Senior Network Engineer

IEX; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 200,000 - 225,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus eligibility

Equity

Occasional travel

Job summary

IEX is seeking a Senior Network Engineer to join its Infrastructure team in Chicago. You will design, implement, and operate high-performance, low-latency networks to support real-time trading operations, including the new Options Exchange.

The role requires expertise in microseconds-scale networking, resilience, and security in fast-changing environments. You will lead design and automation efforts using Arista, Cisco, Juniper, and Fortinet gear, collaborate with Data Center Engineers and SREs,

Qualifications

• Minimum of 10 years of networking experience, focusing on high-performance, low-latency networks.
• Strong experience with multicast and network automation platforms (Ansible, Python).
• Proven experience in financial services, ideally in High-Frequency Trading, Proprietary Trading, or Exchange environments.
• Solid capacity planning, network performance tuning, and upgrades.

Responsibilities

• Design, build, and manage resilient, high-performance network platforms.
• Ensure network supports high-availability and low-latency operations.
• Automate, deploy, maintain, monitor, and upgrade network systems and services.
• Configure and maintain high-performance switches, routers, and firewalls (Arista, Cisco, Juniper, Fortinet).

Skills

Low-latency networking

TCP/IP, BGP, OSPF

Python scripting

Network automation

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or related field

Tools

Ansible

Python

Arista

Cisco

Juniper

Fortinet

Job description

Senior Network Engineer

About IEX:

IEX is an exchange operator and technology company dedicated to innovating for performance in capital markets. Founded in 2012, IEX launched a new kind of securities exchange in 2016 that combines a transparent business model and unique architecture designed to protect investors. Today, IEX applies its proprietary technology and experience to drive performance across asset classes, serve investors, and advocate for transparent and competitive markets.

Role Overview:

IEX is seeking a Senior Network Engineer to join our growing Infrastructure team. In this role, you will contribute to the design, implementation, and operation of high-performance, low-latency networks, including IEX’s new Options Exchange. This role requires expertise in low-latency networking and high-performance infrastructure to support real-time trading operations. The ideal candidate thrives in a high-pressure, fast-changing, and demanding environment, where microseconds matter. You will also play a crucial role in ensuring the resilience, scalability, and security of our infrastructure.

What You’ll Do:

Network Design & Engineering:

• Participate in the engineering process to design, build, and manage resilient, high-performance network platforms
• Collaborate with teams to ensure our network supports high-availability and low-latency operations
• Contribute to the capacity planning, performance engineering, and scalability of network infrastructure

Network Automation & Operations:

• Automate, deploy, maintain, monitor, and upgrade network systems and services
• Design and implement tools to automate network tasks and improve network operations
• Monitor network performance, troubleshoot issues, and optimize the network to ensure reliability
• Configure and maintain high-performance switches, routers, and firewalls from vendors such as Arista, Cisco, Juniper, and Fortinet

Collaboration & Support:

• Work with cross-functional teams, including Data Center Engineers and SREs, to maintain seamless network operations
• Provide troubleshooting support and collaborate with vendors and contractors to resolve network issues quickly and efficiently

Your Background:

Experience:

• Minimum of 10 years of experience in networking, with a focus on high-performance, low-latency networks
• Strong experience with multicast and network automation platforms, such as Ansible and Python
• Proven experience in the financial services industry, ideally in a High-Frequency Trading firm, Proprietary Trading Firm, or Exchange environment
• Solid experience with capacity planning, network performance tuning, and implementing network upgrades

Technical Skills:

• Advanced understanding of network protocols and technologies, including TCP/IP, BGP, OSPF, VRF, STP, IGMP, PIM
• Hands-on experience with network automation and orchestration tools (e.g., Ansible, Python, or similar platforms)
• Familiarity with network monitoring tools and performance tuning techniques
• Experience with firewalls and load balancers
• Experience with BGP traffic engineering
• Ability to troubleshoot packet loss, jitter, microbursts, and network latency issues in real-time
• Familiarity with FIX protocol, FPGA-based networking, and market data feed handlers
• Solid understanding of exchange connectivity, colocation facilities, and direct market access (DMA)
• Prior work with cloud-based trading environments and hybrid infrastructures (AWS, GCP, or Azure)

Certifications & Education:

• Bachelor's degree in computer science, Information Technology, Engineering, or a related field.
• Networking certifications (e.g., CCNP, CCIE, JNCIE, or Arista ACE) are preferred

Personal Attributes:

• Experience working in fast-changing, high-pressure environments where downtime directly impacts revenue
• Self-starter with a passion for learning new technologies and solving complex networking problems
• Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills, with the ability to think both strategically and tactically
• Motivated to take on challenges, with the ability to work independently and take ownership of projects
• Detail-oriented and highly organized, capable of managing multiple projects and priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Proven ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams to achieve common goals

Additional Information: Occasional travel to other data centers and disaster recovery sites, as required

Our job titles may span more than one career level. The starting annual base pay is between $200,000 and $225,000 for this Chicago-based position. The actual base pay is dependent upon many factors, such as: training, transferable skills, work experience, business needs and market demands. The annual base pay range is subject to change and may be modified in the future. This role is eligible for bonus and equity.

Here at IEX, we are dedicated to an inclusive workplace and culture. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer that does not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived race, color, creed, religion, alienage or national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, disability or handicap, sex, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local laws. This policy not only complies with all applicable laws and protects workers' rights but is vital to IEX’s overall mission and values.

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