Role: Contract Data Engineer
Project: Data platform build for algorithmic trading
Industry: Commodities Trading
Location: London (hybrid)
Contract: 6 month initial (long-term programme)
Rate: £800-950/d (inside IR35)
X4 Technology are partnered with a leading commodities trading business offering the opportunity for a Contract Data Engineer to join a high-impact algorithmic trading programme. This role sits at the heart of a major data platform build, supporting both analytics and systematic trading through scalable, high-performance data pipelines.
You’ll work closely with traders, quants, and engineering teams to design and deliver both batch (Databricks) and real-time (tick-level time series) data solutions.
Responsibilities of the Contract Data Engineer (Algorithmic Trading)
* Design and build scalable data pipelines (batch + real-time) for trading analytics
* Develop data models across disparate datasets (market data, orders, trades, positions)
* Build and maintain high-performance data platforms for TCA and execution analytics
* Ingest and process large-scale, high-frequency (tick-level) market data
* Develop real-time and historical data services for trading and research
* Optimise query performance and data access patterns
* Contribute to time-series database architecture and implementation
* Collaborate with traders and quants to deliver analytics and data-driven insights
* Support development of pre- and post-trade analytics capabilities
* Work across teams to integrate data from multiple systems and platforms
Requirements for the Contract Data Engineer (Algorithmic Trading)
* Proven background in commodities trading / capital markets / investment banking
* Strong experience working with large financial datasets (market data, trades, orders)
* Demonstrable knowledge of derivatives trading lifecycle and market structure
* Proven data engineering experience (data modelling, pipeline development)
* Experience with time-series databases (kdb+ preferred)
* Strong knowledge of tick data structures and high-frequency data processing
* Experience building or supporting TCA / execution analytics platforms
* Familiarity with Linux environments and scripting (Bash, etc.)
* Comfortable working directly with traders in fast-paced environments
This is a foundational hire within a growing data function, offering the opportunity to shape both batch and real-time data architecture for a global trading platform. You’ll play a key role in building out next-generation data capabilities, working closely with systematic trading teams and contributing directly to trading performance and analytics. Please apply online for immediate consideration.