We’re looking for an Optical Transceiver Engineer in Austin, TX to help with the design and manufacturing of the custom transceivers used in our trading systems.

In trading, nearly all communication uses fiber optics. For our logic to interact with other systems, the optical signal needs to be converted to an electrical signal and back - which is commonly done with off the shelf components such as SFPs. We want to take that to the next level and are looking for an engineer who can take on the challenge to build bespoke variants for out systems.

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 stabilizing 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.

Based in ‘The Domain’ neighborhood, Optiver’s Austin office serves as the firm’s innovation nucleus, with a strong focus on quantitative research, software, and hardware engineering initiatives. With tech innovation an integral part of our core business, the booming city proved an ideal backdrop for our heavy investment into systems, infrastructure, machine learning, big data and computing R&D efforts. What’s more, with world-class music, food and art scenes, as well as countless scenic outdoor activities, the quality of life for Austin Optiverians is second to none.

What you’ll do

As an Optical Transceiver Engineer, you are responsible for the conversion between photons and electrons. In trading this is commonly 10.3gpbs at 1310nm over single mode fiber, but we expect data rates to increase in the future which will complicate things considerably. Beyond transceivers, we have interesting challenges in the optical domain in which your knowledge of optical communication can be a big help.

One day you’ll be working on an optical transceiver design, the next day you are negotiating with suppliers to have the right components made and the day after you might be in the field to analyze and debug some real world communication challenges we are facing.

Who you are:

• You have experience building transceivers, and are capable of getting them built.
• You are knowledgeable on all aspects of ROSAs and TOSAs and their (optical) assemblies.
• Familiarity with different vendors that make the (optical) sub-assemblies.
• Knowledgeable about the theoretical underpinnings of optical communication systems.
• Experience with CAD design, enabling you to design parts, enclosures and mockups. We’re using Fusion 360 but are open to all tools.

Nice to haves:

• Electrical Engineering experience, ideally you are knowledgeable on driving of the used lasers and the interpretation of the received photons.
• Experience developing passive and active custom components (FBT, PLC, PIC)
• 3D printing/manufacturing experience

What you’ll get:

• Work alongside best-in-class professionals from over 40 different countries.
• Performance based bonus structure that is unmatched anywhere in the industry. We combine our profits across desks, teams and offices into a global profit pool fostering a truly collaborative environment to work in.
• Ownership over initiatives that directly solve business problems.

Alongside this you will get great other benefits such as 25 paid vacation days and market holidays, fully paid health insurance, daily breakfast and lunch, training opportunities, 401(k) match up to 50% and charitable match opportunities, regular social events, and many more.