Software Engineer - Trading Strategies

About the role

Join our team of senior engineers who build the systems powering Optiver's trading business. We're looking for experienced engineers to join us in Chicago across five Trading Strategies teams.

Responsibilities

• Work directly with traders and researchers to develop and maintain systems and workflows across the stack, from real-time trading infrastructure to tools and analytics.
• Collaborate with researchers to understand market microstructure and optimize execution behavior.
• Develop and implement algorithms, ultra-low-latency execution systems, and high-fidelity research infrastructure.
• Build systematic and semi-systematic trading strategies that translate pricing and risk appetite into exchange execution.
• Partner with traders and researchers to design and implement real-time systems for pricing, routing, and executing millions of retail orders.

Requirements

• Experience leading complex, large-scale engineering projects.
• Strong computer science fundamentals and sound engineering judgment.
• Able to balance innovative thinking with practical execution.
• Proficient in systems-level programming (e.g., C or C++ with Linux and networking fundamentals).
• A mindset of continuous improvement in a fast-paced environment.
• Willingness to set technical direction, uphold engineering standards, and take ownership of outcomes.

Qualifications

• Experience with systems-level programming (e.g., C or C++ with Linux and networking fundamentals).
• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to innovate within constraints.
• Experience working in a fast-paced, high-stakes environment.
• Ability to work effectively in a diverse team setting.

Skills

• Systems-level programming (e.g., C or C++ with Linux and networking fundamentals).
• Experience with large-scale data processing and analysis.
• Knowledge of market microstructure and execution strategies.
• Experience with trading systems and infrastructure design.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, high-stakes environment.

Benefits

• Competitive compensation, including a global profit-sharing pool and performance-based bonus.
• 401(k) match up to 50%.
• Comprehensive health, mental health, dental, vision, disability and life coverage.
• 25 paid vacation days alongside market holidays.
• Office perks including breakfast, lunch and snacks, regular social events, clubs, sports 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, permanent position.