Entry Level Software Engineer - Platform (Python)

About Optiver

Optiver is a tech-driven trading firm and a leading global market maker. We are committed to improving the world’s financial markets by injecting liquidity, providing accurate pricing, increasing transparency, and acting as a stabilizing force. Our Amsterdam office, where it all began over 35 years ago, is one of the most dynamic trading floors in Europe.

Role Overview

As a Software Engineer in the Platform team, you will be part of the Infrastructure Department, working to create a robust and reliable foundation for Optiver's infrastructure platform. You will have the opportunity to join either our Linux or Infra-Platform teams, collaborating closely with other experts on various projects.

Key Responsibilities

• Participate in the design and implementation of systems to manage our infrastructure, primarily using Python.
• Engage in both development and operational tasks, with a typical split of 80% development and 20% operational tasks.
• Join a rotation schedule for our “Operational week” to monitor dashboards for incidents and assist users.
• Participate in an on-call rotation during certain hours of the day.
• Write and review code, provision servers or network devices, apply configuration changes, debug production issues, and support Developers and Operations teams.
• Plan and coordinate infrastructure changes with other teams.

Current Projects

• Designing a command line client and HTTP API using FastAPI to provision Linux bare metal servers and networking devices.
• Maintaining critical components for risk control in automated, low latency trading.
• Supporting and extending systems that describe our infrastructure.
• Improving image-based server deployment systems for minimal provisioning time.
• Automating network device provisioning and configuration management using open source software.
• Redesigning our Linux Authentication stack.

Example Projects

• Build the next generation Observability stack for large-scale monitoring systems.
• Develop a “terraform-like” tool for managing infrastructure in a declarative way.
• Automate operations to empower other teams to perform critical tasks independently.

Qualifications

Required

• Strong desire to automate work and solve problems.
• Ability to adapt tools to current problems.
• Proficiency in Python or willingness to learn.
• Experience with Linux or networking.
• Ability to manage time and priorities collaboratively.
• Proactive problem-solving approach.
• Experience with real-life infrastructure.

Preferred

• Experience building Python tools for infrastructure automation.
• High attention to detail and strong communication skills.
• Experience with configuration management tools like Ansible.
• Knowledge of virtualization technologies, networking, and bare metal server management.

Benefits

• Start your career alongside best-in-class professionals from over 40 countries.
• Enjoy 25 paid vacation days, fully paid commuting expenses, training opportunities, and more.
• Benefit from discounts on health insurance, breakfast and lunch facilities, sports activities, and weekly in-house chair massages.
• Competitive relocation packages and visa sponsorship for international candidates.

How to Apply

Apply directly via the form provided, including a CV and a letter of motivation in English. Applications without a letter of motivation will not be reviewed. Successful candidates will be required to take an online assessment.

Diversity Statement

Optiver is committed to diversity and inclusion, empowering individuals and creating diverse teams that thrive. We encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds and welcome requests for reasonable adjustments during the hiring process.