Mid-level Systems Engineer

Geneva Trading; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 100,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Performance-based bonus

Comprehensive benefits program

Job summary

A premier global trading firm is seeking a Mid-Level System Engineer to manage Linux infrastructure and automation in Chicago. This high-impact role involves provisioning high-performance environments, building Infrastructure as Code pipelines using tools like Ansible and Terraform, and ensuring system performance for their global trading platform. Candidates should possess deep Linux knowledge, scripting proficiency, and experience with server architecture. The role offers a competitive salary and bonus structure.

Qualifications

• Deep knowledge of the Linux kernel, system internals, and performance profiling tools.
• Strong proficiency in Python or Bash for building tools and automating workflows.
• Experience with modern server hardware, including CPU pinning, NUMA, and PCIe optimization.

Responsibilities

• Provision, configure, and maintain high-performance Linux environments.
• Build and maintain Infrastructure as Code (IaC) pipelines using tools like Ansible or Terraform.
• Collaborate with the Network Engineering team to manage low-latency trading paths.

Skills

Advanced Linux

Python

Bash

Crisis Composure

Server Architecture

Tools

Ansible

Terraform

Prometheus

Grafana

Telegraf

Job description

Founded in 1999, Geneva Trading is a premier global principal trading firm with strategically located offices in Chicago, Dublin, and London. Our relentless focus on trading excellence combined with technological innovation has equipped us with a best-in-class proprietary trading platform, enabling us to compete at the highest levels in the global markets. Rooted in a culture of integrity, collaboration, and an unwavering passion for progress, we foster an environment of personal and professional excellence. Our nimble organizational structure and entrepreneurial spirit attract top-tier talent with a passion for innovation, laying the foundation and driving our consistent success in the industry.

Geneva Trading is seeking a Mid-Level System Engineer to join our Core Infrastructure team in Chicago. This is a high-impact role where you will manage the intersection of elite hardware, Linux optimization, and low-latency networking. You will be responsible for ensuring our global trading platform remains performant, resilient, and highly automated.

Key Responsibilities

• Linux Infrastructure: Provision, configure, and maintain high-performance Red Hat/CentOS/Ubuntu environments.
• Automation & Orchestration: Build and maintain Infrastructure as Code (IaC) pipelines using Ansible, Terraform, or SaltStack.
• System Tuning: Fine‑tune BIOS, kernel settings, and NICs (Solarflare/Mellanox) to squeeze every microsecond out of the stack.
• Network Integration: Collaborate with the Network Engineering team to manage high‑bandwidth, low‑latency trading paths.
• Monitoring: Proactively monitor system health and latency metrics using Prometheus, Grafana, or Telegraf.
• Hardware Lifecycle: Manage the deployment and troubleshooting of enterprise‑grade bare‑metal servers (Dell, HP, Supermicro).

Soft Skills & Communication

• Crisis Composure: Ability to remain calm and focused during high‑volatility market events or system outages.
• Trader Interaction: Translate complex technical issues into concise updates for non‑technical stakeholders (Traders and Quants) in real‑time.
• Collaboration: A proactive communicator who documents "post‑mortems" and shares knowledge across the engineering team to prevent recurring issues.

Required Skills & Qualifications

• Advanced Linux: Deep knowledge of the Linux kernel, system internals, and performance profiling tools.
• Scripting: Strong proficiency in Python or Bash for building tools and automating workflows.
• Server Architecture: Experience with modern server hardware, including CPU pinning, NUMA, and PCIe optimization.

Preferred Qualifications

• Certifications: CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Associate) or equivalent networking knowledge.
• HFT Experience: Previous experience in a high‑frequency trading or high‑growth fintech environment.
• Low‑Latency Tech: Exposure to kernel bypass (Onload), PTP (Precision Time Protocol), or FPGA integration.

Compensation

Base Salary Range: $100,000 - $150,000, plus eligibility for a performance‑based bonus.

Final compensation will be determined based on the candidate’s skills, experience, education, and qualifications. In addition to base salary, Geneva Trading offers a competitive total rewards package, including a comprehensive benefits program.

Application expected to close: 6/01/2026

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.