Lead Associate Principal, Software Engineering: Middleware

Company: The Options Clearing Corporation
Location: Chicago
Posted on: June 1, 2025

Job Description:

Lead Associate Principal, Software Engineering: MiddlewareLead Associate Principal, Software Engineering: MiddlewareApply locations Chicago - 125 S Franklin time type Full time posted on Posted 2 Days Ago job requisition id REQ-4161What You'll Do:We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Infrastructure Middleware Engineer with deep expertise in Kafka administration, infrastructure as code (IaC), cloud automation, container orchestration and CI/CD pipelines. The ideal candidate will be responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining robust and scalable middleware solutions, ensuring high availability, performance, and security. You will play a crucial role in automating infrastructure provisioning, deployments, and operations, enabling our organization to rapidly deliver and scale applications.Primary Duties and Responsibilities:To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each primary duty satisfactorily.

• Design, implement and manage highly available and scalable Kafka clusters.
• Monitor Kafka performance, troubleshoot issues and optimize configurations.
• Develop and maintain IaC using Ansible and Terraform for infrastructure provisioning and configuration management.
• Create and maintain reusable IaC modules.
• Design and implement cloud-based infrastructure solutions on AWS and Azure.
• Automate cloud resource provisioning, scaling and management using cloud-native tools and services.
• Deploy and manage containerized applications using Kubernetes and Rancher.
• Troubleshoot container-related issues and optimize container performance.
• Design, implement and maintain CI/CD pipelines using tools like GitHub, Artifactory, Harness and Jenkins.
• Automate the build, test and deployment of middleware components.
• Integrate IaC and container technologies into CI/CD pipelines.
• Document all processes and procedures.
• Work with development teams to ensure smooth deployments.Supervisory Responsibilities:NoneQualifications:The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the primary functions.
  • Strong proficiency in IaC tools, specifically Ansible, Terraform and bash scripting.
  • Extensive experience with cloud automation and provisioning on AWS and Azure.
  • Proficiency in CI/CD tools, including GitHub, Artifactory, Harness and Jenkins.
  • Strong scripting skills in languages like Python and Bash.
  • Excellent troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.
  • Understanding of networking principles.
  • Experience with monitoring tools like Splunk, Splunk OTEL, Prometheus and Grafana.Technical Skills:
    • Kafka, Ansible, Terraform, Bash, Kubernetes, Rancher, GitHub, Artifactory, Harness, Jenkins, AWS, Azure, CI/CD, IaC, Automated Cloud ProvisioningEducation and/or Experience:
      • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering or a related field (or equivalent experience).
      • 10+ years of experience in infrastructure middleware administration.
      • In-depth expertise in Kafka administration, including cluster management, performance tuning, and security.Certificates or Licenses:AWS Solutions Architect, CKAD or CKA certifications preferred.About Us:The Options Clearing Corporation (OCC) is the world's largest equity derivatives clearing organization. Founded in 1973, OCC is dedicated to promoting stability and market integrity by delivering clearing and settlement services for options, futures and securities lending transactions. As a Systemically Important Financial Market Utility (SIFMU), OCC operates under the jurisdiction of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), and the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System. OCC has more than 100 clearing members and provides central counterparty (CCP) clearing and settlement services to 19 exchanges and trading platforms. More information about OCC is available at www.theocc.com.Benefits:
        • A highly collaborative and supportive environment developed to encourage work-life balance and employee wellness.
        • A hybrid work environment, up to 2 days per week of remote work.
        • Tuition Reimbursement to support your continued education.
        • Student Loan Repayment Assistance.
        • Technology Stipend allowing you to use the device of your choice to connect to our network while working remotely.
        • Generous PTO and Parental leave.
        • 401k Employer Match.
        • Competitive health benefits including medical, dental and vision.Visit https://www.theocc.com/careers/thriving-together for more information.Compensation:
          • The salary range listed for any given position is exclusive of fringe benefits and potential bonuses. If hired at OCC, your final base salary compensation will be determined by factors such as skills, experience and/or education.
          • In addition, we believe in the importance of pay equity and consider internal equity of our current team members as part of any final offer.
          • We typically do not hire at the maximum of the range in order to allow for future and continued salary growth. We also offer a substantial benefits package as noted on www.theocc.com/careers.
          • All employees may be eligible for a discretionary bonus. Discretionary bonuses are based on various factors, including, but not limited to, company and individual performance and are not guaranteed.Salary Range:$134,200.00 - $187,900.00Incentive Range:8% to 15%. This position is eligible for an annual discretionary incentive compensation award, for which the target range is listed above. The amount of such award, if any, will be based on various factors, including without limitation, both individual and company performance.Application Process:
          • When you find a position you're interested in, click the 'Apply' button. Please complete the application and attach your resume.
          • You will receive an email notification to confirm that we've received your application.
          • If you are called in for an interview, a representative from OCC will contact you to set up a date, time, and location.For more information about OCC, please click here.OCC is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
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Keywords: The Options Clearing Corporation, Orland Park , Lead Associate Principal, Software Engineering: Middleware, IT / Software / Systems , Chicago, Illinois