Software Engineer - Research Platform

Optiver; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 180,000 - 220,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) match up to 50%

Competitive compensation package

Profit-sharing pool

Comprehensive health coverage

25 paid vacation days

Office perks and social events

Job summary

Optiver's Research Platform team seeks a Senior Software Engineer to expand the platform, optimize orchestration, job scheduling, cluster management and big-data processing, and collaborate with traders and researchers worldwide.

You will build and evolve a fully managed compute and data layer in Python and Rust, explore cutting-edge technologies, and integrate them into research workflows to enable faster experiments and deeper market insights across our globally distributed infrastructure.

Qualifications

• Experience leading large-scale engineering projects.
• Strong engineering instincts and CS fundamentals.
• Experience in distributed systems.
• Expertise in Python is required; experience with C, C++, or Rust is a plus.
• Experience working with GPUs and the CUDA ecosystem is a plus.
• Ability to tackle complex technical problems at the intersection of infrastructure and research enablement.
• Commitment to continuous learning and improvement in a rapidly evolving environment.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills for working with global researchers and engineers.

Responsibilities

• Expanding the Optiver Research Platform’s capabilities by building features and improving performance across service orchestration, job scheduling, cluster management, big-data processing, and other core services that business teams directly interface with.
• Building and evolving a fully managed compute & data platform layer for improved scale & reliability in Python & Rust.
• Exploring cutting-edge technologies and integrate them into Optiver’s research workflows to enhance performance and allow deriving better insights.
• Collaborating globally with Optiver business teams including traders, researchers, and engineers to push their understanding of the market to new heights.

Skills

Python

Distributed systems

Large-scale engineering

C/C++/Rust

GPUs/CUDA

Engineering leadership

Communication

Tools

CUDA ecosystem

Job description

The Optiver Research Platform (ORP) is a vertically integrated platform team that manages both high-performance compute infrastructure and the software platform layered on top. ORP enables Optiver’s global research teams to define and execute large-scale computational problems such as simulations and model training through streamlined orchestration of complex workflows. By owning the full stack, from datacenter hardware to distributed research tooling, ORP provides the fastest possible turnaround time for experiments and continually expands Optiver’s ability to generate insights from the markets we operate in.

What You’ll Do

As a Senior Software Engineer, your key responsibilities include:

• Expanding the Optiver Research Platform’s capabilities by building features and improving performance across service orchestration, job scheduling, cluster management, big-data processing, and other core services that business teams directly interface with
• Building and evolving a fully managed compute & data platform layer for improved scale & reliability in Python & Rust
• Exploring cutting-edge technologies and integrate them into Optiver’s research workflows to enhance performance and allow deriving better insights
• Collaborating globally with Optiver business teams including traders, researchers, and engineers to push their understanding of the market to new heights

What You’ll Get

You’ll join a culture of collaboration and excellence, surrounded by curious thinkers and creative problem-solvers. Motivated by a passion for continuous improvement, you’ll thrive in a supportive, high-performing environment alongside talented colleagues, collectively tackling some of the toughest challenges in the financial markets.

• 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

• Experience leading large-scale engineering projects
• Strong engineering instincts and a deep understanding of computer science fundamentals
• Experience in distributed systems
• Expertise in Python is required; experience with C, C++, or Rust is a plus
• Experience working with GPUs and the CUDA ecosystem is a plus
• Ability to tackle complex technical problems at the intersection of infrastructure and research enablement
• Commitment to continuous learning and improvement in a rapidly evolving environment
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills for working with global researchers and engineers
• Readiness to set technical direction, promote engineering principles, and do the right thing

Who We Are

At Optiver, our mission is to improve the market by injecting liquidity, providing accurate pricing, increasing transparency and stabilizing the market no matter the conditions. With a focus on continuous improvement, we prioritize 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.

Applicants may submit up to three application per calendar year across all open roles.

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.

Below is the expected base salary for this position. This position will also be eligible for a discretionary bonus and Optiver’s benefits package with the benefits listed above.

Base Salary Range

$200,000—$200,000 USD