursement

  • Social Health 

    • Charitable Matching Gifts program

    • Dollars for Doers volunteer program

    • Paid volunteering days

    • 15+ Employee Resource & Affinity Groups

Morningstar's hybrid work environment gives you the opportunity to collaborate in-person each week as we've found that we're at our best when we're purposely together on a regular basis. In most of our locations, our hybrid work model is four days in-office each week. A range of other benefits are also available to enhance flexibility as needs change. No matter where you are, you'll have tools and resources to engage meaningfully with your global colleagues.

001_MstarInc Morningstar Inc. Legal Entity

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the salary for the Principal Software Engineer role at morningstar?
The listed salary for this Principal Software Engineer position at morningstar is USD 118K–123K. This is an Full time role.
Where is the Principal Software Engineer position at morningstar located?
This Principal Software Engineer role at morningstar is based in Chicago. The position is listed as on-site or hybrid. Check the full job description or apply directly to confirm the work arrangement.
Is the Principal Software Engineer role at morningstar full-time or part-time?
This is listed as a Full time position. It is posted as a Principal Software Engineer role in the 001_MstarInc Morningstar Inc. Legal Entity department at morningstar.
Which team or department does the Principal Software Engineer at morningstar belong to?
This Principal Software Engineer position is part of the 001_MstarInc Morningstar Inc. Legal Entity department at morningstar. See the full job description for more information about the team structure and responsibilities.
How do I apply for the Principal Software Engineer position at morningstar?
Click the "Apply Now" button on this page. You will be redirected to morningstar's official application portal hosted on workday where you can submit your application directly.
When was the Principal Software Engineer job at morningstar posted?
This Principal Software Engineer position at morningstar was posted on Jul 17, 2026. Apply as soon as possible — early applications are often reviewed first.
Principal Software Engineer
morningstar · 💰 USD 118K–123K
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You'll be redirected to morningstar's official application page on Workday.