RF System Engineer

At Optiver we pride ourselves on being real engineers, not just coders. Our engineers work closely with traders to identify the business problems we face and determine how they should be solved. We apply a disciplined and scientific approach. We engineer simple, well-architected solutions that meet the dynamic needs of our traders. Our passion is to solve problems which really matter to the business, and we take pride in the quality of our solutions.

Austin is home to Optiver’s hardware research, development and manufacturing department. We build some of the world’s most competitive trading hardware using a wide variety of technologies, from fiber optics to custom silicon, from software to antennas - and everything in between.

We’re growing fast and are looking to expand our team with an experienced hardware engineer who deeply understands the complexities of designing and realizing high speed, high density systems and boards. Our systems push the limits of what’s possible, so we’re looking for creative thinkers who can oversee the big picture and who are not afraid to step out of their comfort zone and explore novel approaches.

What you’ll do

• Design, realize, test and bring up custom RF hardware and subsystems, including PCBAs
• Develop HF receive and transmit front ends, including LNAs, filters, matching networks and amplifier integration
• Characterize and debug RF system performance end-to-end
• Create test plans and drive system level validation
• Work with software, infrastructure, and network teams to ensure RF systems are deployed successfully at scale
• Work in a multidisciplinary team and own your designs from concept to production
• Understand regulatory requirements 

What you’ll get

• Direct hands-on involvement in building unique, high-performance hardware systems which deliver meaningful impact to our business
• A collaborative team environment where your contributions are visible and valued
• Diverse, non-repetitive work – nearly every system is bespoke
• Work alongside best-in-class professionals from over 40 different countries
• Highly competitive compensation package including performance-based bonus structure
• 401(k) match up to 50%
• Comprehensive health, mental, dental, vision, disability, and life coverage
• 25 paid vacation days alongside market holidays
• Extensive office perks, including breakfast, lunch and snacks, regular social events, clubs, sporting leagues and more

Who you are

• BS in electrical or computer engineering, Master or Ph.D. preferred
• 3+ years of industry experience
• Hands-on experience designing and debugging RF hardware and systems
• Experience with HF design, including front ends, filtering, matching and amplifier characterization
• Strong understanding of receive-chain performance, including gain, noise figure, linearity, stability and isolation
• Experience isolating issues in transmit and receive chains, including non-linear distortion and coupling mechanisms
• Experience with EMI debugging and familiarity with EMC compliance and mitigation
• Experience with PCBA design and board-level system integration
• Comfortable using RF lab equipment and writing basic Python for bring-up, automation or analysis
• Working knowledge of safety and regulatory requirements relevant to deploying RF systems, EMI/EMC, and safe operation of high-power RF equipment

Nice to have

• Microwave design experience
• Familiarity with antenna fundamentals
• Ham radio license
• Experience with RF simulation tools such as ADS, AWR, HFSS or CST
• Familiarity with Spice simulation 
• Experience working with external vendors, labs or manufacturing partners
• Experience supporting compliance workflows, including pre-compliance testing, documentation, and coordination with external test labs or certification bodies
• FPGA or microcontroller programming experience

Who we are

At 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 Austin office serves as the firm’s innovation nucleus, with a strong focus on quantitative research, software development and hardware engineering. The team here plays a central role in advancing our heavy investment in machine learning, research infrastructure and big data computing. Located in The Domain neighborhood, the office is surrounded by world-class music, great food and easy access to outdoor spaces, providing a vibrant setting for the team.

We value in-person collaboration across disciplines, and this role is based on-site in our Austin office.

Applicants may submit up to three application per calendar year across all open roles.

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.