Senior Software Engineer - Research Platform

Optiver • Chicago, IL

8d

About The Position

The Optiver Research Platform (ORP) is a vertically integrated platform team that manages both high-performance compute infrastructure and the software platform layered on top. ORP enables Optiver’s global research teams to define and execute large-scale computational problems such as simulations and model training through streamlined orchestration of complex workflows. By owning the full stack, from datacenter hardware to distributed research tooling, ORP provides the fastest possible turnaround time for experiments and continually expands Optiver’s ability to generate insights from the markets we operate in. What you’ll do: Expand the Optiver Research Platform’s capabilities by building features and improving performance across service orchestration, job scheduling, cluster management, big-data processing, and other core services that business teams directly interface with. Build and evolve a fully managed compute & data platform layer for improved scale & reliability in Python & Rust. Explore cutting-edge technologies and integrate them into Optiver’s research workflows to enhance performance and allow deriving better insights. Collaborate globally with Optiver business teams including traders, researchers, and engineers to push their understanding of the market to new heights. What you’ll get: You’ll join a culture of collaboration and excellence, surrounded by curious thinkers and creative problem-solvers. Motivated by a passion for continuous improvement, you’ll thrive in a supportive, high-performing environment alongside talented colleagues, collectively tackling some of the toughest challenges in the financial markets. In addition, you’ll receive: 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 Who you are: Experience leading large-scale engineering projects Strong engineering instincts and a deep understanding of computer science fundamentals Experience in distributed systems Expertise in Python is required; experience with C, C++, or Rust is a plus Experience working with GPUs and the CUDA ecosystem is a plus Ability to tackle complex technical problems at the intersection of infrastructure and research enablement Commitment to continuous learning and improvement in a rapidly evolving environment Excellent communication and collaboration skills for working with global researchers and engineers Readiness to set technical direction, promote engineering principles, and do the right thing Who we are: Optiver is a global market maker driven by technology. Our mission is to improve the market by injecting liquidity, providing accurate pricing, increasing transparency and stabilizing the market no matter the conditions. With a focus on continuous improvement, we prioritize safeguarding the health and efficiency of the markets for all participants. As one of the largest market making institutions, we are a respected partner on 100+ exchanges across the globe. Applicants may submit up to three application per calendar year across all open roles. Our differences are our edge. Optiver does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, physical or mental disability, or other legally protected characteristics.

Requirements

• Experience leading large-scale engineering projects
• Strong engineering instincts and a deep understanding of computer science fundamentals
• Experience in distributed systems
• Expertise in Python is required
• Ability to tackle complex technical problems at the intersection of infrastructure and research enablement
• Commitment to continuous learning and improvement in a rapidly evolving environment
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills for working with global researchers and engineers
• Readiness to set technical direction, promote engineering principles, and do the right thing

Nice To Haves

• Experience with C, C++, or Rust is a plus
• Experience working with GPUs and the CUDA ecosystem is a plus

Responsibilities

• Expand the Optiver Research Platform’s capabilities by building features and improving performance across service orchestration, job scheduling, cluster management, big-data processing, and other core services that business teams directly interface with.
• Build and evolve a fully managed compute & data platform layer for improved scale & reliability in Python & Rust.
• Explore cutting-edge technologies and integrate them into Optiver’s research workflows to enhance performance and allow deriving better insights.
• Collaborate globally with Optiver business teams including traders, researchers, and engineers to push their understanding of the market to new heights.

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
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees