At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the development of a cutting-edge multi-asset risk engine and shape the product roadmap.
- Company: Join a fintech scale-up backed by a major global private equity firm.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, discretionary bonus, shares, and flexible working arrangements.
- Other info: Dynamic startup environment with opportunities for mentorship and growth.
- Why this job: Enjoy genuine ownership and direct impact on innovative projects without bureaucratic hurdles.
- Qualifications: 10+ years in quant finance and strong software engineering skills required.
The predicted salary is between 100000 - 180000 £ per year.
London (4 days office / 1 day remote) £100,000 - £180,000 (DOE) + benefits + discretionary bonus + shares
Do you have deep quant finance exposure but you're tired of being one of twenty people who has to sign off before your code goes anywhere? Are you a strong software engineer who's spent years adjacent to trading and risk systems, but never got to actually own the build? You'd be joining a fintech scale-up, backed by a global private equity major, right at the start of a new growth cycle. The London engineering team is currently 6-7 people, mirroring a much larger 40-strong hub in Hong Kong, and you'd be one of the most senior technical voices in the room from day one.
The core project: replacing third-party risk engines (think MSCI Barra, Aladdin) with an in-house, multi-asset risk engine, because clients want more control and reliability than the incumbents offer, and the business wants to own its own supply chain instead of paying for it. There's no one in London today who can write the specs, validate the models, and build the implementation. That's the gap.
Why You'll Love It Here
- Genuine ownership: if you want to shape the product roadmap, you get in the room and make the case, no layers of approval to fight through
- A very flat structure, you'd report directly to the Head of Engineering with minimal hierarchy above you
- Primarily hands-on (this is a builder's role, not a manager's), with mentoring and coaching as a bonus, not an obligation
- Direct exposure to the product team and Head of Risk from early on
- Real scope to grow as the London team scales
- Freedom in how you work, paired with genuine investment in AI coding tools (Cursor, credits for top models) to keep you efficient, not micromanaged
About the Role
Day to day, you'll be deep in the build: Python for data and calculation engine work, C++ where performance matters, and a Node.js/TypeScript full-stack layer, with the team also moving toward JVM/Kotlin. Whatever your primary language, if you've got 10+ years behind you, picking up what's needed here shouldn't be a barrier. You'll be trusted to write specs, validate models, and where relevant, implement them yourself. As the London team grows, you'll have the option (not obligation) to mentor into it. You won't be boxed into a narrow technical lane, and if you want to take ownership of parts of the wider platform beyond risk, that door is open.
What You'll Need
- 10+ years' experience
- Genuine quant finance exposure, formulas, models, and implementation, not just proximity to a quant team
- Multi-asset awareness, particularly risk-oriented (not necessarily exotic instruments)
- Strong software engineering background (still hands-on)
- Comfort working in a startup-paced, low-hierarchy environment
- Openness to picking up new languages/stacks
If you want to build something from the ground up, sit close to leadership, and stop waiting for twenty sign-offs before your work matters, this is worth a conversation.
Tech Lead - Quant Engineering employer: Zygo People
Join a dynamic fintech scale-up in London where you can truly own your work and influence the product roadmap from day one. With a flat structure and a focus on genuine collaboration, you'll have the opportunity to grow alongside a talented team while enjoying the freedom to innovate without bureaucratic hurdles. The company invests in cutting-edge AI tools to enhance your efficiency, making it an ideal environment for experienced professionals looking to make a meaningful impact.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Tech Lead - Quant Engineering
✨Join Local Manufacturing Groups
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Consider participating in workshops or open days at manufacturing companies. It's a great way to show off your hands-on skills in a real-world environment and can sometimes lead to job offers right on the spot. Keep an eye on announcements from local manufacturers for these opportunities!
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✨Apply Directly Through Company Websites
When you find a role at a company you love, like Zygo People, apply directly on their website. This way, you’re more likely to be noticed by the hiring team. Plus, showing that you took the time to seek out their application process highlights your genuine interest in the firm!
We think you need these skills to ace Tech Lead - Quant Engineering
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Skills:In the manufacturing-production sector, it's crucial to highlight your technical skills and experience. Make sure your CV features any relevant qualifications, such as certifications in machinery operation or production management, and don’t forget about any specific systems or software you’re familiar with. This can really set you apart!
Emphasise Teamwork and Communication:Working in manufacturing often means being part of a larger team. Highlight your experience in collaborative projects or environments where communication was key. Maybe you have experience with lean manufacturing principles? Talk about how you worked with your team to improve productivity and maintain quality.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Company:Don’t just recycle an old cover letter! Take the time to tailor your cover letter to Zygo People specifically. Mention what excites you about their production processes or products, and how your previous experiences can contribute to their goals. We want to see your enthusiasm for the role!
Use Concrete Examples of Your Achievements:When detailing your work experience, include measurable achievements that can demonstrate your impact. Whether it’s improving efficiency by a certain percentage or successfully leading a project, these specifics can make a huge difference. Numbers speak volumes in the manufacturing world!
How to prepare for a job interview at Zygo People
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with Zygo People, brush up on the specific manufacturing processes relevant to the role. Understanding lean manufacturing principles or quality control techniques could give you a solid edge to discuss how you’d fit into their operations.
✨Technical Questions Are Key
Be prepared for technical questions around machinery, production scheduling, or materials handling. Make sure you can confidently explain how you've dealt with these in past experiences or internships. Knowing industry-specific software could also be a big plus!
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Manufacturing environments often focus on continuous improvement. Be ready to discuss specific instances where you’ve solved a production issue or implemented a process improvement. It’s all about demonstrating your analytical thinking and hands-on approach.
✨Align Your Values with Quality and Safety
In a full-time role, companies like Zygo People value commitment to quality and safety. Be prepared to discuss how you prioritise these factors in your work. It’s about showing that you’re not just looking for a job, but that you genuinely care about contributing positively to their production environment.
