Associate Software Engineer

About the Role  

We’re looking for an Associate Software Engineer to join our Workplace Engineering team and help build high-quality, scalable software systems and APIs. In this role, you’ll take ownership of end-to-end development within a modern, cloud-first environment—collaborating closely with product and engineering teams to ship impactful solutions.

This is a hands-on engineering role with a strong emphasis on clean architecture, system performance, and secure development practices. You'll be working in an environment that actively leverages AI-powered tools to enhance code reviews, boost productivity, and drive development quality. 

To foster continuous collaboration, we follow a hybrid policy in which you will work onsite a minimum of 4 days per week in our Chicago office 

Job Responsibilities:  

• Design and implement secure, scalable APIs and backend services using Java (17+) and Spring Boot  

• Develop and maintain distributed systems in AWS, leveraging serverless and container-based architectures  

• Collaborate cross-functionally to deliver high-impact features with a focus on reliability and performance  

• Use AI-assisted development tools to improve code quality, automate repetitive tasks, and accelerate delivery (e.g., AI-based code reviews, documentation, and testing support)  

• Lead or contribute to technical architecture discussions and design reviews  

• Own the full development lifecycle—from design and implementation to deployment and monitoring  

• Write and maintain clear, concise technical documentation 

Requirements: 

• 2+ years of hands-on software engineering experience, ideally in backend or full-stack roles 

• Deep experience with Java and frameworks such as Spring Boot 

• Strong understanding of RESTful API design and service-oriented architecture 

• Experience working with relational databases such as PostgreSQL or Microsoft SQL Server 

• Proficiency with AWS cloud services (Lambda, API Gateway, ECS, S3, etc.) 

• Passion for quality: writing testable code, adopting CI/CD, and using modern dev practices 

• Strong communication skills and a collaborative mindset 

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
  • 75% 401k match up to 7%
  • 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 Bonding Leave
  • Adoption Assistance
  • Leadership Coaching & Formal Mentorship Opportunities
  • Annual Education Stipend
  • Tuition Reimbursement