Sr. Software Engineer I, Evaluation Services

What you'll do:

We are seeking a Sr. Software Engineer to join our Evaluation Services team. Our Evaluation Services business powers funded trader programs that give aspiring traders a pathway to professional trading capital. In this role, you will serve as a trusted technical advisor to our partners, working closely with Technical Account Managers and partner engineering teams to drive successful integrations. You will be the go-to expert for complex API challenges, setting the quality bar for technical support while thriving in a fast-paced environment where no two days look the same.

In this role you will:

Serve as the senior technical point of contact for partners integrating with NinjaTrader APIs, providing expert guidance on authentication, endpoints, data models, and architectural best practices
Partner directly with external engineering teams to debug complex integration issues, conduct code reviews of their implementations, and accelerate time-to-production
Collaborate closely with Technical Account Managers to deliver a seamless partner experience, translating business requirements into technical solutions and providing real-time support during critical integration milestones
Diagnose and resolve complex API issues spanning WebSocket connections, REST endpoints, and real-time data feeds, often under time pressure with high-value partners
Own the quality standard for API support, establishing best practices for troubleshooting, documentation, and partner communication that the broader team can follow
Build and enhance internal tools, scripts, and diagnostic utilities that improve support efficiency and enable faster issue resolution
Drive continuous platform improvement by synthesizing partner feedback into actionable recommendations for Product and Engineering, influencing the API roadmap
Mentor junior team members on technical troubleshooting, partner communication, and maintaining composure in high-stakes situations
Develop deep expertise in NinjaTrader's evaluation platform, trading systems, and API architecture to provide authoritative technical leadership
What you'll need:

5+ years of software engineering experience, with deep hands-on expertise in API development, system integrations, and building or supporting partner-facing platforms
Proven track record of working alongside Technical Account Managers and cross-functional teams to deliver successful partner outcomes in a fast-paced environment
Strong proficiency with REST APIs, WebSockets, JSON, OAuth, and API debugging tools (Postman, curl, browser developer tools, network analyzers)
Hands-on experience with TypeScript/JavaScript, Python, or similar languages for scripting, debugging, and building reference implementations
Demonstrated ability to work directly with partner engineering teams by reviewing code, pair debugging, and guiding architectural decisions
Excellent troubleshooting skills with the ability to analyze logs, trace API calls, and isolate issues across distributed systems under pressure
High quality standards with attention to detail in documentation, communication, and technical deliverables
Ability to think on your feet and adapt quickly when priorities shift or unexpected issues arise
Outstanding written and verbal communication skills with the ability to translate complex technical concepts for both technical and non-technical audiences
Self-starter who thrives in ambiguity and can manage multiple high-priority partner engagements simultaneously
Bonus points for:

Experience with trading platforms, fintech, or capital markets technology
Familiarity with React, Node.js, or full-stack TypeScript development
Background in developer experience (DevEx), developer advocacy, or technical evangelism
Experience with API documentation tools (Swagger/OpenAPI, ReadMe, or similar)
Prior experience supporting enterprise or B2B partner integrations
Passion for futures, derivatives, and trading technologies
Compensation:

The salary range for this role will be $125,000.00 - $175,000.00 USD. In addition, this position will also receive an annual target bonus of 12%. Bonus pay at NinjaTrader is based on individual performance (50%) as well as company/team performance (50%).

Salary and bonus earnings are only two components of the total compensation package offered by NinjaTrader. NinjaTrader offers a 401K plan through ADP under which the company will match up to 3.5% of employee contributions. Annual paid time off allowance accrues at a rate of 18 days per year (some positions may qualify for more) plus seven paid holidays.

Location:

This role is based in Chicago, IL.* We follow a hybrid work schedule: In-office Tuesday through Thursday, with remote work on Mondays and Fridays. In addition to these weekly remote days, we offer:

20 additional flex remote days annually

5 Company Wide Office-Optional weeks tied to major holidays

Skills Required
5+ years of software engineering experience with API development, system integrations, and partner-facing platforms
Proven experience working alongside Technical Account Managers and cross-functional teams to deliver partner outcomes
Strong proficiency with REST APIs, WebSockets, JSON, and OAuth
Experience with API debugging tools (Postman, curl, browser developer tools, network analyzers)
Hands-on experience with TypeScript, JavaScript, Python, or similar languages for scripting and reference implementations
Ability to review partner code, perform pair debugging, and guide architectural decisions
Excellent troubleshooting skills: analyze logs, trace API calls, and isolate issues across distributed systems under pressure
Outstanding written and verbal communication skills to translate complex technical concepts for technical and non-technical audiences
Self-starter able to manage multiple high-priority partner engagements and adapt quickly to shifting priorities
Mentor junior team members on technical troubleshooting and partner communication
High quality standards with attention to documentation and technical deliverables