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 PCBAsDevelop 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 businessA 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 areBS in electrical or computer engineering, Master or Ph.D. preferred3+ 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 CSTFamiliarity 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 bodiesFPGA or microcontroller programming experience

Wh…