Software Engineer - C++

Optiver is looking for Software Engineers to join our High-Frequency Trading (HFT) team in New York City. Our HFT team is comprised of software engineers and researchers who design, improve and execute fully automated trading strategies using machine learning. As a software engineer, you’ll work on complex technical projects, help shape the direction of our trading infrastructure, and work closely with teams to share knowledge and drive technical progress.

Our software engineers work on some of the most challenging algorithmic problems in the world. The team owns the problem end to end, from data to simulation to the execution of orders in production. The system is built to be robust, enabling research at scale while running complex machine learning models with low latency across thousands of financial instruments.

What you’ll do

• Partner deeply with researchers to solve complex, high-value business problems specific to our equity and ETF systems
• Build and maintain end-to-end trading infrastructure, from research to production execution
• Push frequent, impactful code changes to the production environment
• Contribute to the Optiver stack and our pricing, research and trading models from ideation through to implementation
• Ensure new and existing programs adhere to our coding, architectural, and operational standards
• Develop a deep understanding of trading and exchanges

What you’ll get

You’ll join a culture of collaboration and excellence, 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, collectively tackling some of the toughest challenges in the financial markets.

In addition, you’ll receive:

• The opportunity to work alongside best-in-class professionals from over 40 different countries
• A highly competitive compensation package
• Global profit-sharing pool and performance-based bonus structure
• 401(k) match up to 50%
• Comprehensive health, mental, dental, vision, disability, and life coverage
• 25 paid vacation days alongside market holidays
• Extensive office perks, including breakfast, lunch and snacks, regular social events, clubs, sporting leagues and more

Who you are

• Strong engineering instincts and a deep understanding of computer science fundamentals
• 2+ years preferred of C++ experience in low-latency systems like market data ingestion, order routing, execution performance, or simulation frameworks
• Expertise in C++ is strongly preferred; experience with C, Python or Linux is a plus
• Innovative, out-of-the-box 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 thing

Who we are

Optiver is a global market maker driven by technology. Our mission is to improve the market by injecting liquidity, providing accurate pricing, increasing transparency and stabilizing the market no matter the conditions. With a focus on continuous improvement, we prioritize safeguarding the health and efficiency of the markets for all participants. As one of the largest market making institutions, we are a respected partner on 100+ exchanges across the globe.

We value in-person collaboration across disciplines, and this role is based on-site at our New York City office.

Applicants may submit up to three applications per calendar year across all open roles.

Our differences are our edge. Optiver does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, physical or mental disability, or other legally protected characteristics.

Below is the expected base salary for this position. This position will also be eligible for a discretionary bonus and Optiver’s benefits package with the benefits listed above.*

Base Salary Range

$200,000 — $200,000 USD