Mechanical Design Engineer

About the Role

At Optiver, we pride ourselves on being real engineers, not just coders. Our engineers work closely with traders to identify business problems and determine solutions. We apply a disciplined, scientific approach to engineer simple, well-architected solutions that meet the dynamic needs of our traders. In Austin, we focus on hardware research, development, and manufacturing, building some of the world’s most competitive trading hardware using technologies ranging from fiber optics to custom silicon. We’re seeking an experienced hardware engineer to design and realize high-speed, high-density systems and boards, pushing the limits of what’s possible with creative and novel approaches.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop mechanical systems for high-performance computing platforms and custom trading infrastructure.
• Create detailed CAD models and production drawings for complex assemblies, enclosures, fixtures, and mechanical subsystems.
• Perform engineering analysis, including thermal modeling, structural analysis, and system-level design trade studies.
• Prototype, test, and iterate hardware designs through hands-on validation and integration work.
• Translate engineering concepts into manufacturable designs, balancing performance, reliability, and serviceability.
• Work with contract manufacturers and external vendors to support fabrication, assembly, and production builds.
• Develop tooling, fixtures, and test setups to improve hardware assembly, testing, and validation workflows.
• Support prototype builds and troubleshooting during hardware bring-up and deployment.
• Collaborate with electrical engineers, firmware engineers, and infrastructure teams to integrate mechanical systems into complete hardware platforms.
• Develop and maintain documentation, including drawings, assembly procedures, test methods, and design specifications.
• Provide design feedback to improve manufacturability, scalability, and operational robustness of deployed systems.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related engineering field.
• 3+ years of industry experience designing mechanical systems using CAD tools (e.g., SolidWorks, Fusion 360).
• Experience with electronics cooling and thermal device design.
• Hands-on experience taking mechanical designs from concept through prototype and production.
• Proficiency in fabrication or prototyping techniques (machining, 3D printing, fixture design).
• Solid understanding of manufacturing processes and design for manufacturability (DFM).
• Experience performing engineering analysis (structural, thermal, CFD simulation).
• Ability to diagnose mechanical issues during prototype builds and develop practical solutions.
• Strong communication and documentation skills, including clear engineering drawings and technical documentation.
• Legal authorization to work in the United States (no sponsorship available for this role).

Nice to Have

• Experience designing hardware for high-performance computing, networking systems, or electronics enclosures.
• Experience working with contract manufacturers or external fabrication vendors.
• Experience with fiber optics, high-density electronic assemblies, or complex electromechanical systems.
• Experience building complex systems (servers, robotics platforms, drones, optical systems).
• Personal experience building or modifying computers.

Benefits

• Direct hands-on involvement in building unique, high-performance hardware systems with meaningful business impact.
• Collaborative team environment where contributions are visible and valued.
• Diverse, non-repetitive work—nearly every system is bespoke.
• Work alongside best-in-class professionals from over 40 countries.
• Highly competitive compensation package, including performance-based bonus structure.
• 401(k) match up to 50%.
• Comprehensive health, mental, dental, vision, disability, and life coverage.
• 25 paid vacation days plus market holidays.
• Extensive office perks: breakfast, lunch, snacks, social events, clubs, and sporting leagues.

Who We Are

Optiver’s mission is to improve the market by injecting liquidity, providing accurate pricing, increasing transparency, and stabilizing the market under all conditions. As one of the largest market-making institutions, we operate on 100+ exchanges globally. Our Austin office is the firm’s innovation hub, focusing on quantitative research, software development, and hardware engineering. The team advances investments in machine learning, research infrastructure, and big data computing. Located in The Domain, the office offers access to world-class music, food, and outdoor spaces. We value in-person collaboration, and this role is based on-site in Austin.