Associate Software Engineer (Central Tech AI) - Partner Link
Morningstar
About the role
The Group:
Technology drives our business. Our team is made up of talented software engineers, infrastructure engineers, data scientists, product leaders, and UX professionals. We care deeply about technology as a craft and a competitive differentiator.
The Central Technology AI team sits at the heart of Morningstar’s technology organization, partnering across the firm to enable responsible, scalable, and innovative uses of artificial intelligence. We build and support AI-powered tools, platforms, and solutions that enhance how Morningstar teams work with data, insights, and products.
The Morningstar Development Program (MDP) is a full-time opportunity designed to launch high-potential early career technologists into impactful, long-term careers at Morningstar. Participants gain hands-on experience through meaningful projects, mentorship from experienced leaders, and exposure to Morningstar’s products, data, and technology ecosystem.
The Role:
The Morningstar Development Program – Central Technology AI is accepting applicants graduating in 2026. Successful candidates will join the Central Technology AI team and be given meaningful, hands-on work aligned to their technical background and interests.
MDP associates are expected to take ownership of their work, collaborate across teams, and communicate effectively with both technical and non-technical partners. You will receive structured mentorship, regular feedback, and professional development opportunities throughout the program.
All positions are based in our Chicago office, working 4 days a week.
Responsibilities
Contribute as a member of an Agile technology team, helping to solve business problems through research, analysis, and hands-on development.
Design, build, and enhance AI-enabled solutions, leveraging modern AI tools, frameworks, and programming languages such as Python.
Collaborate with engineers, data scientists, and business partners to translate ideas and requirements into practical, scalable solutions.
Participate in individual and team-based projects, presenting findings and outcomes to stakeholders and senior leaders.
Engage in training and development sessions across Morningstar to build a strong foundation for a long-term career in technology and AI.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience using AI tools, platforms, or frameworks (e.g., generative AI tools, machine learning libraries, or AI-assisted development workflows).
Strong coding skills: experience with additional languages or data tools is a plus.
Demonstrated ability to work independently as a self-starter, taking initiative and ownership of projects.
Excellent communication skills, with the ability to explain technical concepts to diverse audiences.
Strong critical thinking and creative problem-solving abilities.
Ability to adapt quickly and thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
Requirements
Currently enrolled in and graduating by June 2026 or have completed degree program, preferably in Computer Science, Engineering, Data Science, or a related field.
A resume is required to apply.
Please be sure to 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.
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
100% 401k match up to 6% of salary
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 Leave
Adoption Assistance
Leadership Coaching & Formal Mentorship Opportunities
Annual Flex Stipend - $1000 annually to cover personal education & well-being expenses
Tuition Reimbursement
Social Health
Charitable Matching Gifts program
Dollars for Doers volunteer program
Paid volunteering days
15+ Employee Resource & Affinity Groups
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.
Responsibilities
- Contribute to an Agile technology team through research, analysis, and hands-on development.
- Design, build, and enhance AI-enabled solutions using tools, frameworks, and languages such as Python.
- Collaborate with engineers, data scientists, and business partners to create practical, scalable solutions.
- Work on individual and team projects and present outcomes to stakeholders and senior leaders.
- Participate in training and development to build a foundation for a technology and AI career.
Qualifications
- Currently enrolled and graduating by June 2026, or have completed a degree program, preferably in computer science, engineering, data science, or a related field.
- Experience with AI tools, platforms, or frameworks is preferred.
- Strong coding skills; additional programming languages or data tools are a plus.
- Ability to work independently, take initiative, and own projects.
- Strong communication, critical thinking, and creative problem-solving skills.
- Ability to adapt quickly in a collaborative, fast-paced environment.
Benefits
- 100% 401(k) match up to 6% of salary
- Stock ownership potential
- Health, dental, and vision coverage, HSA contributions, and wellness incentives
- Company-provided life and disability insurance
- Trust-based time off, paid sabbatical, family caregiving leave, and paid parental leave
- Adoption assistance, leadership coaching, and formal mentorship
- $1,000 annual flex stipend and tuition reimbursement
- Charitable matching, volunteer programs, paid volunteering days, and employee resource groups
Skills mentioned
About Morningstar
Morningstar, Inc. is a leading provider of independent investment insights in North America, Europe, Australia, and Asia. The Company offers an extensive line of products and services for individual investors, financial advisors, asset managers and owners, retirement plan providers and sponsors, institutional investors in the debt and private capital markets, and alliances and redistributors. Morningstar provides data and research insights on a wide range of investment offerings, including managed investment products, publicly listed companies, private capital markets, debt securities, and real-time global market data. Morningstar also offers investment management services through its investment advisory subsidiaries, with approximately $369 billion in AUMA as of Sept. 30, 2025. The Company operates through wholly-owned subsidiaries in 32 countries.
H-1B sponsorship history
Historical employer filing data was found for Morningstar. The employer record includes 289 historical certified applications. This is employer-level history, not a guarantee that this role currently offers sponsorship.