Senior Research Software Engineer, Commodities (Python)

Job Description

DRW is seeking a Senior Research Software Engineer (Python) to join its Commodities trading group in Chicago. The successful candidate will play a crucial role in building a first-in-class platform for quantitative & fundamental research, collaborating closely with researchers and traders to create a robust and productive environment for data analysis, research, and modeling.

The role involves working across various trading styles and time horizons, refining working processes to deliver high-quality work that scales with growth. The engineer will shape the infrastructure and build supporting software, processes, and tools as needed in a data-intensive environment where researchers primarily use Python.

What this role involves:

• Creating tools and workflows for exploratory research
• Crafting Python APIs to enhance research productivity
• Implementing research studies, analytics, and production models for commodities trading
• Defining and maintaining the Python research environment
• Building dashboards for data exploration and delivery of research results
• Building data and machine learning infrastructure
• Managing production workflows for real-time forecasting, modeling, and analytics
• Building systems for back testing & development of systematic trading strategies
• Collaborating with DRW’s research infrastructure and data management teams

Requirements:

• Strong Python knowledge
• Working expertise in numerical modeling and data analytics (numpy, pandas, sklearn)
• Passion for developer experience and expertise in API design and usability
• Experience building and scaling large-scale analysis or machine learning tools
• Experience with modern data technologies (Postgres, Snowflake, Redshift, Airflow, dbt)
• Data visualization expertise (Plotly, Panel, Dash)
• Willingness to support and educate researchers on software engineering best practices
• Experience with a strongly typed or compiled language (e.g., Java, C++, Go, Rust)
• Ability to own delivery of complex projects end-to-end
• Computer Science or advanced STEM degree

What DRW offers:

• Comprehensive suite of employee benefits including group medical, pharmacy, dental and vision insurance
• 401k (with discretionary employer match)
• Short and long-term disability, life and AD&D insurance
• Health savings accounts, and flexible spending accounts