Graduate Software Engineer in London

Graduate Software Engineer in London

London Full-Time 63000 - 77000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Optiver

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Develop innovative software solutions for fast-paced financial markets.
  • Company: Join Optiver, a leader in tech-driven trading and capital markets.
  • Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, 27 vacation days, and daily meals.
  • Other info: Collaborative culture with mentorship and global career growth opportunities.
  • Why this job: Make an impact with cutting-edge AI technology and solve exciting challenges.
  • Qualifications: Degree in Computer Science or related field; coding skills in C++, Python, or Java.

The predicted salary is between 63000 - 77000 £ per year.

As a Graduate Software Engineer, your work is mission-critical at our firm. You will work on solutions that enable us to react to markets at lightning-fast speeds. Your work will be the magic behind the scenes, enabling our teams to make split-second decisions with precision and confidence. By working in an interdisciplinary manner and innovating and optimising code, you will keep our firm competitive in the ever-evolving capital markets. Optiver is building with cutting edge AI technology in the most competitive, data rich landscapes in the world: financial markets. That means no two days are the same, and every day brings new, exciting technical challenges to solve.

What you’ll do

  • You will participate in Optiver’s comprehensive Global Academy and be equipped with the knowledge needed to make an impact the moment you join your team. The comprehensive training covers trading theory and Optiver’s tech stack to hone your skills for your role. In addition, you will be paired with a dedicated mentor who will empower you to take ownership of your work and make a difference.
  • You will work closely with best-in-class traders, researchers, risk analysts and other engineers to develop simple, well-architected solutions that meet the needs of our business. No one day is ever the same. You will gain and develop in-depth knowledge of engineering for the capital markets. Our collective passion to solve problems makes a direct impact on our business.

What you’ll get

  • You’ll join a culture of collaboration and excellence, where you’ll be surrounded by curious thinkers and creative problem solvers.
  • Motivated by a passion for continuous improvement, you’ll thrive in a supportive, high-performing environment alongside talented colleagues, working collectively to tackle the toughest problems in the financial markets.
  • A performance-based bonus structure, enabling all of our employees to benefit from our global profit pool.
  • The opportunity to work alongside best-in-class professionals.
  • 27 paid vacation days plus all UK public holidays.
  • Daily breakfast and lunch, along with support on commuting expenses.
  • Private medical insurance, pension scheme, and ClassPass fitness membership.
  • Training and continuous learning opportunities.
  • International transfer opportunities for global career growth.
  • Competitive relocation packages and visa sponsorship where necessary for expats.

Who you are

  • Bachelor’s, Master’s or PhD degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering or equivalent, with outstanding academic achievements.
  • Graduating between August 2024 and August 2027, with a maximum of 3 years of work experience.
  • Passionate about clean code, simple, well-architected systems, and continuous improvement.
  • Proficient in industry-standard coding languages such as C++, Python, or Java, with a strong understanding of underlying computer architecture and system operations.
  • A solid grasp of algorithms, memory and concurrency models, CPU-architecture, operating systems and relational databases.
  • Have an entrepreneurial attitude and an interest in the financial industry.
  • An analytical mindset and strong problem-solving skills.
  • Able to work closely with other engineers, traders, and business operations.

How to Apply: Apply directly via the form below for the position of Graduate Software Engineer. Please provide us with a CV in English. Unfortunately we cannot accept applications via email for data protection reasons. If your application is selected to proceed to the next round, you will be required to complete online assessments. By submitting your application you are confirming that you will be able to take the assessment within 7 days.

Diversity statement: Optiver is committed to diversity and inclusion. We encourage applications from candidates from any and all backgrounds, and we welcome requests for reasonable adjustments during the process to ensure that you can best demonstrate your abilities.

Graduate Software Engineer in London employer: Optiver

Optiver is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and collaborative work culture in the heart of London. As a Valuations Specialist, you will thrive in an environment that prioritises continuous improvement and professional growth, supported by comprehensive benefits such as a performance-based bonus structure, generous vacation days, and opportunities for international career advancement. Join a team of curious thinkers and creative problem solvers dedicated to enhancing market efficiency and transparency.

Optiver

Contact Details:

Optiver Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Graduate Software Engineer in London

Join Local Tech Meetups

Get out there and mingle with fellow developers by joining local tech meetups. It’s a fantastic way to meet people who might be working at Optiver or know someone who does. Plus, you can pick up some trendy tech skills and trends while you're at it!

Contribute to Open Source Projects

Show off your coding chops by jumping into open-source projects. Not only does this give you practical experience, but it also gets you noticed in the dev community. You'll create a killer portfolio that speaks volumes about your skills to Optiver.

Tap into Online Developer Communities

Don’t underestimate the power of online developer communities like GitHub, Stack Overflow, and even Reddit. Participate in discussions, share your projects, and build your visibility. We can often find opportunities through these channels that can lead to a full-time gig at companies like Optiver.

Explore Job Boards Specifically for Tech Roles

Keep your eyes peeled on job boards that focus on tech roles. Sites like TechCareers or Stack Overflow Jobs can often have listings for companies like Optiver that might not show up on broader job sites. Make it a habit to check these regularly, and don’t hesitate to apply directly through our website!

We think you need these skills to ace Graduate Software Engineer in London

C++
Python
Java
Computer Science
Computer Engineering
Algorithms
Memory Models

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show off your coding skills:When applying for a software engineering role, it's super important to showcase your coding skills. Make sure your CV includes your tech stack, any relevant programming languages you’re comfortable with, and examples of projects you've worked on. If you have a GitHub profile, link it up! We love to see code in action.

Tailor your portfolio:For a full-time role, we’d expect to see some solid examples of your work in your portfolio. Make sure to include at least two or three projects that highlight your problem-solving skills and your ability to work with different technologies. Focus on the projects that are most relevant to the position at Optiver.

Craft a killer cover letter:Your cover letter is your chance to stand out—make it personal! Explain why you want to work at Optiver and how your skills align with the role. Show us your passion for software development. We dig enthusiastic candidates who understand the value of collaboration and continuous learning!

Be clear and concise:When it comes to writing your CV and cover letter, clarity is key. Avoid jargon that could confuse us and stick to simple, direct language. Highlight your achievements with quantifiable results where possible, and keep everything easy to read. A well-organised application goes a long way!

How to prepare for a job interview at Optiver

Brush Up on Your Coding Skills

For a full-time software engineering role, it's crucial that we stay sharp with our coding abilities. Expect technical questions that might involve solving problems on the spot or discussing algorithms. Practise on platforms like LeetCode or HackerRank to get comfortable with the types of questions that often come up.

Know Your Tools and Frameworks

Make sure we’re well-acquainted with the tools and technologies listed in the job description. Familiarise ourselves with any specific frameworks or programming languages mentioned. If Optiver uses React or Node.js, for instance, be ready to discuss how we’ve used them in previous projects or coursework.

Showcase Your Projects

Bring along a portfolio that highlights our best work. This could be code samples, GitHub repositories, or any side projects we’ve built. Make sure we can talk through our thought process for each project, especially the challenges we faced and how we solved them—this shows our problem-solving skills in action.

Prepare for Behavioural Questions

While technical skills are key, full-time positions also require cultural fit. Be ready to discuss our previous experiences and how we handle teamwork, conflict, and deadlines. Brush up on the STAR method—Situation, Task, Action, Result—to clearly articulate our past experiences when discussing how we've contributed to a team.