Software Engineer - Python, Business Operations

Skills this role screens for

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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 Software Engineer - Business Operations at Akuna:

This role is the primary ongoing development resource for Business Operations technology, primarily supporting Procurement, Finance, and Human Resources. The current priority is a data infrastructure project that consolidates cost data from several internal systems into a unified cost-attribution framework, but the role is not scoped to that project alone - it will take on a broadening range of development work across these functions over time. A defining requirement of this role is applying AI capabilities - through native AI features in existing tools, API integrations, and protocols such as MCP (Model Context Protocol) - to improve data workflows, reporting, and operational processes across these functions. In this role, you will:

• Lead the development efforts for our FP&A Cost Attribution Project
• Serve as lead developer for the development of a bitemporal PostgreSQL database that enables traceable cost allocation, with a schema designed to become more granular as business requirements evolve
• Build and maintain integrations pulling data from Jira, NetSuite, Device42, and Bitbucket, among other data sources, to support cost attribution logic
• Support the project toward its Q1 2027 deployment target, including schema documentation and handoff materials, and maintain the system once in production
• Lead engineering efforts in support of our Business Operations teams
• Work with the Procurement team to rebuild the current quote order management systems
• Support Finance and HR operations by building data pipelines, automating reports, and integrating systems as needs arise
• Act as a general-purpose development resource across these functions, prioritizing work in coordination with the Director of Operations
• Identify and implement native AI features within tools already in use by Procurement, Finance, HR, Compliance, and Risk, such as AI capabilities embedded in NetSuite, Jira, Confluence, or other platforms
• Build custom integrations using APIs, MCP, or comparable protocols to connect large language models to internal systems and workflows
• Evaluate current manual processes across these functions and propose and implement AI-assisted or automated alternatives
• Work with the Security team to maintain security best practices and appropriate data-handling controls when integrating AI tooling with internal or vendor systems

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Qualities that make great candidates

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 everyone to feel empowered to apply. 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 $145,000. 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.

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Information Systems, or equivalent practical experience
• Professional software development experience (minimum 3-5 years), with demonstrated ability to work as a sole or lead developer on cross-functional projects
• Strong proficiency in a backend language commonly used for data integration and automation work, such as Python
• Strong SQL skills and relational database design experience; direct experience with PostgreSQL is preferred
• Demonstrated experience building and consuming REST APIs, including authentication, error handling, and data transformation across systems that were not designed to work together
• Direct experience integrating with at least several of the following, or clearly transferable equivalents: Jira/JSM (API/scripting), NetSuite (SuiteScript/SuiteTalk or equivalent), Atlassian Bitbucket/Git, and CMDB-type tools such as Device42
• Hands-on experience integrating LLM/AI APIs, such as Anthropic or OpenAI, into applications or workflows, including prompt construction and handling structured and unstructured outputs
• Version control proficiency with Git and comfort working in a Bitbucket-based environment
• Ability to communicate technical concepts and tradeoffs clearly to non-technical stakeholders in Finance, Procurement, and HR
• Ability to work independently, manage competing priorities across multiple business functions, and operate with minimal direct technical oversight
• Prior experience in financial services, trading, or a similarly data- and compliance-sensitive industry
• Experience with cost allocation, chargeback, or FinOps-style frameworks
• Experience building internal tools or dashboards for non-technical business users
• Exposure to procurement or vendor management systems
• 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