Performance Engineer at IMC

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Performance Engineer
Company: IMC
Location: Amsterdam, Netherlands
Job Type: On-site
Category: DevOps Engineer
Date Posted: 2025-07-25
Experience Level: Mid-Senior level (2-5 years)

🚀 Role Summary

Key Responsibilities: Analyze, optimize, and tune systems' interaction with exchange systems holistically, uncover performance improvements across the trading stack, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to implement solutions.
Key Skills: Performance Engineering, Reverse Engineering, Data Analysis, Python, Networking, Linux, Statistical Experiments, Collaboration, System Analysis, Problem Solving, Quantitative Research, Experimentation, Prototyping, Autonomy, Inquisitive Mind, Bespoke Networks.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role requires a strong background in performance engineering, data analysis, and networking to excel in a fast-paced, collaborative environment focused on optimizing trading systems' performance.

💻 Primary Responsibilities

Black Box Reverse Engineering and Analysis: Analyze complex systems' behavior using black-box techniques, identify performance bottlenecks, and design statistical experiments to explain emergent real-world phenomena.
Quantitative Research: Utilize large datasets to understand exchange technology and optimize system performance.
Experimentation & Prototyping: Design, implement, and test innovative ideas, experiments, and technologies to evaluate performance and real-world applicability.
Collaboration & Communication: Liaise effectively with traders, software and hardware engineers, and infrastructure teams to share insights and implement solutions.
System Analysis: Analyze terabytes of network data to identify patterns, validate hypotheses, and optimize system performance.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role demands a deep understanding of system analysis, data interpretation, and collaboration skills to drive performance improvements and contribute to a multidisciplinary team.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Mathematics, or a related field.

Experience: 2-5 years of experience in performance engineering, data analysis, or a related role, with a strong focus on system analysis, networking, and Linux.

Required Skills:

Proficient understanding of computer internals, networking, and Linux.
Skilled in reverse engineering techniques.
Inquisitive mind and strong problem-solving skills.
Experience with data and system analysis in Python.
Ability to work self-sufficiently with minimal guidance after internal training.
Capable of working autonomously while contributing to a multidisciplinary team.

Preferred Skills:

Experience with complex, bespoke networks and networking stacks.
Familiarity with financial markets and trading systems.
Strong communication and collaboration skills.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates with a strong background in performance engineering, data analysis, and networking, along with an inquisitive mind and collaborative spirit, will excel in this role.

📊 Web Portfolio & Project Requirements

Portfolio Essentials: Demonstrate your ability to analyze and optimize complex systems, reverse engineer software, and perform statistical experiments. Showcase your Python skills and experience with data analysis tools.
Technical Documentation: Prepare a portfolio that clearly explains your approach to performance engineering, data analysis, and system optimization. Include case studies that highlight your problem-solving skills and the impact of your work on real-world systems.

📝 Enhancement Note: A well-curated portfolio that showcases your technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and understanding of performance engineering will help you stand out in the application process.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: €60,000 - €90,000 per year (based on experience and market research for the Netherlands)

Benefits:

Competitive salary and bonus structure.
Comprehensive health insurance package.
Pension plan with company contribution.
Training and development opportunities.
Dynamic and collaborative work environment.

Working Hours: Full-time position with standard office hours (Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:30 PM CET), with flexibility for project deadlines and maintenance windows.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is estimated based on market research for performance engineering roles in the Netherlands, considering the candidate's experience level and the company's size. Benefits are tailored to IMC's compensation package for similar roles.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Financial technology and trading.

Company Size: Medium to large (over 500 employees globally).

Founded: 1989.

Team Structure:

Collaborative, multidisciplinary teams consisting of traders, software engineers, hardware engineers, and infrastructure specialists.
Flat hierarchy with an emphasis on autonomy and innovation.
Strong focus on continuous learning and professional development.

Development Methodology:

Agile development processes with regular sprint planning and code reviews.
Emphasis on collaboration, communication, and knowledge sharing.
Data-driven decision-making and quantitative research.

Company Website: www.imc.com

📝 Enhancement Note: IMC's company culture emphasizes collaboration, innovation, and continuous learning, fostering a dynamic environment for performance engineers to thrive.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Web Technology Career Level: Mid-Senior level performance engineering role, focusing on system analysis, optimization, and collaboration with cross-functional teams.

Reporting Structure: Reports directly to the Head of Performance Engineering or a similar role, with close collaboration with traders, software engineers, and infrastructure teams.

Technical Impact: Directly impacts the performance and efficiency of IMC's trading systems, contributing to the company's overall success in financial markets.

Growth Opportunities:

Technical growth: Develop expertise in performance engineering, data analysis, and related technologies.
Leadership growth: Transition into a technical leadership role, mentoring junior engineers and driving team projects.
Career progression: Expand your role within IMC or explore opportunities in other departments, such as trading or software development.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers significant growth opportunities for performance engineers looking to advance their careers in a dynamic, collaborative environment.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Modern, collaborative office spaces designed to facilitate teamwork and innovation.

Office Location(s): Amsterdam, Netherlands, with global offices in the US, Europe, Asia Pacific, and India.

Workspace Context:

Open-plan offices with dedicated team spaces and meeting rooms.
State-of-the-art hardware and software tools for performance engineering, data analysis, and system optimization.
Collaborative work environment with regular team-building activities and social events.

Work Schedule: Standard office hours with flexibility for project deadlines and maintenance windows, as needed.

📝 Enhancement Note: IMC's work environment fosters collaboration and innovation, providing performance engineers with the resources and support needed to excel in their roles.

📄 Application & Technical Interview Process

Interview Process:

Online application review and initial screening.
Technical phone or video screen, focusing on performance engineering, data analysis, and system optimization skills.
On-site interview, including a case study presentation, technical deep dive, and behavioral questions.
Final decision and job offer.

Portfolio Review Tips:

Highlight your problem-solving skills and the impact of your work on real-world systems.
Showcase your ability to analyze and optimize complex systems, using relevant case studies and data visualizations.
Emphasize your collaboration and communication skills, demonstrating your ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams.

Technical Challenge Preparation:

Brush up on your performance engineering, data analysis, and system optimization skills.
Familiarize yourself with IMC's trading systems and the challenges faced by performance engineers in the financial markets.
Prepare for case study presentations and technical deep dives, focusing on your problem-solving approach and ability to optimize system performance.

ATS Keywords: (Organized by category)

Programming Languages: Python, Bash, C, C++, Java
Web Frameworks: Not applicable (focus on performance engineering and data analysis)
Server Technologies: Linux, Windows Server, Networking, Exchange Systems
Databases: Not applicable (focus on data analysis and system optimization)
Tools: Jupyter Notebook, Pandas, NumPy, Matplotlib, Network Analysis Tools, Reverse Engineering Tools
Methodologies: Agile, Scrum, Data-Driven Decision Making, Quantitative Research
Soft Skills: Collaboration, Communication, Problem Solving, Autonomy, Inquisitive Mind
Industry Terms: Performance Engineering, System Analysis, Networking, Exchange Systems, Trading Stack, Quantitative Research, Statistical Experiments

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process focuses on assessing the candidate's technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and collaboration potential, with a strong emphasis on performance engineering and data analysis.

🛠 Technology Stack & Web Infrastructure

Frontend Technologies: Not applicable (focus on performance engineering and data analysis)

Backend & Server Technologies:

Linux (Ubuntu, CentOS)
Windows Server
Networking (TCP/IP, UDP, DNS, Subnets, Routers, Switches)
Exchange Systems (e.g., FIX, ITCH, OUCH)
Trading Stack (e.g., IMC's proprietary trading platform)

Development & DevOps Tools:

Python (Pandas, NumPy, Matplotlib, Jupyter Notebook)
Network Analysis Tools (e.g., Wireshark, tcpdump)
Reverse Engineering Tools (e.g., Ghidra, IDA Pro)
Version Control Systems (e.g., Git)
CI/CD Pipelines (e.g., Jenkins, GitLab CI/CD)

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack for this role focuses on performance engineering, data analysis, and system optimization, with a strong emphasis on networking, Linux, and exchange systems.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Web Development Values:

Innovation: Continuously seek new ways to optimize system performance and improve trading strategies.
Collaboration: Work closely with cross-functional teams to share insights and implement solutions.
Data-Driven: Make informed decisions based on quantitative research and data analysis.
Autonomy: Take ownership of your work and drive projects to completion.

Collaboration Style:

Cross-functional Integration: Work closely with traders, software engineers, and infrastructure teams to optimize system performance and enhance trading strategies.
Code Review Culture: Regularly review and discuss performance engineering and data analysis techniques to improve overall team skills.
Knowledge Sharing: Encourage open communication and collaboration to foster a culture of continuous learning.

📝 Enhancement Note: IMC's team culture emphasizes innovation, collaboration, and data-driven decision-making, fostering a dynamic environment for performance engineers to thrive.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Technical Challenges:

Black Box Reverse Engineering: Analyze complex systems using black-box techniques to identify performance bottlenecks and optimize system performance.
Quantitative Research: Utilize large datasets to understand exchange technology and optimize system performance.
Experimentation & Prototyping: Design, implement, and test innovative ideas, experiments, and technologies to evaluate performance and real-world applicability.
System Analysis: Analyze terabytes of network data to identify patterns, validate hypotheses, and optimize system performance.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

Technical Skill Development: Enhance your performance engineering, data analysis, and system optimization skills through on-the-job training, workshops, and online resources.
Conference Attendance & Certification: Attend industry conferences and obtain relevant certifications to expand your knowledge and network.
Technical Mentorship: Seek guidance from experienced performance engineers and other team members to develop your skills and advance your career.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers numerous technical challenges and learning opportunities for performance engineers looking to develop their skills and advance their careers in a dynamic, collaborative environment.

💡 Interview Preparation

Technical Questions:

Performance Engineering Fundamentals: Explain your approach to performance engineering, data analysis, and system optimization, using relevant examples and case studies.
Networking & Exchange Systems: Demonstrate your understanding of networking concepts, exchange systems, and trading stacks, with a focus on optimizing system performance.
Problem Solving: Present a challenging performance engineering or data analysis problem you've faced in the past, explaining your approach to solving it and the outcome of your work.

Company & Culture Questions:

IMC's Performance Engineering Team: Describe your understanding of IMC's performance engineering team and how you would contribute to its success.
Data-Driven Decision Making: Explain your experience with data-driven decision-making and how you've applied it in previous roles.
Collaboration & Communication: Discuss your experience working with cross-functional teams and how you've effectively communicated complex performance engineering concepts to non-technical stakeholders.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

Live Demonstration: Prepare a live demonstration of your performance engineering and data analysis skills, using relevant tools and datasets.
Code Explanation: Clearly explain your approach to performance engineering, data analysis, and system optimization, using code snippets and visualizations to illustrate your points.
User Experience Impact: Highlight the impact of your work on real-world systems and user experience, using relevant metrics and performance indicators.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process focuses on assessing the candidate's technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and collaboration potential, with a strong emphasis on performance engineering and data analysis.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this performance engineering position at IMC:

Submit your application through the application link provided.
Customize your resume and portfolio to highlight your performance engineering, data analysis, and system optimization skills, with a focus on relevant case studies and examples.
Prepare for the technical interview by brushing up on your performance engineering, data analysis, and system optimization skills, and familiarizing yourself with IMC's trading systems and the challenges faced by performance engineers in the financial markets.
Research IMC's company culture, team structure, and development methodologies to ensure a strong fit with your career goals and technical expertise.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and performance engineering industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.

Performance Engineer