At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide L1/L2 support for traders, resolving queries and incidents in real-time.
- Company: Join a leading financial services firm in London with a dynamic work culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible hours, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Great chance to learn from senior staff and develop your skills in a fast-paced environment.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of trading technology and make a real impact on financial operations.
- Qualifications: Bachelor's degree and experience in trade/risk application support preferred.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.
Location - London, UK
Job Description:
- Trade Desk & Application Support
- Provide L1/L2 support for Sophis Risque, handling trader and risk-desk queries, incidents, and service requests in real time.
- Triage and resolve issues related to trade booking, pricing, valuation, P&L breaks, and risk calculations (VaR, Greeks).
- Log, track, and escape incidents per ITIL process; ensure resolution within SLA.
- Support intraday and EOD/SOD batch processes — monitor jobs, troubleshoot failures, and reprocess as needed.
- Perform first-level root-cause analysis before escalating to L3/development or vendor (Finastra) support.
- Technical Support
- Monitor system health, batch jobs, and automated alerts; respond proactively to performance issues.
- Perform basic SQL queries (Oracle/SQL Server) for data checks and issue diagnosis.
- Assist with static/market data setup, validation, and corrections.
- Support release/patch deployments and environment refreshes under guidance of senior team members.
- Use scripting (Shell/Python/PowerShell) for routine monitoring and support tasks.
- Stakeholder Coordination
- Act as the first point of contact for front-office traders and risk teams during market hours.
- Communicate incident status, workarounds, and resolutions clearly and promptly to desk users.
- Escalate complex functional/technical issues to the Support Lead or L3 team with proper documentation.
- Coordinate with vendor support for defect logging and tracking, as directed.
- Documentation & Process
- Maintain incident logs, known-issue lists, and support runbooks.
- Follow standardized operating procedures for common issues and fixes.
- Contribute to knowledge-base articles and process documentation.
- Participate in shift/on-call rotation for trading-hours and after-hours coverage.
- Skills & Experience
- Functional Knowledge
- Working knowledge of Sophis Risque — trade lifecycle, pricing, risk, and P&L basics.
- Exposure to one or more asset classes: Equities, Fixed Income, FX, Commodities, Derivatives.
- Basic understanding of trading and risk management processes in investment banking.
- Technical Skills
- SQL basics and database troubleshooting (Oracle/SQL Server).
- Familiarity with Unix/Linux environments and batch processing.
- Basic scripting (Python, Shell, or PowerShell) for support tasks.
- Awareness of integration protocols (MQ, FIX, REST APIs) is a plus.
- Alternative Platforms
- Candidates with equivalent experience on Murex MX.3, Calypso, or Summit (with a focus on risk and trade support functions) will also be considered if Sophis-specific talent is unavailable.
- Soft Skills
- Strong ownership and responsiveness under time pressure, especially during market hours.
- Good communication skills to interact directly with traders and risk desk users.
- Ability to work independently on routine issues and know when to escape.
- Team player, willing to learn and take direction from senior staff/Support Lead.
- Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in computer science, Finance, Engineering, or related field.
- 3-6 years of experience in trade/risk application support with hands-on exposure to Sophis Risque (or equivalent platform) preferred.
- Experience worked in trade-desk-facing support role within banking/financial services is a plus.
- ITIL awareness basic certification is a plus not mandatory.
Sophis L1/L2 Trade Desk Support Engineers employer: HCLTech
HCLTech is an excellent employer for those looking to advance their careers in cloud and infrastructure migration. With a strong focus on professional development, employees benefit from competitive compensation and a collaborative work culture that encourages innovation and growth. Located in a dynamic environment, HCLTech offers unique opportunities to work on cutting-edge technology projects while ensuring a supportive atmosphere for personal and professional advancement.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Sophis L1/L2 Trade Desk Support Engineers
✨Tap into Campus Networks
If you're still in uni, don’t forget to engage with your campus's career services and attend finance-related events. Banks often do presentations and recruitment drives on campus, so put yourself out there and make use of these opportunities to show off your passion for the field.
✨Get Certified
Consider pursuing relevant certifications like the CFA or ACCA while you’re job hunting. They not only beef up your CV but also connect you with professional bodies which can lead to networking opportunities and even job openings in banking and financial services.
✨Connect on Professional Platforms
Join finance-focused groups on platforms like LinkedIn and engage in discussions. This can really help you stand out from the crowd, allowing potential employers to see your knowledge and interest in industry trends. Plus, you might stumble upon job postings shared exclusively within the group.
✨Apply Directly and Be Proactive
Don’t shy away from reaching out directly to firms like HCLTech. Use their websites and apply through them, but also consider following up with a polite email to express your enthusiasm. Being proactive can make a huge difference in getting noticed in the competitive financial services sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Sophis L1/L2 Trade Desk Support Engineers
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers!:In the banking and financial services world, quantifiable achievements are key. Make sure your CV highlights your grades in relevant subjects, any financial certifications you hold, and specific projects where you've delivered measurable results. Employers love to see how your skills translate into real-world success.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:When applying for a full-time position, your cover letter should make a direct connection between your experience and the job description. Don't just state your enthusiasm for finance—dive into how your background in banking or financial analysis sets you apart. Let your passion shine through while being specific about what you can bring to HCLTech.
Include Relevant Financial Software Experience:If you've worked with financial modelling tools or software like Excel, SAP, or specific analytical tools during your studies or internships, bring that up! Highlighting your proficiency can really make your application pop and show you're ready to hit the ground running in a full-time role.
Research and Reflect:Before hitting that 'apply' button on HCLTech's website, do a little digging. Look up their recent projects, values, and culture. Reflecting their ethos in your application can make a huge difference and show you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team!
How to prepare for a job interview at HCLTech
✨Brush Up on Financial Analysis Skills
Make sure you're well-versed in financial concepts and analytical techniques relevant to banking and financial services. Get comfortable with tools like Excel for modelling or financial forecasting, as technical questions in this area are common during interviews with HCLTech.
✨Prepare for Case Studies
Expect to tackle case studies that demonstrate your problem-solving skills in real-world banking scenarios. Familiarise yourself with the types of problems you might face—think risk assessments or investment evaluations—and be ready to articulate your thought process clearly.
✨Show Your Passion for Finance
Since this is a full-time position, employers at HCLTech will be keen to see your genuine interest in finance. Be prepared to discuss recent industry trends or news articles that excite you, showcasing your enthusiasm and engagement with the field.
✨Network with Industry Professionals
Before your interview, reach out to current or former HCLTech employees on platforms like LinkedIn. They'll offer unique insights into the company's culture and the interview process, which can give us a delightful edge in showcasing a good fit for the team.
