Full Stack Java Developer Associate

LGBT Great; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 65,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading global asset management firm is seeking a Software Engineer for its Securities Lending technology team. In this role, you will design, build, and maintain applications focused on managing lendable inventory. Ideal candidates possess over four years of Java experience, solid analytical and problem-solving skills, and a collaborative nature. You will work in a hybrid model, with a strong emphasis on quality and innovation, and will support initiatives for continuous improvement in a dynamic team environment.

Benefits

Flexible Time Off

Education reimbursement

Wellness programs

Qualifications

• 4+ years' experience in core Java and related technologies.
• Experience working in Agile methodology.
• Track record building high quality software with TDD and BDD.
• Strong knowledge of the Open-Source technology stack.
• Experience with relational databases and caching technologies.

Responsibilities

• Design, build and deploy Securities Lending apps end to end.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver software solutions.
• Champion a culture of quality within the organization.
• Mentor junior team members and foster a culture of accountability.
• Identify project risks and create mitigation plans.

Skills

Java

Agile methodology

Object-oriented programming

Microservices

Spring

TypeScript

JavaScript

Analytical skills

Problem-solving skills

Communication skills

Education

Degree in Computer Science or a related field

Tools

Kafka

Maven

JUnit

Redis

Job description

About this role

BlackRock’s Securities Lending business generates both incremental alpha for clients and significant firm revenue—about $3B in gross revenue, including $700M in direct revenue. The business is run by BlackRock Global Markets and Index Investments (BGM), with operations supported by GIO, and is used by 150+ global users through the SecLending Technology Platform. With 90% of trades executed automatically and ~140 orders per second, the platform operates as a high availability, low latency system.

Securities Lending (SecLending) involves temporarily transferring securities to a borrower for a fee while the lender retains ownership, with the borrower returning the securities on demand or at the end of the agreement.

About Aladdin

Aladdin is an operating system for investment managers that connects the information, people, and technology needed to manage portfolios in real time. The platform combines sophisticated risk analytics with comprehensive portfolio management, trading, compliance, and operations tools to power informed decision-making, effective risk management, and scalable operational workflows. Aladdin is delivered to a global community of over 1,000 clients, with more than 100,000 end users worldwide.

Job Overview

For Securities Lending to remain market leading, we are not only transforming the capabilities we offer to our clients but also invest in the re-architecture and modernization of the underlying platform and infrastructure. We must evolve Aladdin’s Sec Lending technology delivering a resilient, AI enabled, API-first platform that enables business growth, scale and automation, operational efficiency, and data driven decision making, while positioning Sec Lending technology as a commercial-grade product.

As Engineer in Inventory Management Squad

Your responsibility involves design, build and maintain all Aladdin workflows related to managing the universe of lendable inventory and broadcasting available inventory to platforms and borrowers. This includes but is not limited to, reference data, Analytics, Signals, Grouping & Strategies, Trading Overlays and publishing inventory and targeted availability. Complexity of the Securities Lending business may require “cross-squad” partnership.

Being a member of Aladdin Engineering, you will be:

• Tenacious: Work in a fast paced and highly complex environment
• Creative thinker: Analyse multiple solutions and deploy technologies in a flexible way.
• Great teammate: Think and work collaboratively and communicate effectively.
• Fast learner: Pick up new concepts and apply them quickly.

Responsibilities

• Design, build and deploy Securities Lending apps end to end owning frontend, backend APIs, data/AI features.
• Write reusable, maintainable, and extensible code, and create documentation for team members.
• Collaborate with cross-functional, globally distributed teams to deliver high-performing and reliable software solutions aligned with business goals.
• Champion a culture of quality within the organization, driving awareness and consistency with Quality standards.
• Guide and mentor junior team members from both technical and functional standpoint. Foster a culture of continuous improvement and accountability within the team.
• Break down complex technical problems into clear, actionable tasks and make informed architectural decisions that balance long-term strategy with short-term needs.
• Proactively identify project risks, create mitigation plans, and elevate issues when necessary to maintain project timelines and quality.
• Oversee production readiness, early life support, and post-release stability including root cause analysis and remediation strategies.
• Stay current with emerging technologies (including Kafka and other streaming platforms), assess their potential impact, and guide their adoption within product and platform roadmaps.
• Promote continuous learning and facilitate upskilling initiatives to match evolving tech landscapes.
• Operate independently with minimal supervision while providing strategic guidance to junior engineers and stakeholders alike.

Skills and Experience

• 4+ years' experience in core Java and related technologies, with OO skills and design patterns
• Working in Agile methodology, Scaled Agile or Scrum
• Track record building high quality software with design-focused and test-driven (TDD and BDD) approaches
• Good hands‑on object‑oriented programming knowledge in Java, Spring, TypeScript, JavaScript, Microservices, Angular (2.0+)
• Strong knowledge of Open‑Source technology stack (Spring, Hibernate, Maven, Kafka, JUnit, etc.)
• Experience with relational database and/or NoSQL Database (e.g., Apache Cassandra, Sybase and MSSQL) and caching technologies like Redis and Ignite
• Good understanding or experience in working with distributed systems (Zoo‑Keeper, Cluster Management)
• Great analytical, problem‑solving and communication skills
• Some experience or a real interest in finance, investment processes, and an ability to translate business problems into technical solutions. Exposure to Securities Lending is a bonus but not mandatory skill.
• Experience leading development teams, projects or being responsible for the design and technical quality of a significant application, system, or component. Ability to form positive relationships with partnering teams, sponsors, and user groups.

Nice to have and opportunities to learn

• Exposure to building microservices and APIs ideally with REST, Kafka or gRPC
• Experience working in an agile development team or on open-source development projects
• Experience with optimization, algorithms or related quantitative processes
• Exposure to high scale distributed technology like Kafka, Mongo, Ignite, Redis
• Experience with Cloud platforms like Microsoft Azure, AWS, Google Cloud
• Experience with DevOps and tools like Azure DevOps
• Experience with AI-related projects/products or experience working in an AI research environment
• A degree, certifications or open-source track record that shows you have a mastery of software engineering principles

Our benefits

To help you stay energized, engaged and inspired, we offer a wide range of employee benefits including: retirement investment and tools designed to help you in building a sound financial future; access to education reimbursement; comprehensive resources to support your physical health and emotional well‑being; family support programs; 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 development opportunities to help them thrive.

For additional information on BlackRock, please visit @blackrock | Twitter: @blackrock | :

Equal Opportunity Employer

BlackRock is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to age, disability, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation and other protected characteristics at law.