Lead Data Architect

Company Summary

Optiver is seeking a Lead Data Architect to join its Chicago office and play a critical role in advancing the firm's data enablement and research capabilities. As a global market maker operating across 100+ exchanges, Optiver combines cutting-edge technology with world-class talent to improve market liquidity, pricing, and transparency.

In this Lead Data Architect position, you will sit at the intersection of data engineering, quant research, and trading-owning the architecture and evolution of high-performance data systems that directly power real-time decision-making.

Responsibilities

• Architect, build, and maintain scalable ETL/ELT pipelines using PySpark, Databricks, and Delta Lake

• Transform research workflows into production-grade data systems optimized for performance and reliability

• Develop and optimize streaming and batch data pipelines (Structured Streaming, Kafka)

• Define and enforce data engineering best practices and standards across teams

• Collaborate closely with quant researchers, traders, and global engineering teams

• Create reusable frameworks, templates, and onboarding pathways for data users

• Mentor engineers and drive a culture of DataOps excellence and continuous improvement

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in data engineering or data platform roles

• Advanced skills in:

• Python (PySpark)

• Apache Spark & Databricks

• ETL/ELT pipeline development at scale

• Strong understanding of:

• Streaming technologies (Kafka, Spark Streaming)

• Cloud data architectures (preferably AWS)

• Delta Lake / Lakehouse design

• Experience with distributed systems and performance optimization

• Proven ability to own and deliver complex projects independently

• Strong communication skills with experience partnering across technical teams

Nice to have:

• Experience with C++ or Rust

• Exposure to MLOps / MLflow

• Background in high-performance environments (trading firms, advanced data platforms, or similar)

Benefits

• Competitive total compensation of $400K-$700K+

• 401(k) match up to 50%

• Comprehensive health, dental, vision, and mental health coverage

• 25 days of paid vacation + market holidays

• Daily meals, snacks, and a highly collaborative office environment

• Regular social events, clubs, and sports leagues

• Opportunity to work with top talent across Chicago, Amsterdam, and Sydney

If you're a hands-on data architect looking to build systems that directly power trading decisions and generate real-world impact, we want to hear from you.

Apply now or reach out for a confidential discussion.