Lead Python Engineer

WorldQuant develops and deploys systematic financial strategies across a broad range of asset classes and global markets. We seek to produce high-quality predictive signals (alphas) through our proprietary research platform to employ financial strategies focused on market inefficiencies. Our teams work collaboratively to drive the production of alphas and financial strategies – the foundation of a balanced, global investment platform.

WorldQuant is built on a culture that pairs academic sensibility with accountability for results. Employees are encouraged to think openly about problems, balancing intellectualism and practicality. Excellent ideas come from anyone, anywhere. Employees are encouraged to challenge conventional thinking and possess an attitude of continuous improvement.

Our goal is to hire the best and the brightest. We value intellectual horsepower first and foremost, and people who demonstrate an outstanding talent. There is no roadmap to future success, so we need people who can help us build it.

Technologists at WorldQuant research, design, code, test and deploy firmwide platforms and tooling while working collaboratively with researchers and portfolio managers. Our environment is relaxed yet intellectually driven. We seek people who think in code and are motivated by being around like-minded people.

The Role
We are seeking an exceptional Python Lead Engineer to join a small team working on complex data pipelines, AI/ML systems, and cutting-edge software solutions. This role will be responsible for managing technical objectives, providing technical leadership, and maintaining a hands-on approach to development. The ideal candidate will work closely across teams within WorldQuant as part of our business-facing technology organization.

A successful candidate will possess deep expertise in Python development, data engineering, software architecture, and design principles. They should be able to mentor junior team members, conduct code reviews, and drive architectural decisions. Experience with AI and large language models (LLMs) is highly desirable.

What You'll Bring

• Master's degree or higher in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related technical field from a top-tier institution.
• 7+ years of experience as a Python developer, with a strong focus on data engineering and AI/ML systems.
• Expert-level knowledge of Python and its ecosystem, including experience with data processing libraries like Pandas, NumPy, and PySpark.
• Proficiency in designing and implementing scalable, maintainable, and efficient data pipelines.
• Experience with cloud platforms (AWS, GCP, or Azure) and containerization technologies (Docker, Kubernetes).
• Expertise in version control systems (Git), CI/CD practices, and agile methodologies.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to explain complex technical concepts to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Proven track record of mentoring junior engineers and fostering a collaborative team environment.
• Experience in the finance industry is a plus but not required.
• Experience with AI/ML frameworks such as PyTorch, or scikit-learn, LLM, agents or systems of agents is a significant plus.

What We Offer

• Competitive compensation package
• Core benefits include: premium private health insurance and life insurance with savings plan
• Support for every aspect of life through Employee Assistance Program and fully covered sick leave
• Strong culture of learning and development: training courses, library, guest speakers, share and learn events, global conferences
• Regular offsite team buildings, annual conferences and occasional global summits – opportunity to travel and connect with our local and global teams

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WorldQuant is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in hiring on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation or preference, age, marital status, citizenship, national origin, disability, military status, genetic predisposition or carrier status, or any other protected characteristic as established by applicable law.