Software Engineer – Hardware Development

Optiver; Austin (TX); On-site; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation package

Global profit-sharing pool

401(k) match up to 50%

Comprehensive health, dental, and vision coverage

25 paid vacation days

Extensive office perks, including meals and social events

Job summary

A leading trading firm based in Austin seeks a Software Engineer to develop the OS and software for custom hardware. This role encompasses low-level hardware integration, Python and Linux programming, and collaboration with infrastructure teams. Ideal candidates will have a strong computer science foundation, proficiency in Python and C/C++, and problem-solving skills. Competitive compensation, bonus structures, and benefits including 401(k) match and comprehensive health coverage are provided.

Qualifications

• Strong foundation in computer science fundamentals and hardware systems.
• Proficiency in Python, including familiarity with relevant libraries and APIs.
• Experience writing software in C/C++.

Responsibilities

• Designing and maintaining the OS and software stack behind trading hardware.
• Building and supporting Python-based interface layers to control and monitor hardware systems.
• Managing and supporting a fleet of hardware systems in a live production environment.

Skills

Proficiency in Python

Experience writing software in C/C++

Creative problem-solving skills

Strong foundation in computer science fundamentals

Ability to collaborate with developers

Tools

Linux

VHDL/Verilog

Job description

Optiver’s hardware research, development, and manufacturing team, based in Austin, builds some of the world’s fastest and most competitive trading systems. As we continue to grow, we’re looking for a software engineer to help develop the OS and software that powers our custom hardware.

This role spans everything from low‑level hardware integration to collaborating with infrastructure teams that manage production systems and traders who configure them to fit their specific needs. While we primarily use Python and Linux, you’ll also encounter a diverse tech stack including TCL, C, C++, ASM, VHDL, and DSLs across platforms from x64 servers to embedded cores.

What you’ll do:

• Designing and maintaining the OS and software stack behind our trading hardware
• Building and supporting Python‑based interface layers to control and monitor hardware systems
• Developing software for STM processors embedded on prototype boards
• Managing and supporting a fleet of hardware systems in a live production environment
• Collaborating closely with hardware, infrastructure, and trading teams to ensure seamless system performance
• Contributing to infrastructure automation and transitioning into embedded development and low‑level hardware logic over time

What you’ll get:

• The opportunity to work alongside best‑in‑class professionals from over 40 different countries
• A highly competitive compensation package
• Global profit‑sharing pool and performance‑based bonus structure
• 401(k) match up to 50%
• Comprehensive health, mental, dental, vision, disability, and life coverage
• 25 paid vacation days alongside market holidays
• Extensive office perks, including breakfast, lunch and snacks, regular social events, clubs, sporting leagues and more

Who you are:

• Strong foundation in computer science fundamentals and hardware systems
• Proficiency in Python, including familiarity with relevant libraries and APIs
• Experience writing software in C/C++
• Creative problem‑solving skills at the system level
• Ability to collaborate with developers and researchers

Nice to have:

• Experience with low‑level hardware/software interactions (drivers, buses, pins, registers, etc.)
• Ability to read and interpret datasheets and electrical engineering schematics
• Familiarity with devices and drivers in Linux
• Experience with FPGA design using VHDL/Verilog and the Vivado suite of tools
• Knowledge of communication protocols, especially Ethernet
• Exposure to network equipment operating systems like Cisco IOS, Arista EOS, or Juniper MOS
• Experience working with high‑performance trading network hardware (both packet‑ and circuit‑switched)

Who we are:

At Optiver, our mission is to improve the market by injecting liquidity, providing accurate pricing, increasing transparency, and stabilising the market no matter the conditions. With a focus on continuous improvement, we prioritise safeguarding the health and efficiency of the markets for all participants. As one of the largest market‑making institutions, we are a respected partner on 100+ exchanges across the globe.

Our differences are our edge. Optiver does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, physical or mental disability, or other legally protected characteristics.