Application Engineer, Vice President

About this role

Are you interested in building innovative, large‑scale systems that power global financial markets? Do you enjoy solving complex engineering problems, working in a fast‑paced environment, and building resilient technology that serves thousands of users every second?

At BlackRock, we are seeking Java Backend Engineers who are passionate about designing scalable systems, optimizing performance, and delivering high‑quality services that shape the future of trading technology. We value curiosity, diversity of thought, and a strong desire to learn and grow—both technically and professionally.

What are Aladdin and Trading Engineering?

You will work within BlackRock’s investment operating system, Aladdin, used internally and by leading financial institutions globally. Aladdin integrates portfolio management, risk analytics, trading, and operations into a single unified platform.

Trading Engineering builds the technology that enables seamless, high‑speed trade execution across global markets. Our systems process millions of orders daily, requiring exceptional reliability, low latency, and strong architectural design. As part of this group, you will engineer backend services that support mission‑critical trading workflows used by thousands of investment professionals worldwide.

As a member of Trading Engineering, you will:

• Be Tenacious: Operate in a highly complex, high‑pressure environment where reliability and performance matter.
• Think Creatively: Evaluate multiple technical solutions and select the right approach based on scale, latency, and system constraints.
• Collaborate Deeply: Work closely with engineering teams, product partners, and users.
• Learn Quickly: Absorb new technologies and apply them to real-world trading systems.
• Show Initiative: Proactively identify opportunities to optimize, automate, and modernize systems.

Qualifications

• B.E./B.Tech. /MCA or equivalent degree in Computer Science or related fields.
• 4+ years of professional experience building backend or distributed systems.

Skills & Experience

• Strong backend development experience in Java (17+), including deep knowledge of:
  • Multithreading, concurrency, memory management
  • Data structures, algorithms, and design patterns
• Hands‑on experience with Spring Framework & Spring Boot for building microservices and RESTful APIs.
• Experience designing and consuming REST APIs; exposure to GraphQL is a plus.
• Strong understanding of distributed and streaming technologies such as:
  • Kafka
  • Ignite or other memory data grids
  • High‑throughput, low‑latency systems
• Experience building systems that handle large-volume, real-time data processing while maintaining reliability and resilience.
• Experience integrating with databases using Hibernate/JPA and optimizing data access.
• Familiarity with Maven, JUnit, and automated testing practices.
• Exposure to full web stack concepts (networking, client–server performance, protocols), even if primarily backend-focused.
• Experience working with Agile SDLC, CI/CD pipelines, and a quality-first engineering culture.
• Familiarity with WebSockets or asynchronous messaging systems is beneficial.
• Comfortable engaging with end users, product teams, and UX partners to translate business problems into backend solutions.

Competencies

• Passionate about building high‑performing, maintainable, well‑architected backend systems.
• Strong analytical, debugging, and problem‑solving skills, especially in complex distributed environments.
• Interest or experience in finance, investment workflows, portfolio management, or buy‑side trading systems.
• Demonstrated ownership of critical backend components, services, or systems.
• Ability to build strong partnerships across distributed teams and diverse stakeholders.

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 | LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/blackrock

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.