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Software Engineer Research Assistant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

... the software platform layered on top. ORP enables Optiver's global research teams to define and ... Collaborate globally with Optiver business teams including traders, researchers, and engineers to ...

... the software platform layered on top. ORP enables Optiver's global research teams to define and ... Collaborate globally with Optiver business teams including traders, researchers, and engineers to ...

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Software Engineer Research Assistant information

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$33K

$88.8K

$134.5K

How much do software engineer research assistant jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for software engineer research assistant in the United States is $88,754.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $70,500.00 and $104,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Software Engineer Research Assistant, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Software Engineer Research Assistant, you need a solid background in computer science fundamentals, programming languages such as Python or Java, and a related degree or ongoing coursework. Familiarity with version control systems like Git, data analysis libraries, and research tools such as MATLAB or TensorFlow is typically required. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help you collaborate with research teams and convey technical findings clearly. These competencies are crucial for contributing to innovative research projects, ensuring reliable results, and supporting the advancement of technology.

How do Software Engineer Research Assistants typically collaborate with both engineering and research teams?

Software Engineer Research Assistants often serve as a bridge between software development and research teams, translating research concepts into functional prototypes or tools. They regularly participate in joint meetings, contribute to code reviews, and align their tasks with the goals of both groups. Effective communication skills are essential, as they need to understand academic research requirements while adhering to engineering best practices. This collaborative environment offers exposure to cutting-edge technology and the opportunity to contribute to innovative projects.

What does a Software Engineer Research Assistant do?

A Software Engineer Research Assistant supports research projects by developing, testing, and maintaining software tools and applications. They often collaborate with researchers and engineers to implement experimental algorithms, analyze data, and document findings. The role may involve coding, debugging, and adapting software to meet the needs of specific research objectives. Additionally, they help ensure that research code is efficient, reproducible, and well-documented for future use.
More about Software Engineer Research Assistant jobs
What cities are hiring for Software Engineer Research Assistant jobs? Cities with the most Software Engineer Research Assistant job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Software Engineer Research jobs? The most popular types of Software Engineer Research jobs are:
What states have the most Software Engineer Research Assistant jobs? States with the most job openings for Software Engineer Research Assistant jobs include:
Infographic showing various Software Engineer Research Assistant job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 73% Full Time, 23% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $88,754 per year, or $42.7 per hour.

Software Engineer - Research Platform

Optiver

Chicago, IL โ€ข On-site

$200K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 12 days ago


Job description

The Optiver Research Platform (ORP) is a vertically integrated platform team that manages both high-performance compute infrastructure and the software platform layered on top. ORP enables Optiver's global research teams to define and execute large-scale computational problems such as simulations and model training through streamlined orchestration of complex workflows. By owning the full stack, from datacenter hardware to distributed research tooling, ORP provides the fastest possible turnaround time for experiments and continually expands Optiver's ability to generate insights from the markets we operate in.
What you'll do:
  • Expand the Optiver Research Platform's capabilities by building features and improving performance across service orchestration, job scheduling, cluster management, big-data processing, and other core services that business teams directly interface with.
  • Build and evolve a fully managed compute & data platform layer for improved scale & reliability in Python & Rust.
  • Explore cutting-edge technologies and integrate them into Optiver's research workflows to enhance performance and allow deriving better insights.
  • Collaborate globally with Optiver business teams including traders, researchers, and engineers to push their understanding of the market to new heights.

What you'll get:
You'll join a culture of collaboration and excellence, 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, collectively tackling some of the toughest challenges in the financial markets.
In addition, you'll receive:
  • The opportunity to work alongside best-in-class professionals from over 40 different countries
  • A highly competitive compensation package
  • Global profit-sharing pool and 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:
  • Experience leading large-scale engineering projects
  • Strong engineering instincts and a deep understanding of computer science fundamentals
  • Experience in distributed systems
  • Expertise in Python is required; experience with C, C++, or Rust is a plus
  • Experience working with GPUs and the CUDA ecosystem is a plus
  • Ability to tackle complex technical problems at the intersection of infrastructure and research enablement
  • Commitment to continuous learning and improvement in a rapidly evolving environment
  • Excellent communication and collaboration skills for working with global researchers and engineers
  • Readiness to set technical direction, promote engineering principles, and do the right thing

Who we are:
Optiver is a global market maker driven by technology. 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.
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.
Below is the expected base salary for this position. This is a good-faith estimate of the base pay scale for this position and offers will ultimately be determined based on experience, education, skill set, and performance in the interview process. This position will also be eligible for a discretionary bonus (if determined by Optiver) and Optiver's benefits package with the benefits listed above.
Base Salary Range
$200,000-$200,000 USD