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.
HOW TO APPLY
Apply directly via the form below. If you have any questions feel free to contact our Recruitment team via our recruitment inquiry form.
Please note:
We do not require any assistance from third-parties including agencies in the recruitment of this role
We cannot accept applications via email’
DIVERSITY STATEMENT
Optiver is committed to diversity and inclusion.
Optiver Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Optiver and has not been reviewed or approved by Optiver.
-
Career-Linked Recognition & Rewards — Pay is considered highly competitive in trading, quantitative, and engineering paths, with performance-linked bonuses materially elevating total earnings for strong contributors. High performers are described as seeing outsized upside when firm and team results are strong.
-
Healthcare Strength — Health coverage is depicted as comprehensive, including medical, dental, vision, disability and life insurance, alongside HSA/FSA options and mental-health support. Some locations note unlimited therapy access through a partner platform.
-
Leave & Time Off Breadth — U.S. roles are often described as offering 25 days of paid vacation plus market holidays, alongside generous parental leave. This breadth of time off is highlighted as helping to offset a high-intensity environment.
Optiver Insights
What We Do
Optiver’s story began over 30 years ago, when we started business as a single trader on the floor of Amsterdam’s options exchange. Today, we are at the forefront of trading and technology as a leading global electronic market maker, focused on pricing, execution and risk management.
Why Work With Us
People at Optiver love challenges, welcome collaboration, and strive to be better tomorrow than they are today. Improving the market is an extraordinary challenge that requires a carefully crafted approach. Optiver provides a collaborative working environment to tackle these challenges. In fact, it is this way of working that sets us apart.
Gallery








