Optiver leverages technology to solve a variety of complex problems: optimising for scarce bandwidth, responding to market events with nanosecond speed, automatically pricing complex sets of financial instruments with extremely low error tolerance, and analysing huge volumes of data. Our systems are built to add to the stability of the market, not detract from it; therefore they must operate at peak efficiency in the most extreme market conditions. To achieve this, our user interfaces must present coherent, responsive, real-time visualisations of market activity and system performance while providing intuitive control of a highly complex system.  

Our Principal Software Engineers not only lead Optiver's large technical projects, but also help set the direction for our trading infrastructure, and serve as role models within the organisation.

WHO WE ARE:

Optiver is a tech-driven trading firm and leading global market maker. As one of the oldest market making institutions, we are a trusted partner of 50+ exchanges across the globe. Our mission is to constantly improve the market by injecting liquidity, providing accurate pricing, increasing transparency and acting as a stabilising force no matter the market conditions. With a focus on continuous improvement, we participate in the safeguarding of healthy and efficient markets for everyone who participates.

Our Amsterdam office is where it all began. Over 35 years ago, Optiver’s business started with a single trader on the floor of Amsterdam’s European Stock Exchange. Since our 1986 founding, Optiver’s Amsterdam office has grown into one of the most dynamic and exciting trading floors in Europe. Our culture reflects the Dutch capital city’s progressive, innovative and inclusive nature. With its unique spirit, Amsterdam is the ideal hub for our teams to trade a wide range of products from listed derivatives to cash equities, ETFs, bonds and foreign exchange. 

WHAT YOU'LL DO:                            

Our systems play an essential role in everything we do in the trading domain. That is why our Technology and Trading Teams collaborate closely to jointly explore ideas and establish the new directions. Together, they build and maintain an outstanding suite of reliable, high-performing systems and applications.

As Principal Software Engineer, you will establish the vision and technical direction for major initiatives by building large portions of high quality and architecturally sound systems. You'll develop a deep understanding of trading, exchanges and what the “machine” is doing. You’re not attached to tools and technologies, but rather focus on solving problems. You'll lead the most complex projects while questioning every assumption, involving fellow Engineers, Traders and Researchers along the way. This also means hands-on programming, testing and putting the new solutions into production. You'll bring clarity to complexity and demonstrate smart ways to simplify our trading ecosystem.

As Optiver's Principal Software Engineer, you’ll have a lot of freedom, but with it comes a lot of responsibility. The scope of our systems is large and our Tech leadership trusts you with our crown jewels. Your decisions have substantial impact on the flow of millions of Euros. Your actions will result in meeting obligations towards exchanges and further establishing our reputation as a trusted trading partner.

WHO YOU ARE:

• You have strong engineering instincts and a deep understanding of computer science fundamentals, combined with flawless coding skills in languages like C++, C# or Java
• A demonstrated record of achievement as key member in large technical projects
• Innovative, big-picture thinking grounded in real-world pragmatism
• Desire to continuously improve in a rapidly evolving environment
• Great interpersonal skills and ability to clearly express your thoughts
• Readiness to set technical direction, promote engineering principles, and do the right thing

WHAT YOU'LL GET:

• The chance to work alongside best-in-class professionals from over 40 different countries.
• Our performance based bonus structure is unmatched anywhere in the industry. We combine our profits across desks, teams and offices into a global profit pool fostering a truly collaborative environment to work in.

Alongside this you will get great secondary benefits such as 25 paid vacation days, fully paid first-class commuting expenses, training opportunities, discounts on health insurance, breakfast and lunch facilities, sports and leisure activities, Friday afternoon drinks and even weekly in-house chair massages.

Being highly international, we are accustomed to guiding expats through their relocation, offering competitive relocation packages and providing visa sponsorship where necessary.

HOW TO APPLY:

Apply directly via the form below for the position of Principal Software Engineer. Please provide us with a CV and letter of motivation in English. Applications without a letter of motivation will not be reviewed. When we think there is a potential match, you will hear from us sooner than you expect.

Please note, if you are selected from your application to proceed to the next round for the position of Principal Software Engineer you will be required to take an online assessment.

Kindly note that we do not require any assistance from third-parties including agencies in the recruitment of this role.

DIVERSITY STATEMENT:

As an intentionally flat organization, we believe that great ideas and impact can come from everyone. We are passionate about empowering individuals and creating diverse teams that thrive. Every person at Optiver should feel included, valued and respected, because we believe our best work is done together.

Our commitment to diversity and inclusion is hardwired through every stage of our hiring process. 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.

More information on how Optiver Europe processes your personal data can be found in our Privacy Policy.