Software Engineer, Research

Location: Chicago, IL (Hybrid/On-site)

About the Opportunity

We are seeking a high-caliber Software Engineer to join a premier global proprietary trading firm. This is an opportunity to join a specialized, multi-asset systematic trading group that operates at the intersection of traditional finance and emerging digital asset markets. You will work in a fast-paced, high-autonomy environment where you will design and implement the mission-critical infrastructure required to power 24/7 global trading operations.

Responsibilities

• System Architecture: Design, build, and maintain robust full-stack software and infrastructure supporting large-scale quantitative research and live trading.

• Data Engineering: Develop and optimize data pipelines, focusing on the ingestion, management, and analysis of massive time-series datasets.

• Integration: Build and manage complex integrations with global exchanges, financial data providers, and various blockchain protocols.

• Research Support: Partner directly with quantitative researchers to accelerate the research lifecycle, from initial feature generation to production deployment.

• Quality & Reliability: Ensure high availability of trading systems through rigorous unit, functional, and integration testing, as well as comprehensive documentation.

• Collaborative Innovation: Work within a lean, agile team to solve complex technical challenges, providing on-call support as necessary to maintain global operations.

Requirements (Must-have)

• Python Expertise: 3+ years of professional experience building maintainable, complex systems using modern Python practices and type systems.

• Blockchain Knowledge: Practical understanding of major blockchain architectures and client configurations.

• Data Management: Proven experience handling and scaling large, evolving time-series databases.

• Execution: Strong track record of taking high-level business requirements and independently driving technical projects to completion.

• Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills with a focus on internal stakeholder management.

• Commitment to Excellence: A high degree of self-motivation and a continuous drive to master new technologies in a competitive landscape.

Preferred Qualifications (Nice-to-have)

• Domain Experience: Previous collaboration with quantitative researchers or experience in a systematic trading environment.

• Open Source: Contributions to recognized open-source projects within the crypto or decentralized finance ecosystem.

• Node Infrastructure: Experience deploying and managing full or archive blockchain nodes at scale.

• Advanced Engineering: Familiarity with functional programming, immutable design principles, or machine learning lifecycles.

• Polyglot Skills: Working knowledge of C++ is a significant plus.

Compensation & Benefits

• Base Salary:$175,000 – $225,000 (commensurate with experience).

• Bonus: Eligible for an annual discretionary performance-based bonus.

• Benefits: Comprehensive package including premium medical, dental, and vision insurance; 401(k) with employer match; and robust disability and life insurance options.

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, ethnic origin, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.

OP Recruiting, a member of the Objective Partners family of specialized talent solution providers, uses AI-assisted tools, including Alex by Apriora, to support our recruiting process. These tools may review application materials and analyze interview responses to provide insights about a candidate's experience and qualifications. AI output informs our recruiters; decisions about whether to advance or present a candidate are made by people. Learn more about our use of AI, including how to request an accommodation: https://www.oprecruiting.com/ai-in-our-hiring-process.

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