Aptos is a people-first blockchain on a mission to help billions of people achieve universal and fair access to decentralized assets in a safe and scalable way.
Founded by some of the original creators and maintainers that researched, designed, and built the Diem blockchain to serve this purpose, we have dedicated several years toward this mission. We believe the open-source Diem technology we have developed is an important foundation of a safe and scalable web3 world where everyone has more equitable opportunities to grow and access financial assets with lower fees and fewer intermediaries.
Aptos (Ohlone for "The People") encompasses our mission and ethos for why we build.
About Decibel
Decibel is building the next generation of institutional-grade digital asset trading infrastructure—combining systematic strategies, enterprise-level risk controls, and a high-performance execution environment. As we scale our trading operations and expand strategy breadth, we are hiring a Lead Quant Developer / Architect to own the architecture and engineering foundations of our algorithmic trading platform.
The Role
We are looking for an experienced quantitative developer with deep architecture, systems design, and low-latency engineering expertise to build and evolve the core of Decibel’s trading stack.
The ideal candidate is someone who has operated in 50/50 quant strategy + core engineering environments, but is now ready to go 80–90% engineering/architecture—designing systems from scratch while collaborating tightly with a strategist.
You will directly shape the next generation of Decibel’s execution, data, and research infrastructure.
What You'll Do
Architecture & Core Engineering
- Own the end-to-end architecture of Decibel’s algorithmic trading system, including execution engine, strategy framework, and data pipelines.
- Design and build low-latency, high-throughput services to support spot, perp, options, and multi-venue crypto markets.
- Create the foundational codebase that enables scalable strategy development, backtesting, simulation, and deployment.
- Establish engineering standards, modularity, code quality, and system reliability across the trading stack.
Algorithmic & Quant Engineering
- Translate high-level trading hypotheses into robust, production-ready execution logic.
- Build reusable libraries for market data normalization, signal routing, risk filters, position management, and real-time analytics.
- Partner with Nico on shaping execution logic, slippage mitigation, and adaptive algo behavior.
Systems Reliability & Monitoring
- Implement comprehensive 24/7 monitoring, circuit breakers, kill-switches, and automated failovers.
- Build alerting, telemetry, and diagnostics tools to ensure seamless round-the-clock system performance.
- Work with a junior quant dev to maintain overnight/weekend coverage and rapid incident response.
Collaboration
- Work cross-functionally with trading, research, and risk to ensure the system supports strategy expansion.
- Serve as the technical mentor to a secondary/junior developer for follow-the-sun monitoring and incremental improvements.
What We're Looking For
Core Qualifications
- 7+ years in quantitative development, algorithmic trading engineering, or electronic market-making systems.
- Significant experience in both strategy implementation and core codebase engineering (similar to David’s blend of experience at BitMEX, GAIN Capital, BNP, etc.).
- Strong background in:
- Python or C++/Java for low-latency and trading frameworks
- Market data systems, exchange APIs, and execution gateways
- Backtesting frameworks, simulation engines, and model orchestration
- Distributed systems and real-time data processing
- Proven ability to architect systems from scratch rather than only maintain/extend existing frameworks.
Bonus
- Prior crypto derivatives, FX algo trading, or electronic market making experience across multiple asset classes.
- Exposure to risk modeling, pricing, or execution optimization.
- CFA, MFE, or advanced quant training helpful
Build the entire next-generation trading architecture nearly greenfield, with major influence and ownership
- Work directly with a strategy-focused Head of Trading—clear division of labor and zero bureaucracy.
Competitive comp, high velocity environment, and the ability to scale both technology and team.
- Opportunity to shape the core engineering culture and mentor/lead additional quant dev hires.
Our Benefits
- 100% insurance premium coverage for medical, dental, and vision for you and your dependents (US Employees)
- Equipment of your choice
- Flexible vacation time, 11 holidays, and floating company days off
- Competitive Salary
- Protocol Token Grants
- 401k matching (US Employees)
- Fun and inclusive in-person and digital events
Aptos is committed to diversity in the workplace, and we’re proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not hire on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, gender, national origin, citizenship, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, pregnancy, parental status, sex, gender expression or identity, sexual orientation, or any other basis protected by local, state or federal law. All employment is decided based on qualifications, merit, and business need.