Harrington Starr
Quant Software Engineer

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Quantitative Developer (Python)
We are partnering with a global financial technology organisation that builds optimisation platforms used by leading financial institutions to reduce risk, improve capital efficiency and solve complex large-scale optimisation problems.
This team develops high-performance Python applications that combine software engineering with mathematical optimisation. The work is engineering-first, with an emphasis on building robust production systems rather than pure quantitative research.
The Role
We're looking for a mid-level Quantitative Developer / Financial Engineer to join a collaborative engineering team responsible for developing and enhancing large-scale optimisation platforms.
You'll work closely with software engineers, quantitative specialists and product teams to design, build and support production systems that process complex datasets and deliver optimisation solutions for clients operating in global financial markets.
This is a hands-on engineering role where you'll spend the majority of your time writing production Python, improving platform performance and developing new functionality, while gaining exposure to optimisation techniques used to solve real-world financial problems.
Reasons to use Rodeo
I’m in my final year doing Economics and I don’t know whether to apply for grad schemes now or do a masters first. What do you think?
Honest answer — it depends on where you want to end up. A lot of top grad schemes (Big 4, civil service, banking) don’t need a masters. Let’s look at the ones you’d be competitive for now, and we can decide if a masters actually adds anything.
Also worth knowing: most autumn 2026 applications are open now. Timing matters more than you think.
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Graduate Consultant — 2026 Scheme
Why you're a good match
StrongYour economics background and your summer at a regional bank line up with what PwC looks for on the consulting scheme. Applications close in four weeks.
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Why you're a good match
You’ve got the grades and the economics background, and your bank internship is exactly the experience this scheme looks for. Apply soon — deadlines close within the month.
Experience fit
Your summer at the bank plus your econometrics coursework map directly to the day-one responsibilities on this scheme — client modelling, market briefings, and deal support.
Only hits
No noise. No "maybe this fits." Just roles with a clear explanation of why they're right — and where to focus when applying.
Typical projects include
- Enhancing optimisation algorithms to support new business requirements
- Developing new functionality within Python optimisation services
- Improving runtime performance and scalability of core optimisation platforms
- Building reliable data pipelines and analytics components
- Supporting production optimisation runs and improving operational resilience
- Streamlining workflows through automation and improved system architecture
Responsibilities
- Design, develop and maintain Python applications supporting optimisation services
- Build and improve optimisation and analytics libraries
- Work with large datasets and optimise data processing pipelines
- Collaborate with engineering and product teams to deliver high-quality software
- Support production systems and investigate performance improvements
- Contribute to architectural discussions and continuous improvement initiatives
- Write clean, well-tested and maintainable code
What they're looking for
- Around 3–5 years' commercial Python development experience
- Strong software engineering fundamentals
- Experience working with NumPy and Pandas
- Experience building production software within data-intensive or numerical environments
- Strong problem-solving ability
- Comfortable working with complex technical challenges
- Excellent communication skills


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Any experience in the following would be advantageous:
- Linear Programming
- Mixed Integer Programming (MIP)
- Convex Optimisation
- Operations Research
- Gurobi, OR-Tools, Pyomo or similar optimisation libraries
- Financial markets, derivatives or risk systems
- Linux or AWS environments
- Mathematics, Physics, Engineering or Computer Science background
The ideal profile
This role would suit someone who enjoys writing high-quality Python and solving mathematically interesting problems.
It is not a pure Quant Research position. The successful candidate will be an engineer first, with enough mathematical understanding to work with optimisation models and numerical algorithms.
A background in financial markets is beneficial but not essential, provided you have strong software engineering skills and a solid foundation in mathematics.
The team offers a collaborative environment where engineers have ownership of their work, contribute to product direction and solve technically challenging problems with real-world impact.
Contact Ciara Clarke at Harrington Starr for a confidential discussion on this role.
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