Senior Technical Program Manager

Optiver • Chicago, IL

30d

About The Position

As a Senior Technical Program Manager - Infrastructure, you'll help scale and evolve the systems that form the backbone of Optiver's competitive advantage. Optiver's infrastructure is optimized for speed, reliability, and scale. You'll partner with world-class engineers to deliver large-scale infrastructure programs - spanning data centers, hardware, and global network connectivity - ensuring we continue to operate at the cutting edge of performance. This role demands both technical depth and execution excellence, as you'll lead programs that enable growth while maintaining the uncompromising standards of quality and reliability that underpin every trade. In Optiver's fast-paced environment, you will work alongside engineers and leaders to deliver multiple projects that support the firm's strategic growth and take Optiver to the next level.

Requirements

• Highly self-motivated and thrive in environments with minimal oversight. You take full ownership, show initiative, manage your own priorities effectively and keep momentum even when direction isn't fully defined
• Hold a degree in computer science, electrical engineering, or a related STEM field.
• Have 5+ years of experience in engineering (IT infrastructure, hardware, or networks) and/or technical program management in a high-performance environment
• Strong technical understanding of data centers, compute, storage, and network systems.
• Proven success leading large-scale, complex infrastructure or hardware delivery programs.
• Excellent communicator and structured problem-solver with a bias for action.
• Motivated by building and scaling the systems that power high-performance trading.
• Hold a degree in computer science, electrical engineering or a related field
• Have 5+ years of experience with a proven track record in engineering (e.g., infrastructure or software development) and/or technical project management
• Demonstrated hands-on experience in successfully managing complex, technical and business projects through completion
• Possess strong problem-solving skills with a pragmatic approach
• Have excellent communication skills, with the ability to adapt to different audiences
• Have a keen interest in financial markets and trading

Responsibilities

• Lead delivery of global infrastructure programs - from data center expansion and hardware lifecycle management to network and platform modernization.
• Partner with engineering and operations leadership to define scope, manage dependencies, and drive execution across teams.
• Build program frameworks to track progress, manage risk, and improve delivery predictability.
• Drive continuous improvement in infrastructure planning, capacity management, and process maturity.
• Ensure alignment between infrastructure, development, and trading stakeholders to support Optiver's global growth.

Benefits

• The opportunity to work alongside best-in-class professionals from over 40 different countries
• 401(k) match up to 50% and fully paid health insurance
• 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
• Industry: Securities, Commodity Contracts, and Other Financial Investments and Related Activities
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees