Data Engineer - Trading
Summary
Lead Data Engineer at trading firm Optiver in Amsterdam, building and productionizing scalable ETL/ELT pipelines on a Lakehouse stack (Databricks, Apache Spark, Delta Lake, dbt) to support the local research team, plus mentoring engineers and setting data engineering best practices across the trading lifecycle.
Optiver is seeking a seasoned Data Engineer to support and advance the data capabilities of our local research team and contribute to our broader Lakehouse architecture vision. In this role, you’ll work with cutting-edge tools like Databricks, Apache Spark, and Delta Lake, translating experimental research workflows into scalable, production-grade systems.
As a critical engineering presence in Amsterdam, you’ll directly influence local data strategy while collaborating with our Global Research and Data Platform teams. Your work will drive real-time insights, enable predictive analytics, and power decision-making across the trading lifecycle.
This role combines hands‑on data engineering, cross‑regional collaboration, and platform innovation—all within a high-performance, data‑driven environment.
What you’ll do
As a Lead Data Engineer, your responsibilities include:
- Design, build, and maintain reliable ETL/ELT pipelines using Spark, Structured Streaming, Databricks, and our in‑house high‑performance tools
- Optimize and productionize research workflows with a strong focus on scalability, resilience, and performance tuning
- Collaborate with power users to develop and share reusable patterns, templates, and onboarding pathways
- Define, document, and enforce data engineering best practices
- Mentor junior engineers and drive a culture of continuous learning and DataOps excellence
WHAT YOU’LL GET
At Optiver, data is central to everything we do. You’ll join a small, high‑impact team with a mandate to build best‑in‑class data capabilities from the ground up. Here, you will:
- Work with a modern Lakehouse + dbt stack, setting the standards others will follow.
- See your models and pipelines directly shape decision‑making across the firm.
- Grow alongside experienced data leaders in a culture of excellence, innovation, and continuous improvement.
You’ll join a culture of collaboration and excellence, where you’ll be surrounded by curious thinkers and creative problem solvers. Motivated by a passion for continuous improvement, you’ll thrive in a supportive, high‑performing environment alongside talented colleagues, working collectively to tackle the toughest problems in the financial markets.
In addition, you’ll receive:
- A performance‑based bonus structure, enabling all of our employees to benefit from our global profit pool.
- The opportunity to work alongside best‑in‑class professionals from over 50 different countries.
- 25 paid vacation days in your first year, increasing to 30 from your second year onwards.
- Training opportunities, discounts on health insurance, and fully paid first‑class commuting expenses.
- Extensive office perks, including breakfast, lunch and dinner, world‑class barista coffee, in‑house physio and chair massages, organized sports and leisure activities, and Friday afternoon drinks.
- Training and continuous learning opportunities, including access to conferences and tech events.
- Competitive relocation packages and visa sponsorship where necessary for expats.
DIVERSITY STATEMENT
Optiver is committed to diversity and inclusion.