Senior Principal Engineer

Role:
The Direct Advisory Suite team is seeking a Senior Principal Engineer to identify and implement high-impact technical initiatives at the intersection of AI, product development, customer satisfaction, and platform strategy. This role requires a strong technical background, exceptional problem-solving skills, and the ability to synthesize complex, ambiguous information into clear, actionable insights and POCs. The ideal candidate is a hands-on leader who thrives in an intense cross-functional setting, driving innovation and ensuring operational excellence.
Important:
This is a hybrid role that requires the successful candidate to be in the Chicago office Monday through Thursday.
Please also include a cover letter as to why you think you are the right candidate for the role. You can do so by uploading an extra document along with your resume.
Traits:

• Technical Proficiency: Have programming background and capable of quick prototyping.
• Problem Solving Skills: Can organize imperfect information and think creatively to overcome obstacles or generate actionable insights.
• Analytical Mindset: Ability to navigate complexity by reasoning through first principles.
• Getting things done: A high energy go-getter attitude thriving on execution and getting things done. High discomfort with status quo.
• Collaboration & Communication Skills: Perceptive to team dynamics and in building strong relationships to enhance teamwork and productivity.
• Comfortable with matrix org and leading by influence.

Desirable:

• Strong curiosity and understanding of latest developments in Generative AI.
• Tendency to tinker and experiment with everything.
• Good understanding and interest in Investing.
• Data analysis skills.
• Previous Client facing and/or lead experience

What this role is not :

• This role is not a project/program management role.
• This role is not a product development manager role.
• This role is not a production support role.

Responsibilities:
AI:

• Coordinate and advance the AI charter to implement AI Everywhere, in concert with the Morningstar AI Office.
• Evaluate and refine AI solutions to continuously iterate on their quality and capability.
• Motivate and track adoption of AI knowledge, tools and innovation across the business.

High Impact Customer Solutions:

• Identify and implement high impact client solutions - either working by yourself or coordinating with other team members.
• Intervene as necessary for crisis management to minimize disruption for product development teams.
• Coordinate implementation of ad-hoc tactical solutions/projects that have high Customer Impact.
• Connect dots in critical projects and provide coverage for tech leadership where it is lacking.
• Serve as a bridge between customer needs and product development, identify hidden opportunities for improved product and client experience by observing the intersection of sales, success, product and engineering.
• Ensure leadership commitments don't fall through the cracks with timely nudges and follow ups.

Facilitate Team Building, Accountability and High Performance:

• Ensure goals are aligned, communicated and followed through across teams.
• Identify and facilitate training, mentoring, and development opportunities for team members, including organizing workshops, tech talks, and learning sessions to enhance team expertise.
• Observe deviations from core strategy and recommend remedial measures.
• Refine/Monitor KPI and health dashboards to ensure teams are on track.
• Spot talent, and recommend nurturing options, providing forums for exposure and interactions with other teams.
• Facilitate team building activities to build trust and alignment.

Requirements:

• Engineering background with ten plus years of relevant experience.
• High energy individual looking to make a difference.

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

Base Salary Compensation Range
$114,600.00 - 206,280.00 USD Annual
Total Cash Compensation Range
$143,250.00 - 257,850.00 USD Annual
Morningstar's hybrid work environment gives you the opportunity to work remotely and collaborate in-person each week. While some positions are available as fully remote, we've found that we're at our best when we're purposely together on a regular basis, typically three days 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.
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