Morningstar Development Program (MDP): Associate Software Engineer (Central Tech AI)

Description

The company's technology group includes software engineers, infrastructure engineers, data scientists, product leaders and UX professionals, and treats technology as both a craft and a competitive edge.

The Central Technology AI team works across the firm to bring artificial intelligence into the company in responsible, scalable and inventive ways. It builds and supports AI-powered tools, platforms and solutions that help the company teams work with data, insights and products.

The company Development Program (MDP) is a full-time program that helps early-career technologists move into long-term careers at the company. Participants work on real projects, get mentoring from experienced leaders and learn the firm's products, data and technology landscape.

Responsibilities

• Join the Central Technology AI team for the program, which is open to candidates graduating in 2026, and work on hands-on tasks matched to your technical background and interests.
• Take ownership of your work, collaborate across teams and explain your ideas clearly to both technical and non-technical colleagues.
• Work as part of an Agile team, using research, analysis and hands-on development to solve business problems.
• Build, improve and extend AI-enabled solutions using current AI tools, frameworks and languages such as Python.
• Work with engineers, data scientists and business partners to turn ideas and requirements into practical, scalable solutions.
• Take part in individual and team projects, presenting your findings and results to stakeholders and senior leaders.
• Attend training and development sessions across the company to build a base for a long-term career in technology and AI.
• You will receive structured mentorship, regular feedback and development opportunities throughout the program.
• Preferred Qualifications
• Experience with AI tools, platforms or frameworks, such as generative AI tools, machine learning libraries or AI-assisted development workflows (preferred).
• Strong coding skills; experience with other languages or data tools is a plus.
• Proven ability to work independently, take initiative and own projects (preferred).
• Clear communication skills, with the ability to explain technical concepts to varied audiences (preferred).
• Strong critical thinking and creative problem solving (preferred).
• Ability to adapt quickly and work well in a fast-moving, collaborative setting (preferred).

Requirements

• Currently enrolled and graduating by June 2026, or have completed a degree program, preferably in Computer Science, Engineering, Data Science or a related field.
• A resume is required to apply.
• Include the word "Resume" in the file name of your resume.
• The start date for this role is January 11, 2027.
• The base salary for this role is $92,143.
• This role will be posted until November 9, 2026.

Conditions

All positions are based in the Chicago office, working 4 days a week.

Hybrid model: in most locations, you will be in the office four days each week to collaborate in person, with other flexibility options available.

Wellness support covers financial, physical, emotional and social health, including a 401k match of 100% up to 6% of salary.

Stock ownership potential is available.

Company-provided life, long-term disability and short-term disability insurance.

Comprehensive medical, dental and vision health benefits, with potential premium discounts and company HSA contributions of up to $500-$2,000 annually for specific plans and coverages.

Additional medical wellness incentives of up to $300-$600 annually.

Trust-based time off, a 6-week paid sabbatical program, 6-week paid family caregiving leave and competitive 8-24 week paid parental leave.

Adoption assistance, leadership coaching and formal mentorship opportunities, and an annual flex stipend of $1000 for education and well-being expenses.

Tuition reimbursement, a charitable matching gifts program, the Dollars for Doers volunteer program and paid volunteering days.

Access to 15+ employee resource and affinity groups.

The company is an equal opportunity employer.

Benefits

• Life insurance equal to 1x salary plus commission.
• Annual flex stipend of $1000 for personal education and well-being costs.
• Tuition reimbursement and paid volunteering days through the charitable programs.