Helix Software Engineer

iSAM is an innovative, financial technology firm specialising in quantitative trading, comprised of iSAM Funds and iSAM Securities.

iSAM Securities regulated by the FCA, SFC, and CIMA registered, is a leading algorithmic trading firm and trusted electronic market maker, providing liquidity, technology and prime services to institutional clients and trading venues globally. The firm offers full-service prime brokerage and execution via its cutting-edge proprietary technology, as well as market leading analytics, cleared through the group’s bank Prime Brokers.

iSAM Funds is an alternative asset manager specialising in systematic investing. Each strategy is unique, provides a specialist quantitative approach and is designed to deliver highly diversifying absolute returns for institutional portfolios.

About the Role:

We are looking for a talented and hands-on Java developer with experience in financial trading and execution systems, ideally within the equities space, to join the Helix Technology team.

Responsibilities:

• Manage and deliver the roadmap for the ISAM Helix Trading System, with a primary focus on trade execution and integration with middle- and back-office systems,
• Work closely with brokers to continuously improve algorithmic execution, incorporating feedback from the Execution Research team and coordinating A/B testing where required.
• Support the onboarding of new execution brokers and implement approved execution improvements.
• Facilitate changes related to prime brokers or trading accounts.
• Generate, maintain, and enhance Transaction Cost Analysis (TCA) reports.
• Contribute to the architectural evolution of the Helix technology platform.
• Provide ongoing maintenance and support for the Helix trading system.
• Participate in the production support rota following appropriate training.

Qualifications:

• Strong development experience in Java (Python experience is a plus).
• Minimum 5 years of relevant software development experience.
• Prior exposure to execution systems within a bank, hedge fund, or financial services firm.
• Experience in equities trading or related markets is highly desirable.
• Degree in a STEM discipline (e.g., Mathematics, Physics, Statistics, Computer Science).
• Proven ability as a hands-on software engineer.

Personal Attributes:

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Highly analytical with excellent attention to detail.
• Proactive, self-driven, and able to work collaboratively within a team environment.

Key Outcomes: 

• Take full ownership of multiple critical components within the Helix trading system, ensuring stability, scalability, and continuous improvement.
• Deliver on the roadmap for the ISAM Helix Trading and Execution platform.
• Produce clean, well-documented, and testable code, adhering to software engineering best practices.
• Continuously refine systems through performance optimisation, technical debt reduction, and automation initiatives.
• Participate in the support rota, providing expertise and guidance on execution-related production issues.
• Proactive, self-driven, and able to work collaboratively within a team environment.