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

• Social Health
  • Charitable Matching Gifts program
  • Dollars for Doers volunteer program
  • Paid volunteering days
  • 15+ Employee Resource & Affinity Groups

Total Cash Compensation Range
$70,825.00 - 120,425.00 USD Annual
Inclusive of annual base salary and target incentive
If you receive and accept an offer from us, we require that personal and any related investments be disclosed confidentiality to our Compliance team (days vary by region). These investments will be reviewed to ensure they meet Code of Ethics requirements. If any conflicts of interest are identified, then you will be required to liquidate those holdings immediately. In addition, dependent on your department and location of work certain employee accounts must be held with an approved broker (for example all, U.S. employee accounts). If this applies and your account(s) are not with an approved broker, you will be required to move your holdings to an approved broker.
Morningstar's hybrid work environment gives you the opportunity to collaborate in-person each week as we've found that we're at our best when we're purposely together on a regular basis. In most of our locations, our hybrid work model is four days in-office each week. A range of other benefits are also available to enhance flexibility as needs change. No matter where you are, you'll have tools and resources to engage meaningfully with your global colleagues.
100_MstarResCanad Morningstar Research, Inc. (Canada) Legal Entity