At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our team to enhance and innovate reference data products for trading strategies.
- Company: Dynamic global trading firm with a focus on cutting-edge data solutions.
- Benefits: Performance bonuses, 27 vacation days, private medical insurance, and continuous learning opportunities.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with excellent career growth and international transfer opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the trading world while working with innovative technologies.
- Qualifications: Experience in C++, C, C#, or Python and strong engineering instincts.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Reference data is the foundation of every trading decision we make. From financial instruments and corporate actions to market calendars, counterparty data, and alternative datasets, the breadth and complexity of reference data continues to grow alongside the increasing sophistication and interconnected nature of global markets. We are looking for a Data Software Engineer to join our Global Data Engineering team to expand the coverage, quality, and robustness of our reference data products, which power low, medium, and high frequency trading strategies across the firm.
What you’ll do:
- Establish vision and technical direction for major initiatives across our reference data platform.
- Expand and harden existing reference data products – improving coverage across asset classes and datasets, raising data quality, and increasing operational robustness.
- Design, develop, support, and maintain critical components of our data infrastructure that traders and researchers rely on every day.
- Ensure new and existing programs adhere to our coding, architectural, and operational standards.
- Develop a deep understanding of trading, exchanges, and the diverse data domains that underpin them.
- Collaborate deeply with traders, engineers, and researchers to identify gaps, prioritise improvements, and deliver datasets that meet the bar of a top‑tier trading firm.
What you’ll need:
- Strong engineering instincts and a deep understanding of computer science fundamentals.
- Experience writing software in C++, C, C# and/or Python.
- A pragmatic approach to data modelling – able to balance correctness, completeness, and the realities of messy upstream sources.
- Innovative, big‑picture thinking grounded in real‑world pragmatism.
- Desire to continuously improve in a rapidly evolving environment.
- Readiness to set technical direction, promote engineering principles, and do the right things.
What you’ll get:
- A performance‑based bonus structure, enabling all of our employees to benefit from our global profit pool.
- 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, including access to conferences and tech events.
- International transfer opportunities for global career growth.
Software Engineer - Reference Data employer: Optiver
As a leading player in the financial sector, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer that fosters a culture of innovation and collaboration. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through extensive training opportunities, a generous benefits package including 27 paid vacation days, and a performance-based bonus structure that rewards contributions to our global success. Located in the heart of the UK, we offer a dynamic work environment where engineers can thrive and make a meaningful impact on trading strategies.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Software Engineer - Reference Data
✨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 Software Engineer - Reference Data
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.
