Software Engineer, Backend (Clearing)

Software Engineer, Backend (Clearing) role focused on building and operating clearing services in a regulated, high-trust environment.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and maintain scalable Java microservices.
• Optimize PostgreSQL schemas and queries.
• Build services supporting clearing workflows, including trade processing, margin, and settlement.
• Ensure data integrity, consistency, and reconciliation across integrated systems.
• Operate what you build using production diagnostics via metrics, logs, and traces.
• Help define service level objectives and the alerting that protects them.
• Contribute to architecture decision records and design documents before implementation begins.
• Leverage AI responsibly using tools such as Claude or Copilot to improve code quality and productivity.
• Document relevant details in the team wiki.

Requirements

• Support delivery across the full software lifecycle from design and implementation through testing and production support.
• Experience building and operating distributed, service-based systems in production.
• Production engineering discipline, including ownership of services you also keep running.
• Strong foundation in object-oriented and functional programming, software engineering principles, design patterns, data modeling, and SQL.
• Proven track record of shipping shipped work and adapting decisions when evidence changes.
• Ability to collaborate with non-technical partners and turn concepts into working solutions.
• Java proficiency with at least 3 years of job experience using it.
• Education: Bachelor’s in Computer Science or related discipline, or equivalent practical experience.

Technology Stack

• Java (on Kubernetes)
• PostgreSQL, Kafka, Linux
• Kubernetes, Nomad
• Distributed tracing, observability
• CI/CD and tooling: GitHub, GitHub Actions
• Registries and deployment: Harbor, Artifactory, Helm charts
• GitOps: ArgoCD
• AI tools: Claude, Copilot
• Messaging: FIX messaging protocol
• JVM languages listed: Python, Clojure, Scala, Kotlin

Role Overview

• Cboe Clear U.S. (CCUS) is a regulated clearinghouse.
• CCUS clears event contracts and prediction markets listed on Cboe exchanges.
• CCUS is building toward tokenized collateral and 24x7 operation, including infrastructure moving traditional finance onto DeFi rails.
• CCUS Software Engineering is described as a high trust environment.

Preferred

• Container orchestration with Kubernetes, Nomad, or similar orchestrators.
• Event streaming with Kafka or an equivalent.
• Experience with capital markets clearing or post-trade systems.
• Solid Linux fundamentals and disciplined use of version control.
• AI-assisted development tooling.

Nice to Have

• Python for analytics and rapid prototyping.
• JVM languages such as Clojure, Scala, or Kotlin.
• FIX messaging protocol.
• Distributed tracing and observability tooling.

Experience Level

• Minimum work experience: 5+ years in backend development.

Location

• Chicago, IL (onsite)
• Cboe HQ is located in the historic Old Post Office district.

Compensation

• Anticipated base salary range (US locations only): $107,525 - $139,150 per year.

Work Authorization

• This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship.
• Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States without employer sponsorship now or in the future.

Recruiting Communication

• Any communication from Cboe regarding this position will come only from a Cboe recruiter with a @cboe.com email or via LinkedIn Recruiter.
• Cboe does not use other third-party communication tools for recruiting purposes.