Lead Data Engineer

About the role

The Data Engineer will support and advance the data capabilities of Optiver's local research team and contribute to the broader Lakehouse architecture vision.

Responsibilities

• Design, build, and maintain reliable ETL/ELT pipelines using Spark, Structured Streaming, Databricks, and in-house high-performance tools.

• Optimize and productionize research workflows with a strong focus on scalability, resilience, and performance tuning.

• Collaborate with power users to develop and share reusable patterns, templates, and onboarding pathways.

• Define, document, and enforce data engineering best practices.

• Mentor junior engineers and drive a culture of continuous learning and DataOps excellence.

Requirements

• 5+ years of hands-on experience in data engineering, delivering robust pipelines at scale.

• Advanced Python skills and deep experience with Apache Spark and the Databricks platform.

• Familiarity with Delta Lake, streaming data systems (e.g., Kafka), and distributed compute environments.

• Solid understanding of cloud-native data architectures (preferably AWS) and infrastructure cost optimization principles.

• Proficiency in relational databases (e.g., PostgreSQL) and modern orchestration tools.

• Bonus: Experience with system-level languages (e.g., C++, Rust) and exposure to MLOps or MLflow.

• Proven ability to lead projects independently and deliver outcomes in fast-paced environments.

• Clear communicator who collaborates well with researchers, traders, and engineers alike.

• Enthusiastic mentor and strong advocate for engineering rigor and platform scalability.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related technical discipline.

Skills

• System-level languages (e.g., C++, Rust)

• MLOps or MLflow

Benefits

• 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

Pay

This is a good-faith estimate of the base pay scale for this position and offers will ultimately be determined based on experience, education, skill set, and performance in the interview process. This position will also be eligible for a discretionary bonus (if determined by Optiver) and Optiver’s benefits package with the benefits listed above. Base Salary Range $200,000—$200,000 USD

Schedule

Full-time