Senior Software Engineer

**FIS (Fintech Startup Division)

• Senior Software Engineer Role: Comprehensive Guide for Early-Career Applicants**

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Company Intelligence

• History, Size, and Industry Position
• FIS (Fidelity National Information Services) is a global leader in financial technology, founded in 1968 and headquartered in Jacksonville, Florida.
• The company employs over 60,000 people worldwide and serves between 5,800 to 20,000 clients, making it one of the largest fintech providers globally.
• FIS operates across three main segments: Banking Solutions (core banking platforms), Capital Market Solutions, and Corporate/Other.
• Recent News & Strategic Direction
• In September 2025, FIS introduced a new “Bank Modernization Framework” to help banks modernize both back-end processing and front-end systems—reflecting its commitment to digital transformation amid rising IT costs and increased AI compliance requirements.
• After divesting Worldpay in January 2024, FIS sharpened its focus on core banking solutions.
• Company Culture & Work Environment
• As a large fintech with startup divisions (such as the NYC-based team), expect a blend of corporate stability with pockets of agile innovation.
• The environment emphasizes collaboration, continuous learning, diversity, and inclusion.
• Values & Mission
• FIS’s mission centers on enabling businesses to thrive by advancing commerce through innovative technology.
• Office Locations & Hybrid/Remote Policies
• Global headquarters: Jacksonville, FL; major offices include New York City for fintech/startup teams.
• Hybrid work is common for tech roles; some teams offer remote flexibility depending on project needs.

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Program Deep Dive > Note: This role is titled "Senior Software Engineer," which typically targets experienced professionals. However, some startup divisions at large companies hire high-potential recent graduates or early-career engineers into accelerated tracks. If you are an ambitious young professional with strong technical skills or relevant internships/co-op experience—especially from top schools—you may be considered.

Structure & Timeline

• Not structured as a traditional internship or graduate program; instead:
• Direct placement into engineering teams within the Fintech Startup Division.
• Onboarding includes intensive training on company tech stack/tools during your first weeks.
• Ongoing mentorship from senior engineers/managers throughout your first year.

Skills & Competencies Sought

• Strong proficiency in at least one backend language (Java, Python preferred).
• Experience with cloud platforms (AWS, Azure).
• Familiarity with microservices architecture.
• Understanding of secure coding practices (critical for fintech).
• Collaborative mindset; ability to work cross-functionally.

Daily Responsibilities/Learning Opportunities

• Designing/building scalable software systems powering next-gen financial products.
• Writing clean code; participating in code reviews.
• Collaborating closely with product managers/designers/startup founders within the division.

Mentorship/Training

• Assigned mentor (“buddy”) during onboarding phase—often another engineer who joined recently but has ramped up successfully.
• Regular check-ins with team leads/managers focused on career development goals.

Career Progression Paths | Entry Level | Next Steps | Long-Term Growth | |---------------------|---------------------------|-----------------------------------| | Software Engineer I | Senior Software Engineer* | Lead Engineer / Architect / PM | *This posting is already at "Senior" level. For new grads hired here: rapid promotion possible if you excel. Many alumni move into leadership roles or transfer internally after ~2 years.

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Application Success Guide

Application Requirements & Deadlines

• Bachelor’s degree (CS/Engineering strongly preferred); Master’s welcome but not required if experience compensates.
• Resume + cover letter tailored to fintech/software innovation projects you’ve done—even academic ones!
• Rolling applications until filled; apply ASAP due to competitive demand.

Step-by-Step Process

1. Online application via BuiltInNYC portal (resume + optional cover letter).
2. Recruiter phone screen focusing on motivation/culture fit + basic technical background check.
3. Technical assessment:

• Coding challenge via HackerRank/CoderPad OR take-home assignment (~2 hours).

4. Virtual/on-site interviews:

• System design interview(s)
• Behavioral interview(s) focused on teamwork/problem-solving under pressure
• Sometimes live coding/pair programming session

5. Final round may include meeting future teammates/founders from startup division before offer decision.

Common Interview Questions Technical:

• How would you design a scalable payments API?
• Explain how microservices communicate securely within cloud infrastructure?
• Walk me through debugging an intermittent production issue involving multiple services? Behavioral:
• Tell us about a time you had conflicting priorities—how did you resolve them?
• Describe your most challenging group project/internship experience. Assessment Centers/Case Studies Used?
• Not typical for US-based software engineering roles at this level—but expect system design whiteboard sessions simulating real-world problems faced by their startup clients. What Makes Standout Candidates?
• Demonstrated passion for building things outside coursework (side projects/hackathons/open source contributions)
• Clear understanding of security/compliance challenges unique to finance/payments sector

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Insider Tips Interview Tips / What They Value Most

• Show curiosity about both technology AND business impact (“How does my code affect end-users?”)
• Communicate tradeoffs clearly when discussing system design decisions—not just “what,” but “why.” Technical vs Soft Skills Priorities
• Technical depth gets you past initial screens—but communication skills set apart those who get offers versus those who don’t. Industry Knowledge You Should Demonstrate
• Awareness of trends like open banking/APIs/regulatory tech (RegTech)/AI-driven fraud detection Questions To Ask Interviewers
• How does this division balance speed/agility typical of startups against risk controls needed by big banks?
• What are examples where junior engineers have driven meaningful change here?
• What tools/processes do teams use for continuous learning/sharing knowledge? Red Flags To Avoid
• Overstating experience (“expert” claims without evidence). Be honest about what you've built/done yourself!
• Lack of questions about security/compliance—a must-have concern in any fintech context.

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Practical Information Salary/Stipend Range: For NYC-based senior software engineering roles at major fintechs/startups: typically $140K-$180K base salary plus annual bonus/equity potential depending on performance and funding stage.[industry benchmarks] For early-career hires placed directly into these tracks ("new grad fast track"), expect starting salaries around $110K-$130K base plus signing bonus/equity grants if applicable.[industry benchmarks] Benefits Package Details: Comprehensive health/dental/vision insurance 401(k) match Generous PTO policy (~20 days/year minimum) Professional development budget/conference sponsorships Hybrid work model standard post-pandemic—with flexible remote options depending on team/project needs Start Dates & Duration: Rolling start dates throughout year based on business need/team capacity—not fixed like summer internships Networking Opportunities / Alumni Connections: Access internal ERGs (employee resource groups), regular hackathons/company-wide demo days Strong alumni network spanning both legacy finance firms AND high-growth startups

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If you're an ambitious young professional ready for steep learning curves—and can demonstrate genuine interest plus foundational skills—you can break into even senior-track opportunities like this when applying strategically!