At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a dynamic team to rebuild trading systems from scratch using Java and Kafka.
- Company: Work with a leading systematic family office in the heart of London.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, potential bonuses, and a vibrant office culture.
- Why this job: Be part of an exciting greenfield project with strong autonomy and impact on financial systems.
- Qualifications: 6-8 years of Java experience and deep Kafka knowledge are essential.
- 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- Please only apply if you are 100% comfortable with that – prior candidates have been withdrawn for changing their minds post-interview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
Familiarise yourself with the latest features of Java 17, as this is preferred for the role. Being able to discuss how these features can enhance performance and scalability in a trading environment will set you apart.
✨Tip Number 2
Brush up on your Kafka skills, especially if you have experience at a power user level. Be prepared to discuss specific projects where you've implemented Kafka solutions and the impact they had on system performance.
✨Tip Number 3
Understand the financial services landscape, particularly around swaps and pricing, even if it's not essential. This knowledge can help you relate your technical skills to the business needs during interviews.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare for the technical deep dive by reviewing common Java and Kafka interview questions. Practising coding challenges and system design scenarios relevant to trading systems will help you demonstrate your expertise effectively.
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 strong 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 Compelling 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. Be sure to express your comfort with the on-site requirement.
Showcase Relevant Projects: In your application, include examples of past projects where you took ownership of technical delivery. Highlight any experience with microservices and large-scale initiatives, as this aligns well with what they are looking for.
Prepare for Technical Interviews: Anticipate technical questions related to Java and Kafka during the interview process. Brush up on your knowledge and be ready to discuss your previous work in detail, demonstrating your problem-solving skills and technical expertise.
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 deep dive during the interview process. Review key concepts in microservices architecture and be ready to discuss your approach to building scalable systems. Practising coding problems related to these topics can also be beneficial.