Python Developer, Associate

We are seeking a technologically adept Data Specialist with a robust Python background and financial acumen to join the Automation & AI team within Finance Platform Strategies (FPS). Our team champions the transformative integration of automation, including Robotic Process Automation (RPA), to streamline and accelerate financial processes, ensuring peak efficiency and workflow optimization.

The Finance Platform Strategies (FPS) group, within BlackRock’s global Finance & Strategy organization, is responsible for long-term management of Finance platform and technology initiatives, spanning controllers, financial planning, expense management, treasury, tax, and a range of other proprietary and third-party platform capabilities. The group drives the strategic vision for and implementation of initiatives to enhance our platform capabilities and delivers day-to-day oversight and management of the platform, with a global footprint.

Engineering team, Technology & Development Operations (TDO) organization to achieve our goals. Join us in shaping the future of finance through innovation and excellence.

Collaboration is key. You’ll work closely with partners across the Finance organization, BlackRock’s Aladdin

Core Responsibilities: 

• Developing and orchestrating technical solutions with a primary focus on Python frameworks, while also leveraging other technologies such as ETL tools and scripting languages to support the automation of financial processes and workflows, data transformations, and system integrations.

• Driving projects to completion by understanding requirements and utilizing a wide range of financial applications and automation tools.

• Ensuring the quality, performance, and reliability of software applications through rigorous testing, debugging, and code reviews.

• Partnering with functions across the global Finance organization to understand and solution business use cases for automation.

• Setting up and maintaining servers to support the Python infrastructure.

• Staying current with the latest developments in Python technologies, as well as industry trends in finance automation.

• Documenting development work requirements, including technical specifications, user stories, and acceptance criteria, to ensure clear communication and alignment with stakeholders.

• Mentoring and guiding junior developers to help them grow their skills and knowledge.

• Working closely with the Aladdin Engineering team and TDO to align technology solutions with business needs.

• Contributing as a Finance Technology Subject Matter Expert (SME), developing solutions around the inventory of technical tools available within BlackRock.

Required Skills and Experience: 

• Advanced proficiency in Python technologies, including a deep understanding of frameworks such as Pandas, NumPy and PyBig data analytics platforms for scalable batch & stream processing, to architect and implement robust data transformation solutions.

• Extensive experience with data modeling, both relational and non-relational, and schema design (e.g., SQL Server, star and snowflake). 

• Proven expertise in API integration, including RESTful and GraphQL, for data enrichment and processing. 

• Proficiency in data cleaning, normalization, and validation for maintaining high data quality.

• Strong experience in data science and machine learning, with proficiency in libraries such as Scikit-learn, TensorFlow, or PyTorch.

• Exposure to Azure Cognitive Services, offering a competitive edge in leveraging AI and machine learning capabilities.

• Practical experience with cloud platforms, particularly Microsoft Azure, and a solid grasp of cloud services and infrastructure.

• Proficient in DevOps practices, with experience using tools like Azure DevOps for continuous integration and delivery.

• Comfortable working in a Linux environment, demonstrating versatility across operating systems. 

• Knowledge of cloud deployment technologies, such as Open Container Initiative (OCI) container packaging and runtime, to facilitate efficient deployment and scaling of applications.

• Familiarity with real-time data streaming platforms such as Real-time distributed event streaming platform.

• Understanding of containerization and orchestration technologies like Open Container Initiative (OCI) container packaging and runtime and Cloud-Native distributed containerized microservice orchestration. 

• Strong command of data governance and security practices.

• Experience building intuitive and responsive user interfaces using modern frontend technologies such as Streamlit, Dash, Panel, Flask etc. 

Good to have: 

• Experience working with Azure Document Intelligence (ADI) for data processing. 

• Experience with GPT APIs, such as Chat Completion. 

• Familiarity with other programming languages such as C# or Java, adding a valuable dimension to the candidate’s technical toolkit. 

• Validated experience in software development and the ability to autonomously understand an existing codebase.

• Curiosity about the functional aspects of the product, with a base knowledge of the finance industry being highly appreciated.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with a proactive approach and the ability to balance multiple projects simultaneously.

• Proficient in English, both written and spoken.

• Exposure with data visualization tools like Matplotlib, Power BI, or Tableau.

Qualifications: 

• For candidates in India: B.E., B.TECH., MCA, or any other relevant engineering degree from a reputed university.

• A minimum of 5 years of proven experience in the field.