Network Engineer III

About Akuna: 

Akuna Capital is an innovative trading firm with a strong focus on collaboration, cutting-edge technology, data driven solutions, and automation. We specialize in providing liquidity as an options market-maker – meaning we are committed to providing competitive quotes that we are willing to both buy and sell. To do this successfully, we design and implement our own low latency technologies, trading strategies, and mathematical models. 

Our Founding Partners first conceptualized Akuna in their hometown of Sydney. They opened the firm’s first office in 2011 in the heart of the derivatives industry and the options capital of the world – Chicago. Today, Akuna is proud to operate from additional offices in Sydney, Shanghai, London, and Singapore. 

What you’ll do as a Network Engineer at Akuna:    

We are seeking a Network Engineer III to join Akuna’s innovative and growing IT Infrastructure team. The ideal candidate is likely to have a strong background in low-latency IP networking and will play a key role in maintaining and optimizing our global trading infrastructure. This role requires both technical depth and independent decision-making — you will often serve as the sole network resource during core job hours, ensuring the stability and performance of our critical trading systems. Candidates must be self-motivated, demonstrate excellent multitasking skills, and should be comfortable working in a fast-paced, state-of-the-art electronic trading environment. Candidates must posses an active CCNP certification and have the desire to one day achieve CCIE certification. In this role, you will: 

• Collaborate with our Trading, IT Infrastructure, and Development teams to configure and troubleshoot the network infrastructure 
• Provide day-to-day support of network and application environments, including port configuration and cabling 
• Provide evening and weekend support and maintenance, and travel to data centers as required 
• Work closely with other infrastructure engineers to evaluate current and new technology and improve all aspects of our infrastructure 
• Work together with senior team members to analyze business requirements, and design, implement, and manage an effective (WAN/LAN) network that supports our current domestic and global trading platform 
• Work with network providers to ensure that the trading infrastructure remains stable, competitive, and cost-effective 
• Document and focus on automation of all day-to-day operations
• The ability to react quickly and accurately to rapidly changing market conditions, including the ability to quickly and accurately respond and/or solve math and coding problems are essential functions of the role

Qualities that make great candidates: 

• 4–6 years of professional experience in IP networking, ideally with exposure to low-latency environments (trading, financial services, or similar)
• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Network Design, or a related field 
• Strong understanding of TCP/IP, OSI model, routing protocols (BGP, OSPF) and multicast routing (IGMP, PIM, BiDir, MSDP) is required
• Hands-on experience with networking equipment from one or more vendors (Cisco, Arista, or Juniper)
• Solid understanding of switching fundamentals including VLANs, STP, and trunking
• Experience with firewalls, ACLs, and VPNs
• Experience performing network traffic and protocol analysis using standard industry tools (Wireshark, tcpdump) 
• Working knowledge of Linux/Unix systems
• Active CCNP certification required, and desire to achieve CCIE certification is highly encouraged
• Scripting language (such as Python) experience 

In addition to technical skillsets, Akuna values the unique perspectives people can bring to the table to collaboratively solve complex problems and drive Akuna forward. We want all groups to feel empowered to apply, even if you don’t meet every qualification. We welcome your application and encourage you to take the first steps toward your future with us!

In accordance with Illinois Equal Pay Act, the minimum base salary starts at $140,000. Exact compensation offered may vary based on many factors including, but not limited to, the candidate’s experience, qualifications, and skill set. This role is also eligible for a discretionary performance bonus as part of the total compensation package and includes a comprehensive benefits package that may encompass employer-paid medical, dental, vision, retirement contributions, paid time off, and other benefits. The minimum base salary herein was determined in good faith by Akuna Capital LLC.