At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a dynamic team to rebuild trading and operational systems from scratch.
- Company: Work with a leading systematic family office in the heart of London.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary up to £130k plus potential bonuses.
- Why this job: Be part of an exciting greenfield project with strong autonomy and ownership.
- Qualifications: Must have 6-8+ years of Java experience and deep Kafka knowledge.
- Other info: This is an on-site role, requiring 4 days a week in the office.
The predicted salary is between 78000 - 130000 £ per year.
We’re partnering with a leading systematic family office on an exciting opportunity for a Senior Java Developer to join their Middle Office Engineering team. The team is embarking on a greenfield digital transformation programme, rebuilding key trading and operational systems from the ground up.
Location: Central London (4 days per week in office – non-negotiable)
Engagement: 12-month Fixed-Term Contract, rolling based on start date
Salary: Up to £130k base + potential completion bonus
Start date: ASAP preferred – 1 month notice acceptable
The Role
You’ll work as a hands-on contributor in a team of high-performing engineers, taking full ownership of technical delivery. The current focus is an internal project, a large-scale initiative replacing legacy internal platforms with a more modern, performant, and scalable system. Expect to build across trading support systems, infrastructure, and execution tools, with strong autonomy and end-to-end ownership.
What They’re Looking For
- Strong Java experience (Java 17 preferred)
- Kafka – Power User level only (critical requirement)
- Microservices experience is a nice-to-have
Background & Experience
- Deep, production-grade Kafka experience is non-negotiable
- 6–8+ years of commercial Java development
- Financial services experience is a plus (swaps, pricing, middle/back office etc.) but not essential
- You’ll need to be a mature, delivery-oriented IC, capable of working with little oversight
Important Notes
- This is an on-site role (4 days/week) – no remote/hybrid flex beyond the agreed schedule
- Please only apply if you’re 100% comfortable with that – prior candidates have been withdrawn for changing their minds post-interview
- The team is looking for engineers, not managers – strong individual contributors only
Interview Process
- 30–45 min technical screen with engineering leads
- On-site technical deep dive (~2–2.5 hours) with the wider team
- Feedback and offer turnaround expected within days
If you’re a seasoned Java developer with serious Kafka experience and want to work on a genuinely interesting greenfield project at a high-performance trading firm, apply here or get in touch directly.
Senior Java Developer | Hedge Fund | London employer: OFS
Contact Detail:
OFS Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Java Developer | Hedge Fund | London
✨Tip Number 1
Make sure to brush up on your Kafka skills, as they are a critical requirement for this role. Consider working on personal projects or contributing to open-source projects that utilise Kafka to demonstrate your expertise.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the latest features of Java 17, as strong Java experience is essential. Being able to discuss recent updates and how they can be applied in a greenfield project will set you apart during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the technical deep dive by reviewing common Java design patterns and microservices architecture. Being able to articulate your thought process and problem-solving approach will impress the engineering leads.
✨Tip Number 4
Since this role requires on-site work, ensure you are fully comfortable with the location and schedule. Highlight your commitment to being present in the office during the interview to avoid any misunderstandings.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Java Developer | Hedge Fund | London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your Java experience, particularly with Java 17 and Kafka. Include specific projects or roles where you've demonstrated your skills in these areas, especially in financial services if applicable.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for the role and the company. Mention your experience with greenfield projects and how you can contribute to their digital transformation programme.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your application, emphasise your deep production-grade Kafka experience and any microservices knowledge. Be specific about your past roles and how they relate to the responsibilities of this position.
Prepare for Technical Interviews: Anticipate technical questions related to Java and Kafka during the interview process. Brush up on your technical skills and be ready to discuss your previous projects in detail, focusing on your contributions and outcomes.
How to prepare for a job interview at OFS
✨Showcase Your Java Expertise
Make sure to highlight your strong Java experience, especially with Java 17. Be prepared to discuss specific projects where you've used Java to solve complex problems, as this will demonstrate your hands-on skills and technical depth.
✨Demonstrate Kafka Proficiency
Since deep Kafka experience is a critical requirement, come ready to discuss your past work with Kafka in detail. Prepare examples of how you've implemented Kafka in production environments and any challenges you faced along the way.
✨Understand the Financial Context
While financial services experience isn't essential, having a basic understanding of swaps, pricing, and middle/back office operations can set you apart. Brush up on relevant terminology and concepts to show your interest in the industry.
✨Prepare for Technical Deep Dives
Expect a thorough technical interview with the team. Practice coding problems and system design questions that relate to trading support systems and microservices. Being able to articulate your thought process clearly will be key to impressing the interviewers.