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.

If these fascinating challenges spark your interest, you could be the Graduate Software Engineer Optiver is looking for.

WHO WE ARE:

At Optiver, our mission is to 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 play an active role in the safeguarding of healthy and efficient markets for all participants. We tackle the toughest problems, challenge the status quo and always aim for excellence. As one of the largest market making institutions, we are a trusted partner on 70+ exchanges across the globe.

Our Amsterdam office is where it all began. Since our founding in 1986, Optiver’s Amsterdam office has developed 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:

At Optiver, we pride ourselves on being real Engineers, not just coders. Our Software Engineers work closely with Traders to identify the business problems we face and determine how they should be solved. We utilise a disciplined and scientific approach to ensuring we provide a stable, performant and trusted foundation upon which our systems are built. 

As a Graduate Software Engineer, you will collaborate closely with Traders, Risk Analysts and other Engineers to develop simple, well-architected solutions that meet the dynamic needs of our business. In the process, you'll gain and develop an in-depth understanding of trading theory and practice.  Our passion is to solve problems that really matter to the business, and we take pride in the quality of our solutions.

WHO YOU ARE:

As a Graduate Software Engineer, you should:

• Have an entrepreneurial attitude and an interest in the financial industry
• Want to step outside your comfort zone and face fresh challenges every day
• Aim for continuous improvement in a rapidly evolving environment
• Enjoy working collaboratively within a team

In terms of skills and qualifications, we are looking for:

• An academic degree in Computer Science, Engineering or equivalent
• The ability to write clean and simple code
• A proficiency in coding languages such as C++, C# or Java
• A solid grasp of algorithms, memory and concurrency models, CPU-architecture, operating systems and relational databases
• Strong engineering ability and a solid understanding of computer science
• An analytical mindset and strong problem-solving skills

Please note: no prior trading knowledge is needed, as you’ll take part in our twelve-month Tech Starters programme. With a combination of theoretical knowledge and hands-on practical experience, you’ll learn everything you need to know.

WHAT YOU’LL GET:

The chance to start your career working alongside best-in-class professionals from over 40 countries.

Alongside this you will get great secondary benefits such as 25 days paid vacation days, full paid first-class commuting expenses, training opportunities, discounts on health insurance, breakfast and lunch facilities, sport 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: 

Are you interested in furthering your career on one of the most dynamic and exciting trading floors in Europe?

Apply directly via the form below for the position of Graduate Software Engineer. Please provide us with a CV and letter of motivation 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 14 days.

Kindly note that we do not require any assistance from third-parties including agencies in the recruitment of this role. If you have any questions feel free to contact our Recruitment team via [email protected].

*We accept one application per role, per year, across all office locations. If you have applied to this role across any of our offices in the last year and have been unsuccessful, you can reapply once your 12 month cooling period has concluded. Please note: If you reapply before the end of your cooling period, this will be considered your most recent unsuccessful application.

As an intentionally flat organisation, 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 accommodations during the process to ensure that you can best demonstrate your abilities. Please let us know if you would like to request any reasonable adjustments by contacting the Recruitment team via [email protected].

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