At a Glance
- Tasks: Work on kdb+ platforms for real-time data and analytics, ensuring data quality and performance.
- Company: Join MARGO, a tech-native consultancy in the financial services industry.
- Benefits: Flexible roles, close support, and tailored career paths in a human-sized structure.
- Why this job: Make an impact in high-frequency trading and risk environments with cutting-edge technology.
- Qualifications: Hands-on experience with kdb+/q and strong analytical skills required.
- Other info: Opportunities for growth in a dynamic, data-driven environment.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
MARGO is a tech-native consultancy delivering high value-added IT expertise to the financial services industry. We specialise in data-intensive trading and risk environments where real-time analytics, large data volumes and performance are critical. Our consultants work on platforms that capture, process and analyse high-frequency and intraday data used by Front Office, Risk and Surveillance teams. Joining MARGO means working on highly specialised data platforms, while benefiting from a human-sized structure, close follow-up and tailored career paths.
Business Context
You will work within trading, risk or data technology environments built around kdb+ platforms. These platforms typically support:
- real-time and intraday market data
- P&L and risk analytics
- monitoring and surveillance
- reporting and analytical workflows
The role sits close to business users and requires strong ownership of data quality, performance and platform behaviour.
Role Overview
We are looking for kdb+ Specialists to work on real-time data and analytics platforms. This role is intentionally open and may suit profiles with a background in:
- kdb+ / q development
- data platform support
- technical business analysis or hybrid roles combining development, support and analysis
What matters most is strong kdb+ and data platform expertise, performance awareness and business proximity.
Key Responsibilities
Platform & Data Ownership
- Work on kdb+ platforms supporting real-time and intraday analytics
- Ensure data quality, consistency and availability
- Investigate and resolve data or performance issues
- Support business users relying on analytics and reports
- Participate in platform upgrades and releases
Development & Analytics
- Develop and optimise q code, queries and analytics
- Work on time-series data models and schemas
- Improve platform performance and scalability
- Develop new datasets, metrics and analytical views
Business Interaction & Analysis
- Work closely with Front Office, Risk or Surveillance users
- Understand analytical and reporting needs
- Translate business requirements into kdb+ solutions
- Support testing, validation and delivery phases
Technical Environment
Core Technologies
- kdb+ / q
- Time-series and real-time data architectures
- Linux / UNIX environments
- Scripting and automation
Valued Technical Exposure
- Market data systems
- Trading or risk analytics
- SQL or other data query languages
- Integration with upstream/downstream systems
Required Experience & Skills
Essential
- Hands-on experience with kdb+ / q
- Experience working with large volumes of time-series data
- Strong performance and optimisation mindset
- Ability to work close to business users
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
- Ownership and production awareness
Valued (but not restrictive)
- Development or data engineering background
- Application or data platform support experience
- Business analysis experience in data-driven environments
- Exposure to Front Office or Risk teams
Why Join MARGO
- Access to niche kdb+ data and analytics platforms
- High-impact roles close to trading and risk activity
- Flexibility across dev, support and BA-type assignments
- Strong emphasis on data and platform expertise
- Human-sized consultancy with close support and long-term career focus
Please note - We do not offer visa sponsorship for this position. Interested? Motivated? Apply on our website or at staff.uk@margo.com
kdb+ Specialist – Real-Time Data & Analytics Platforms (Dev / Support / BA) in London employer: Margo
Contact Detail:
Margo Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land kdb+ Specialist – Real-Time Data & Analytics Platforms (Dev / Support / BA) in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to folks in the industry, especially those who work with kdb+ or in financial services. Attend meetups or webinars to connect with potential employers and get your name out there.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio showcasing your kdb+ projects or any relevant analytics work. This gives you a chance to demonstrate your expertise and makes you stand out when chatting with hiring managers.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on common kdb+ scenarios and real-time data challenges. Practice explaining your thought process and how you've tackled similar issues in the past – it’ll show you’re ready for the role!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace kdb+ Specialist – Real-Time Data & Analytics Platforms (Dev / Support / BA) in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your kdb+ and data platform expertise. Use keywords from the job description to show we’re on the same page about what you bring to the table.
Showcase Relevant Experience: When detailing your experience, focus on roles where you’ve worked with real-time data and analytics. We want to see how you've tackled performance issues and supported business users in the past.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Explain why you’re passionate about working with kdb+ platforms and how your skills align with our needs at MARGO. Keep it engaging and personal.
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!
How to prepare for a job interview at Margo
✨Know Your kdb+ Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your kdb+ and q skills before the interview. Be prepared to discuss your hands-on experience with real-time data and analytics platforms, as well as any specific projects you've worked on that showcase your expertise.
✨Understand the Business Context
Familiarise yourself with the financial services industry, especially how trading, risk, and surveillance teams operate. This will help you translate business requirements into kdb+ solutions during the interview, showing that you can bridge the gap between technical and business needs.
✨Showcase Problem-Solving Skills
Be ready to discuss how you've tackled performance issues or data quality challenges in the past. Use specific examples to illustrate your analytical and problem-solving skills, as these are crucial for the role.
✨Engage with the Interviewers
Don’t hesitate to ask questions about the team dynamics and the specific challenges they face with their kdb+ platforms. This shows your interest in the role and helps you gauge if it's the right fit for you.