At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and develop high-performance trading systems using Java and cutting-edge technologies.
- Company: Join a leading prediction markets trading firm with a dynamic culture.
- Benefits: Attractive salary, bonus package, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Be part of a high-growth firm at the forefront of financial innovation.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in financial markets while working with top-tier engineers.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in software engineering with strong Java and distributed systems experience.
At a Glance
Senior individual contributor role in a high-growth prediction markets trading firm.
Core stack: Java, Kafka, Aeron, FIX Protocol exchange and clearing infrastructure.
Salary: £80,000 - £95,000 + highly attractive bonus package.
5+ years experience required - strong fintech or financial markets background essential.
About the Company
Our client is a specialist prediction markets trading firm, operating at the frontier of financial markets in partnership with major institutional players. They are building the premier prediction market platform, empowering traders to take positions on real-world events and generating market-driven forecasts for decision makers. The engineering team is lean, highly skilled, and building infrastructure that operates at genuine exchange scale.
The Role
As a Java Technical Specialist you will contribute to the development of a high-throughput matching engine and clearing system at the core of the firm's trading platform. Working alongside Staff Engineers, you will take full ownership of significant components and features, with genuine input into architectural decisions. This role suits an engineer who is comfortable working in a production financial environment, motivated by complex performance challenges, and ready to operate with a high degree of autonomy.
Key Responsibilities
- Contribute to the design and architecture of core exchange and clearing infrastructure.
- Design and implement features within the matching engine, order management systems and clearing workflows.
- Build ultra-low-latency messaging architecture using Aeron and related frameworks.
- Implement customer-facing API interfaces using FIX, REST and WebSocket protocols.
- Build fault-tolerant distributed systems using Kafka, PostgreSQL and in-memory data structures for hot-path processing.
- Profile, benchmark and tune system performance at the JVM level.
- Participate in on-call rotations and respond to production incidents requiring deep technical troubleshooting.
- Collaborate with product and business stakeholders to translate requirements into production-quality implementations.
What You'll Need
Essential:
- 5+ years of professional software engineering experience building high-performance distributed systems.
- Strong Java proficiency including concurrency, memory management, JVM behaviour and performance optimisation.
- Experience with Kafka and relational databases, specifically PostgreSQL.
- Familiarity with low-latency or high-throughput production environments (10,000+ messages/second, low-millisecond latencies).
- Understanding of network protocols with experience implementing REST and WebSocket APIs.
- Degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering or a related discipline.
- Eligibility to work in the US on a permanent, indefinite basis (no visa sponsorship available).
Desirable / Nice to Have:
- Experience with Aeron or other low-latency messaging frameworks.
- FIX protocol experience in a trading or exchange environment.
- Exposure to derivatives, futures, options or prediction markets.
Why Apply?
- £80,000 - £95,000 salary with a highly attractive bonus and benefits package.
- Genuine architectural ownership at component level not a ticket-driven role.
- Work on exchange-grade infrastructure at real production scale.
- Join a well-backed, high-growth firm at an early and formative stage.
- Build alongside senior engineers from top-tier financial markets backgrounds.
How to Apply:
If you believe you meet the criteria for this role and are excited about the opportunity, please apply via the link. Alternatively, reach out to Phil Gamble directly for an informal chat via LinkedIn or WhatsApp.
Java Technical Specialist (Low Latency) in Belfast employer: Ocho
Join a pioneering prediction markets trading firm that offers an exceptional work environment for Java Technical Specialists. With a competitive salary and attractive bonus package, you will have the opportunity to take genuine ownership of architectural decisions while working alongside a highly skilled engineering team. The company fosters a culture of innovation and collaboration, providing ample opportunities for professional growth in a dynamic and fast-paced financial landscape.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Java Technical Specialist (Low Latency) in Belfast
✨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 Ocho. 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 Java Technical Specialist (Low Latency) in Belfast
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 Ocho.
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 Ocho'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 Ocho
✨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 Ocho.
✨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 Ocho 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 Ocho 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.
