Senior Software Engineer, Automated Trading

Optiver • Chicago, IL

22h

About The Position

The Automated Trading Systems (ATS) team designs and builds systematic and semi-systematic trading strategies that convert pricing and risk into real-time execution on exchange. Our systems operate across extreme scales—from nanosecond-sensitive, collocated infrastructure to large-scale simulation platforms processing terabytes of data daily with deterministic precision. Engineers work side-by-side with traders and researchers in a tight feedback loop, where ideas move rapidly from research to production. You’ll own problems end-to-end, with the autonomy to drive improvements and direct visibility into trading outcomes. At Optiver we pride ourselves on being real engineers, not just coders. Our engineers work closely with traders to identify the business problems we face and determine how they should be solved. We apply a disciplined and scientific approach. We engineer simple, well-architected solutions that meet the dynamic needs of our traders. Our passion is to solve problems which really matter to the business, and we take pride in the quality of our solutions.

Requirements

• Experience leading complex, large-scale engineering projects
• Strong computer science fundamentals and sound engineering judgment
• Proficiency in systems-level or performance-oriented programming (e.g., C, C++, Python, Linux)
• Ability to balance innovative thinking with practical execution
• A mindset of continuous improvement in a fast-paced environment
• Willingness to set technical direction, uphold engineering standards, and take ownership of outcomes

Responsibilities

• Drive improvements to our options trading systems through hands-on engineering and cross-functional collaboration
• Trading algorithms
• Backtesting and research infrastructure
• Market data and execution systems
• Partner closely with traders and researchers to iterate on and deploy strategies
• Lead and contribute to large-scale, performance-critical projects
• Mentor and develop junior engineers
• Influence technical direction and contribute to strategic decisions shaping the business

Benefits

• The opportunity to work alongside best-in-class professionals from over 40 different countries
• A highly competitive compensation package
• Global profit-sharing pool and performance-based bonus structure
• 401(k) match up to 50%
• Comprehensive health, mental, dental, vision, disability, and life coverage
• 25 paid vacation days alongside market holidays
• Extensive office perks, including breakfast, lunch and snacks, regular social events, clubs, sporting leagues and more

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: No Education Listed