Director, Head of SMA Portfolio Management Engineering

About this role

Team Overview BlackRock SMA Solutions helps clients customize portfolios for unique tax, values-alignment, or investment exposures across direct indexing, fixed income, active equity, and multi-asset. We deliver world-class service to all of our clients, from wealth advisors to family offices to endowments and foundations.

About the Role

Lead the engineering team and define the future of our cutting-edge equity portfolio construction platform. Built on microservices with a sleek web interface, we power personalized investing at scale. You’ll drive vision, partner across tech and product teams, and deliver enterprise-grade solutions in an agile, two-week sprint environment. Perfect for a seasoned technology leader obsessed with client success and ready to innovate.

  

Key Responsibilities

• Lead development and delivery of enterprise software solutions.
• Align engineering and product priorities through close collaboration with leadership.
• Help manage and own end-to-end feature development—from front-end UI to microservices and database structures.
• Design components of a scalable microservices architecture for portfolio construction tools.
• Modernize the platform with contemporary technologies and third-party integrations.
• Take ownership of strategic projects and initiatives to drive impact.
• Mentor junior mid-level and senior engineers, fostering team growth.
• Stay current on emerging technologies and best practices.
• Support recruitment efforts and succession planning as a team leader.

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or related field
• Experience: 10+ years leading engineering teams and delivering complex software solutions.
• Technical Expertise:
  • Strong Python skills or proficiency in modern object-oriented languages (Java, Scala, etc.).
  • Advanced knowledge of web development and system/application architecture.
  • Solid foundation in algorithms, data structures, design patterns, and programming paradigms.
  • Hands-on experience with relational databases and unstructured data stores.
  • Familiarity with logging, monitoring frameworks, and containerization tools.
• Leadership in Innovation: Ability to guide teams in adopting AI-driven efficiencies, leveraging AI-based IDEs, and integrating cutting-edge tools to accelerate development and enhance productivity.

For San Francisco, CA and Sausalito, CA Only the salary range for this position is USD$215,000.00 - USD$275,000.00 . Additionally, employees are eligible for an annual discretionary bonus, and benefits including healthcare, leave benefits, and retirement benefits. BlackRock operates a pay-for-performance compensation philosophy and your total compensation may vary based on role, location, and firm, department and individual performance.

Our benefits

To help you stay energized, engaged and inspired, we offer a wide range of benefits including a strong retirement plan, tuition reimbursement, comprehensive healthcare, support for working parents and Flexible Time Off (FTO) so you can relax, recharge and be there for the people you care about.

Our hybrid work model

BlackRock’s hybrid work model is designed to enable a culture of collaboration and apprenticeship that enriches the experience of our employees, while supporting flexibility for all. Employees are currently required to work at least 4 days in the office per week, with the flexibility to work from home 1 day a week. Some business groups may require more time in the office due to their roles and responsibilities. We remain focused on increasing the impactful moments that arise when we work together in person – aligned with our commitment to performance and innovation. As a new joiner, you can count on this hybrid model to accelerate your learning and onboarding experience here at BlackRock.

About BlackRock

At BlackRock, we are all connected by one mission: to help more and more people experience financial well-being.  Our clients, and the people they serve, are saving for retirement, paying for their children’s educations, buying homes and starting businesses. Their investments also help to strengthen the global economy: support businesses small and large; finance infrastructure projects that connect and power cities; and facilitate innovations that drive progress.

This mission would not be possible without our smartest investment – the one we make in our employees. It’s why we’re dedicated to creating an environment where our colleagues feel welcomed, valued and supported with networks, benefits and developme