Software Engineer - Reference Data

Optiver; Greater London; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Performance-based bonus

27 paid vacation days

Daily breakfast and lunch

Private medical insurance

Pension scheme

Training opportunities

Job summary

Optiver in Greater London is seeking a Data Software Engineer to enhance reference data products that support trading strategies. You will set technical direction and ensure data quality while designing critical components of the data infrastructure.

The ideal candidate will be skilled in C++, C, C#, and/or Python, possess strong engineering fundamentals, and show a pragmatic approach to data modelling. The role offers numerous benefits including a performance-based bonus and extensive vacation days.

Qualifications

• Strong engineering instincts with a deep understanding of computer science fundamentals.
• Experience writing software in C++, C, C#, and/or Python.
• Pragmatic approach to data modelling and a desire to continuously improve.

Responsibilities

• Establish vision and technical direction for reference data platform initiatives.
• Expand and harden existing reference data products.
• Design, develop, support, and maintain critical data infrastructure.

Skills

C++

C

C#

Python

Data modelling

Computer science fundamentals

Job description

Reference data is the foundation of every trading decision we make. From financial instruments and corporate actions to market calendars, counterparty data, and alternative datasets, the breadth and complexity of reference data continues to grow alongside the increasing sophistication and interconnected nature of global markets. We are looking for a Data Software Engineer to join our Global Data Engineering team to expand the coverage, quality, and robustness of our reference data products, which power low, medium, and high frequency trading strategies across the firm.

What you’ll do

• Establish vision and technical direction for major initiatives across our reference data platform
• Expand and harden existing reference data products – improving coverage across asset classes and datasets, raising data quality, and increasing operational robustness
• Design, develop, support, and maintain critical components of our data infrastructure that traders and researchers rely on every day
• Ensure new and existing programs adhere to our coding, architectural, and operational standards
• Develop a deep understanding of trading, exchanges, and the diverse data domains that underpin them
• Collaborate deeply with traders, engineers, and researchers to identify gaps, prioritise improvements, and deliver datasets that meet the bar of a top‑tier trading firm

What you’ll need

• Strong engineering instincts and a deep understanding of computer science fundamentals
• Experience writing software in C++, C, C# and/or Python
• A pragmatic approach to data modelling – able to balance correctness, completeness, and the realities of messy upstream sources
• Innovative, big‑picture thinking grounded in real‑world pragmatism
• Desire to continuously improve in a rapidly evolving environment
• Readiness to set technical direction, promote engineering principles, and do the right things

What you’ll get

• A performance‑based bonus structure, enabling all of our employees to benefit from our global profit pool.
• 27 paid vacation days plus all UK public holidays.
• Daily breakfast and lunch, along with support on commuting expenses.
• Private medical insurance, pension scheme, and ClassPass fitness membership.
• Training and continuous learning opportunities, including access to conferences and tech events.
• International transfer opportunities for global career growth.