At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and grow a dynamic Options Engineering team while enhancing our trading platform.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking firm focused on systematic options trading.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, flexible hours, and remote work opportunities.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with a focus on innovation and excellence.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the fast-paced world of options trading technology.
- Qualifications: 7+ years in systematic trading with strong Rust or C++ skills required.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
We are looking for a Head of Engineering / Engineering Lead with strong experience in systematic options trading to lead our Options Engineering team and drive continuous improvement across our trading infrastructure. The role supports the evolution of our systematic options trading platform covering automated quoting, execution, risk controls, pricing workflows, and production reliability.
Responsibilities
- Lead and grow an Options Engineering team of around 7 engineers
- Bring hands‑on experience in systematic options trading, ideally including options market‑making, automated quoting, execution, and risk management
- Own and evolve an existing Rust‑native systematic options trading platform
- Provide strong technical direction across trading infrastructure, system design, performance, reliability, and risk controls
- Work pragmatically through complex engineering and trading‑system challenges
- Partner closely with trading, quant, product, risk, and infrastructure stakeholders
- Balance technical leadership with people leadership, delivery ownership, and operational discipline
Required Experience
- 7+ years of experience in systematic trading, options market‑making or low‑latency trading systems
- Strong hands‑on experience with Rust, C++, or C
- Willingness to become deeply proficient in Rust, if not already
- Strong understanding of algorithmic options trading, including automated quoting, execution, pricing, risk controls, and market data workflows
- Experience building or maintaining low‑latency trading systems, ideally within options or derivatives markets
- Experience working with SQL databases in production environments, with PostgreSQL preferred
- Familiarity with functional testing, component testing, and production‑grade validation practices
- Strong understanding of distributed systems, service boundaries, and production reliability
- Strong knowledge of gRPC and experience working with Node.js‑based services is preferred
- Previous experience with crypto exchange connectivity and/or FPGA technologies is strongly preferred
Leadership & Working Style
- Strong team player with the ability to lead, mentor, and guide engineers
- Pragmatic approach to problem‑solving, system design, and implementation
- Able to balance latency, reliability, safety, complexity, and delivery speed
- Comfortable making technical decisions under uncertainty
- Demonstrates outside‑the‑box thinking while staying grounded in practical delivery
- Communicates clearly and effectively, especially in unfamiliar or ambiguous contexts where clarity is critical
- Able to work closely with traders, quants, risk, product, and infrastructure stakeholders
- Strong ownership mindset, especially for production trading systems
Benefits
- A competitive salary package
- Autonomy in time management thanks to flexible working hours and the opportunity to work remotely
- Freedom to create your own entrepreneurial experience by being part of a team of people in search of excellence
EEO Statement
As an employer we are committed to building a positive and collaborative work environment. We welcome employees of all backgrounds, and hire, reward and promote entirely based on merit and performance. Due to the nature of our business and external requirements, we perform background checks on all potential employees, passing which is a prerequisite to join Keyrock.
Head of Engineering - Options employer: Keyrock
At Keyrock, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration. As the Head of Engineering for our Options team, you will lead a talented group of engineers in a flexible environment that values autonomy and encourages professional growth. With competitive salaries and the opportunity to shape your entrepreneurial journey, you'll find meaningful and rewarding employment while driving advancements in our systematic options trading platform.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Engineering - Options
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to folks in the industry, attend meetups, and connect with people on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you’ve got a portfolio or any projects that highlight your experience in systematic options trading or Rust, make sure to share them. A strong demonstration of your capabilities can set you apart from the crowd.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on technical concepts and real-world applications. Be ready to discuss your hands-on experience with low-latency trading systems and how you’ve tackled challenges in the past. Confidence is key!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Engineering - Options
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the Head of Engineering role. Highlight your systematic options trading experience and any hands-on work with Rust or low-latency systems. We want to see how you can lead our Options Engineering team!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about options trading and how your background makes you the perfect fit for this role. Don’t forget to mention your leadership style and how you can contribute to our team at StudySmarter.
Showcase Your Technical Skills:In your application, be sure to highlight your technical expertise, especially in Rust, C++, and SQL databases. We’re looking for someone who can own and evolve our trading platform, so let us know about your relevant projects and achievements!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, we love seeing applications come in through our own channels!
How to prepare for a job interview at Keyrock
✨Know Your Options Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of systematic options trading. Be prepared to discuss your hands-on experience with market-making, automated quoting, and risk management. This will show that you not only understand the theory but can also apply it practically.
✨Showcase Your Technical Skills
Since the role requires strong proficiency in Rust, C++, or C, be ready to talk about your experience with these languages. If you're not already a Rust expert, demonstrate your willingness to learn and adapt. Bring examples of past projects where you've tackled low-latency trading systems.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Qualities
As a Head of Engineering, you'll need to lead a team. Share your experiences in mentoring and guiding engineers. Highlight how you've balanced technical leadership with people management, and be ready to discuss how you handle complex engineering challenges.
✨Communicate Clearly and Confidently
Effective communication is key, especially when discussing technical concepts with non-technical stakeholders. Practice explaining your ideas clearly and concisely. Prepare for potential questions about how you would approach ambiguous situations, showcasing your problem-solving skills.
