KDB Developer

Kx; Greater London; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

KX is seeking an experienced kdb+ Developer to join our Professional Services team in the United Kingdom. This hands-on role demands at least three years of kdb+/q development, solving complex data challenges, and delivering high-performance data solutions for customers.

You will design, build and optimise real-time and historical data processing, work with large datasets, and collaborate with engineering and customer teams.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years of hands-on commercial experience developing applications using kdb+ and q.
• Strong understanding of the q programming language, kdb+ data structures and query optimisation.
• Practical experience working with time-series data and real-time or large-scale data processing.
• Experience developing, debugging and optimising kdb+ applications.
• Proficiency working in Unix/Linux environments.
• Familiarity with Git, software development lifecycles and standard development practices.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to investigate and resolve complex technical issues.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with other engineers and technical teams.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, test and maintain applications and data processing solutions using kdb+ and q.
• Develop and optimise real-time and historical data processing, storage and analytical capabilities.
• Build and maintain data ingestion pipelines, queries and interfaces to other systems.
• Investigate and resolve technical issues, including performance bottlenecks, data integrity problems and application defects.
• Collaborate with KX colleagues and customer engineering teams to translate technical requirements into working solutions.
• Contribute to solution design, code reviews, testing and technical documentation.
• Follow established software development practices, including version control, testing, deployment and release management.
• Support the delivery and ongoing improvement of reliable, maintainable and secure software solutions.

Skills

kdb+ development

q language

Time-series data

Unix/Linux

Problem solving

Tools

Git

Job description

About KX

KX is a global leader in high-performance, real-time analytics and data management. Our technology enables organisations to process and analyse large volumes of time-series and other complex data at speed, supporting critical decision-making across industries including financial services, aerospace and defence, manufacturing, telecommunications and life sciences.
Our kdb+ technology is used by organisations worldwide to develop high-performance applications, manage large-scale data and deliver real-time insights.

About the Role

KX is seeking an experienced kdb+ Developer to join our Professional Services team, supporting the development and delivery of high-performance data solutions for our customers. This is a hands-on engineering role suited to someone with at least three years of practical kdb+/q development experience who enjoys solving complex technical problems, working with large datasets and building reliable, high-performance applications. You will work alongside KX engineers, technical specialists and customer teams to design, develop, optimise and maintain data-driven solutions. The role offers an opportunity to apply your kdb+ skills beyond traditional financial services applications, working on technically challenging projects where performance, reliability and security are important.

Location

Lincolnshire, United Kingdom
Candidates not already based in Lincolnshire must be willing to relocate to the region.

Essential Skills and Experience

• Minimum 3 years of hands-on commercial experience developing applications using kdb+ and q.
• Strong understanding of the q programming language, kdb+ data structures and query optimisation.
• Practical experience working with time-series data and real-time or large-scale data processing.
• Experience developing, debugging and optimising kdb+ applications.
• Proficiency working in Unix/Linux environments.
• Familiarity with Git, software development lifecycles and standard development practices.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to investigate and resolve complex technical issues.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with other engineers and technical teams.
• Clear communication skills and confidence engaging directly with customers and technical stakeholders.

Desirable Skills and Experience

• Proficiency in Python or other programming languages.
• Experience integrating kdb+ with external applications, APIs and data sources.
• Familiarity with cloud technologies such as AWS, Azure or GCP.
• Experience with containerisation, CI/CD pipelines and automated testing.
• Experience delivering software in Defence, Government, aerospace or other regulated environments.
• Understanding of secure software development practices and working within security-controlled environments.

Security Requirements

Due to the nature of the work and security requirements, this role is open to UK nationals only. Applicants must be able to evidence UK nationality and satisfy the relevant vetting requirements.
Existing security clearance is advantageous but is not a prerequisite.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, test and maintain applications and data processing solutions using kdb+ and q.
• Develop and optimise real-time and historical data processing, storage and analytical capabilities.
• Build and maintain data ingestion pipelines, queries and interfaces to other systems.
• Investigate and resolve technical issues, including performance bottlenecks, data integrity problems and application defects.
• Collaborate with KX colleagues and customer engineering teams to translate technical requirements into working solutions.
• Contribute to solution design, code reviews, testing and technical documentation.
• Follow established software development practices, including version control, testing, deployment and release management.
• Support the delivery and ongoing improvement of reliable, maintainable and secure software solutions.