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HPC Engineer

Optiver · Chicago, IL · Technology

Posted Oct 2, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

Tell me about a Linux system you troubleshot where the problem wasn't obvious. How did you find the root cause?

What they are checking: Methodical troubleshooting across OS, storage and network layers, which the posting asks for directly.

What interests you about high-performance computing specifically?

What they are checking: Genuine interest in HPC, which the posting lists as a requirement.

What would you do

A researcher says their jobs got much slower this week. Where do you start?

What they are checking: Ability to narrow a vague complaint into a testable problem across compute, storage and network.

You're working with another infrastructure team that owns the network. How do you collaborate when the issue might be theirs?

What they are checking: Collaboration across teams without finger-pointing during an outage.

How would you evaluate a new technology for the research platform before recommending it?

What they are checking: Whether they test new tools against real research needs before recommending them, rather than chasing novelty.

About the work

How would you set up a cluster to share GPU and CPU resources fairly between research teams?

What they are checking: Understanding of scheduling and resource management for diverse compute in HPC.

What have you built with Ansible or Terraform, and how did you keep it maintainable?

What they are checking: Real Infrastructure as Code experience beyond running someone else's playbooks.

When would you run a research workload in AWS, GCP or Azure instead of on-premises?

What they are checking: Judgment about cost, data gravity and burst capacity in hybrid infrastructure.

How do parallel file systems differ from regular network storage, and why do they matter for research?

What they are checking: Knowledge of storage systems that support high-throughput research workloads.

Explain how you would monitor a cluster so you catch problems before researchers do.

What they are checking: Proactive monitoring and alerting habits for critical research systems.

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The full job description

As published by Optiver.

Optiver is seeking an  HPC Engineer to contribute significantly to the development and management of our research infrastructure across both on-premises and cloud platforms. This role involves hands-on work in scaling and supporting high-performance computing ( HPC ) and storage systems, which are critical for our growing demand in research across various trading-related domains, including quantitative and options research. What You’ll Do: • Assist in designing and supporting HPC and storage systems on-premises and in cloud clusters ( AWS , GCP , Azure). • Help troubleshoot issues related to  OS , storage, network, and other infrastructure components, in collaboration with other infrastructure teams. • Contribute to innovation in research infrastructure by supporting new technologies and methodologies. • Support management of diverse compute capabilities, including CPU, GPU, and specialized processing solutions. • Work directly with software engineers to provide a fully integrated research platform for the company. Who You Are: • Knowledge of Linux systems and environment. • Exposure to Infrastructure as Code tools (Ansible, Terraform, etc.). • Understanding of cloud solutions like AWS , GCP , or Azure. • Interest in high-performance computing ( HPC ) environments. • Ability to troubleshoot in infrastructure scenarios. • Ability to effectively collaborate with diverse and global teams. 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 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 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 position will also be eligible for a discretionary bonus and Optiver’s benefits package with the benefits listed above. Base Salary Range $200,000 — $200,000 USD

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