Principal Software Engineer

As a Principal Software Engineer reporting to the VP - Engineering, you'll play a critical role in shaping technology strategy, driving software innovation, and delivering high-impact solutions for clients and internal stakeholders across Nasdaq's global organization.

In this role, you'll serve as a senior technical authority - primarily focused on enhancing Nasdaq’s core equities trading backends. You'll work across disciplines and divisions, partnering with architecture, quality assurance, network design, and enterprise planning teams to drive meaningful outcomes.

You'll thrive in this position if you're a strategic thinker with deep technical expertise, a collaborative mindset, and a passion for solving complex, cross-functional challenges at scale.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide strategic technical guidance to engineering teams working on software development, systems integration, and technology strategy initiatives.

• Lead the analysis of complex client and business requirements, defining solutions that align technology with organizational goals and processes.

• Drive innovation across project teams - challenging conventional approaches and leading the development of competitive, high-performance software solutions.

• Collaborate across Architecture, Quality Assurance, Network Design, and Enterprise Planning to solve multidisciplinary engineering problems.

• Identify technology trends and market shifts to anticipate industry changes, inform product direction, and create new opportunities for growth.

Required Qualifications

• Master's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, a related field, or equivalent professional experience.

• 12+ years of experience in software engineering and systems development in low latency, high throughput environments.

• Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and influence technical decisions at a strategic level.

• Deep expertise in software architecture, systems integration, and enterprise-scale solution design.

• Strong understanding of Linux, Core Java, and the TCP stack.

Nice-to-Have

• Experience with processing the messaging protocols commonly used in financial technology (ITCH, OUCH, FIX).

• Focus on backend development and the types of engineering issues that can arise therein.

• Familiarity with migrating systems to run in a 24x7 environment.

This position is based in New York, NY and offers the opportunity for a hybrid work environment with at least 3 days per week in-office, subject to change, providing flexibility and accessibility for qualified candidates.

This posting is for an existing vacancy within Nasdaq 

Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S. without the need for employment-based visa sponsorship now or in the future; Nasdaq 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) 

Come as You Are

Nasdaq is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds and identities.

We are committed to fostering an inclusive workplace where diverse perspectives, experiences, and identities are valued and celebrated.

We ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided with reasonable accommodation throughout the hiring process.

What We Offer

We’re proud to offer a competitive rewards package that is meaningful, recognizes the unique needs of our employees and their families and incentivizes employees for their contribution to Nasdaq’s overall success.

The base pay range for this role is $190,600 - $317,700. In addition to base salary, Nasdaq provides a generous annual bonus/commission (short-term incentive), and equity (long-term incentive), comprehensive benefits, and opportunity for growth. Exact compensation may vary based on several job-related factors that are unique to each candidate, including but not limited to: skill set, experience, education/training, business needs and market demands.

Nasdaq’s programs and rewards are intended to allow our employees to:

• Secure Wealth: 401(k) program with 6% employer match, Employee Stock Purchase Program with 15% discount, Student loan repayment program up to $10k, Company paid life and disability plans, Generous paid time off
• Prioritize Health: Comprehensive medical, dental and vision coverage, Health spending account with employer contribution, Paid flex days to support mental wellbeing, Gym membership discounts
• Care for Family: Hybrid home/office schedule (for most positions), Paid parental leave, Fertility benefits, Paid bereavement leave
• Connect with Community: Company gift matching program, Employee resource groups, Paid volunteer days
• Grow Career: Education Assistance Program, Robust job skills training and Professional development opportunities

For more information, visit Nasdaq Benefits & Rewards Career page.