Software Engineer

Optiver is looking for a Software Engineer to join our Global Data Engineering team, responsible for building the global data platform that our data-driven quantitative research system relies on. Our engineers are responsible for understanding the data requirements for cutting edge machine learning models and for building a platform that will meet those requirements at scale. This requires both low level technical skills to build high-throughput data applications and high level data modelling skills to understand and validate highly complex datasets. Having a world-class global data platform and pristine datasets are integral to Optiver’s current and future success.

Who we are:

Optiver is a tech-driven trading firm and leading global market maker. As one of the oldest market making institutions, we are a trusted partner of 70+ exchanges across the globe. Our mission is to constantly improve the market by injecting liquidity, providing accurate pricing, increasing transparency and acting as a stabilising force no matter the market conditions. With a focus on continuous improvement, we participate in the safeguarding of healthy and efficient markets for everyone who participates.

As one of the world’s major financial centres, London was selected as the home of Optiver’s FX trading business, our UK-focused Institutional Trading Team and rapidly growing commodities trading arm. Optiver UK is located in a city that bridges European, Asian and American time zones, connecting our regional offices and embracing a truly global mind-set. London is one of the most diverse cities in the world, and is home to some of the best museums, a thriving international restaurant scene and bustling high streets that attract people from all over the globe.

What you’ll do:

• Write and optimise high-performance code in C/C++ and Python, designed to handle large data volumes with low latency and high throughput. You’ll be responsible for ensuring this code continues to perform well under ever-increasing data loads. 
• Design, implement and monitor ETL pipelines that ingest, process and validate complex datasets. This involves ensuring data integrity, accuracy and availability, as well as managing automated data validation systems. 
• Improve and expand existing data infrastructure, ensuring it scales to meet the growing and evolving needs of Optiver’s research teams. This includes troubleshooting performance bottlenecks in both software and hardware, addressing shortcomings in data models and frameworks, and automating the resolution of data quality issues.
• Collaborate with quantitative researches, engineers, and traders to understand specific data requirements for new and ongoing projects. You’ll design and build systems that can meet those requirements at scale over time. 

Who you are:

• Strong engineering instincts and a deep understanding of computer science fundamentals;
• Experience writing software in C/C++ and Python, with a proven ability to deliver scalable, reliable, high-quality code;
• Ability to distil complex problems in to simple and pragmatic solutions;
• Able to operate autonomously as well as collaborate with Traders, Researchers, other technical teams and business operations counterparts to deliver on complex business initiatives;
• Experience with performance critical distributed systems;
• Experience building high throughput data systems and associated data platforms would be beneficial but not required.

What you’ll get:

At Optiver UK, you will be part of a well-established and high-performing global firm whilst experiencing the excitement that comes from a growing operation. As our London operations grow, the opportunity to make a global impact and take your career to a new level expands with it. We offer a supportive environment for you to perform at your best. Some of our key benefits include:

• Competitive remuneration;
• 27 paid vacation days (plus UK public holidays);
• Daily onsite breakfast and lunch;
• Paid commuting expenses (home to office);
• 50% paid gym subscription;
• Private medical insurance;
• Pension scheme;
• Training, conference attendance and continuous learning opportunities;
• International transfer opportunities.

How to apply:

Apply directly via the form below and please provide us with a CV and letter of motivation in English. Should there be a potential match, a member of our team will reach out sooner rather than later. If you have any additional questions, please feel free to reach out to [email protected].

When applying for a role with Optiver UK Limited, the recruitment process is run via our Optiver global recruitment team. The personal data you will submit as part of the recruitment process may be processed in the UK, US and the Netherlands. By continuing with your application you hereby consent to your personal data being processed in these locations. More information on how Optiver processes your personal data can be found in our Privacy Policy.

As an intentionally flat organisation, we believe that great ideas and impact can come from everyone. We are passionate about empowering individuals and creating diverse teams that thrive. Every person at Optiver should feel included, valued and respected, because we believe our best work is done together.

Our commitment to diversity and inclusion is hardwired through every stage of our hiring process. We encourage applications from candidates from any and all backgrounds, and we welcome requests for reasonable adjustments during the process to ensure that you can best demonstrate your abilities.