At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and develop real-time KDB+ processes for Fixed Income algo trading.
- Company: Join MARGO, a tech-native consultancy in the financial services sector.
- Benefits: Flexible work environment, tailored career paths, and direct impact on trading.
- Other info: Agile team culture with rapid feedback and excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of algo trading and risk management with cutting-edge technology.
- Qualifications: Strong experience in kdb+/q and knowledge of Fixed Income products required.
The predicted salary is between 75600 - 92400 £ per year.
Join MARGO in the UK (London) – Perm & Contracting Opportunities. 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 high-performance engineering are critical. Joining MARGO means working on highly specialized data platforms while benefiting from a human-sized structure, close follow-up, and tailored career paths.
Business Context
You will work directly within the Front Office Fixed Income Algo Trading IT environment. This role sits in a fast-paced setting focused on real-time pricing, risk management, and trading algorithm performance for FI products. The platform supports:
- Real-time and intraday market data streaming and time-series capture.
- Fixed Income pricing, hedging, and risk analytics.
- Ad-hoc statistical analysis of algorithm behaviour, client behaviour, and market impact.
- Real-time trade and algorithm monitoring dashboards (e.g., Panopticon).
Role Overview
We are looking for a Senior KDB+ / q Specialist to work on real-time data and algo trading platforms. While centered on robust kdb+ development, the position features short feedback cycles and direct interaction with traders and production teams. We welcome candidates with strong kdb+ / q experience who thrive across:
- Core kdb+ / q development & time-series architecture
- 3rd line platform support & performance optimization
- Technical business analysis & trader-facing requirement gathering
Key Responsibilities
- Development & Analytics: Design, develop, test, and deliver change on real-time KDB+ processes, including API and schema design for FI Algo desks.
- Business Interaction: Liaise directly with traders to gather requirements, analyze algo performance, and build custom monitoring views (such as Altair Panopticon dashboards).
- Platform & Data Ownership: Maintain and evolve time-series data models, optimize q code performance, and build compliance/monitoring tools.
- Support & Delivery: Provide 3rd line technical support to production teams, participate in release processes (including occasional out-of-hours releases), and ensure software delivery compliance.
Technical Environment
- Core: kdb+ / q, TorQ framework, Linux/UNIX environments.
- Testing & CI/CD: qspec, qunit, Gitlab CI/CD, JFrog Artifactory, Rundeck.
- Visualization & Tools: Altair Panopticon (or similar monitoring tools).
Required Experience & Skills
Essential
- Deep, hands-on experience with q/KDB+ in a front-office time-series environment.
- Solid knowledge of Fixed Income (FI) products or quantitative finance.
- Strong Linux/UNIX OS knowledge and performance monitoring mindset.
- Proven track record in a trader-facing or front-office role with clear communication and systematic reasoning.
- Degree in Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics, or Engineering.
Valued
- Experience with the TorQ framework, qspec, or qunit.
- Exposure to Altair Panopticon dashboards.
- Familiarity with modern software delivery, CI/CD pipelines, and Agile methodologies.
Why Join MARGO
- Direct impact on front-office algorithmic trading and risk architectures.
- Flexible exposure across development, 3rd line support, and quantitative business analysis.
- Agile team culture with short feedback loops and rapid delivery cycles (hours to days).
- Human-sized consultancy with close support and long-term career focus.
Interested? Apply on our website or at [email protected].
We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.
Senior KDB+ Specialist – Fixed Income Algo Trading & Analytics in London employer: MARGO
MARGO is an exceptional employer for those seeking to make a significant impact in the financial services sector, particularly within the dynamic realm of Fixed Income Algo Trading. With a focus on real-time analytics and a supportive, human-sized consultancy culture, employees benefit from tailored career paths, flexible exposure to various roles, and a collaborative environment that fosters rapid feedback and growth opportunities. Located in London, MARGO offers a unique chance to work closely with traders and production teams, ensuring that your contributions directly influence trading and risk management strategies.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior KDB+ Specialist – Fixed Income Algo Trading & Analytics in London
✨Tip Number 1: Tap Into Professional Networks
The finance world loves a good connection, so jump into industry-specific groups on platforms like LinkedIn where you can find discussions on financial controlling. Engaging in these communities can expose you to hidden job leads that aren't openly advertised!
✨Tip Number 2: Attend Finance Events and Conferences
Make it a mission to attend finance-related events and conferences, even virtual ones! This is a golden opportunity to network face-to-face with people from companies like MARGO. You never know who might be your next boss or a crucial contact!
✨Tip Number 3: Showcase Your Expertise
Consider writing articles or sharing insights related to financial controlling or industry trends. Publish these on platforms like LinkedIn to establish yourself as a knowledgeable player in the field. This not only increases your visibility but also catches the attention of recruiters from MARGO.
✨Tip Number 4: Apply Directly on Company Websites
Since you're going for a full-time gig, don't forget to keep an eye on the careers page of companies you're interested in, like MARGO. Many companies prefer candidates who apply through their website as it shows genuine interest and makes your application stand out!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior KDB+ Specialist – Fixed Income Algo Trading & Analytics in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers Game:In financial controlling, detail is everything! Make sure your CV showcases your proficiency with numbers—highlight any relevant experience in budgeting, forecasting, or working with financial software. Quantifying your past achievements will make you stand out, so don’t be shy about flaunting those impressive percentages or cost savings you've implemented.
Tailored Cover Letter is Key:Your cover letter is a chance to shine, especially for a full-time role. Use it to express your genuine interest in MARGO and the specific impact you hope to make in financial controlling. Mention any relevant qualifications or experiences that align with the company’s goals, and don’t forget to show that you're ready for a long-term commitment!
Certifications Matter:List relevant certifications such as ACCA or CIMA on your CV. These qualifications not only showcase your dedication to the field but also your technical competence in financial principles. If you have any ongoing training or courses, make sure to mention those as well to demonstrate your commitment to continual learning in financial controlling.
Don’t Overlook Soft Skills:While numbers are crucial, so are those soft skills! Financial controllers need strong communication and analytical reasoning abilities. We recommend embedding examples of these skills in your CV and cover letter, like how you’ve successfully delivered financial reports to stakeholders or collaborated with teams to improve processes. Let’s show MARGO how you can be a team player!
How to prepare for a job interview at MARGO
✨Brush Up on Technical Skills
Make sure you're comfortable with key financial concepts, especially around forecasting, budgeting, and variance analysis. Sometimes, interviewers may throw in technical questions or case studies, so practicing these types of scenarios will help you shine!
✨Showcase Your Financial Acumen
If you've had experience with specific financial software like SAP or Oracle, make it known! Be ready to discuss how you used these tools to improve processes or reporting, as this hands-on knowledge can really set you apart in a full-time role with MARGO.
✨Know Your Numbers
In full-time interviews, especially in financial controlling, be prepared for numerical reasoning tests or questions. Brush up on your mental maths and understand how to interpret and analyse financial statements on the spot, as this may come up during the assessment.
✨Connect with Company Goals
Familiarise yourself with MARGO's financial objectives and any recent developments. During the interview, try to weave your understanding of their business model and challenges into your answers—this shows your genuine interest and alignment with their goals!
