Software Engineer - Hardware Research (Austin)

Optiver’s hardware research, development, and manufacturing team in Austin designs some of the world’s most competitive trading systems. Within this group, our hardware research team explores how every device in our environment behaves under real-world conditions from low-level network cards to custom hardware.As we continue to grow, we’re looking for a software engineer with a research mindset to join this team. In this role you will investigate the behavior and performance of all devices we use or interact with in our trading environment. We’re looking for someone who can apply strong software engineering principles to the systems we build to do this.You’ll collaborate closely with teams across the organization, applying your knowledge to improve our systems and trading strategies.What you’ll doAs Software Engineer in Hardware Research, your key responsibilities include:Design and develop software to help investigate the performance and behavior of trading hardware and communication devicesConduct hands-on research with a wide range of hardware components and network protocolsCollaborate with hardware, trading, and infrastructure teams to share findings and improve systemsInteract directly with low-level devices, drivers, and embedded systems using C/C++What you’ll getThe opportunity to work alongside best-in-class professionals from over 40 different countriesA highly competitive compensation packageGlobal profit-sharing pool and performance-based bonus structure401(k) match up to 50%Comprehensive health, mental, dental, vision, disability, and life coverage25 paid vacation days alongside market holidaysExtensive office perks, including breakfast, lunch and snacks, regular social events, clubs, sporting leagues and moreWho you areStrong foundation in computer science fundamentals and programmingProficiency in Python, including familiarity with libraries and APIsComfortable conducting research and data analysis in Python using Jupyter NotebooksExperience writing software in C/C++Creative problem-solving skills at the system levelSolid understanding of the OSI model and networking fundamentalsNice to haveExperience with low-level hardware/software interactionsFamiliarity with devices and drivers in LinuxExperience with low-level communication APIs and frameworks such as EFVI, RoCE, DPDK, and OnloadHands-on experience with high-precision timestamping of electrical signals and network packetsExperience working with high-performance trading network hardware (both packet- and circuit-switched)Knowledge of communication protocols, especially EthernetExposure to network equipment operating systems like Cisco IOS, Arista EOS, MOS or similarWho we areAt Optiver, 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.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