Forward Deployed Software Engineer

Embed on the frontlines of high-stakes financial technology. Rocketship growth opportunity.

About the Team

Arcana builds institutional-grade analytics for leading hedge funds and asset managers. We design and deploy backend systems that power mission-critical performance and risk analysis. Our engineering team works closely with product and data science to translate complex investment workflows into durable, high-performance technology.

About the Role

We're looking for Forward Deployed Software Engineers to own the full lifecycle of backend systems—from design and prototyping to deployment and scaling.

To succeed in this role, you must be an exceptional performer in the top 10% academically (from a top IIT/NIT) and in the top 10% professionally at your current organization, with strong technical and communication skills.

You'll embed directly with internal and client stakeholders, translating real-world financial problems into robust, production-grade solutions. This is a high-impact, rocketship growth role for engineers who thrive at the intersection of deep technical challenges and meaningful outcomes.

What You'll Do

• Work directly with portfolio managers, risk managers, Chief Investment Officers, analysts from the world's top hedge funds and asset managers
• Partner closely with product, engineering, and client stakeholders to design and deploy backend services for high-stakes analytics.
• Architect and scale compute- and I/O-intensive Python systems, optimizing for throughput, concurrency, and reliability.
• Build and optimize data layers (Redis, PostgreSQL, ClickHouse) to handle large volumes with speed and integrity.
• Take ownership across the full SDLC: system design, coding, testing, CI/CD, and operational excellence.
• Embed deeply with users to align technical solutions with real institutional workflows and business needs.
• Champion clear communication and cross-functional collaboration to ensure alignment and impact.

What We Expect

• Bachelor's or Master's in CS/Engineering from a top IIT/NIT (Tier 1) with 8.5+ GPA
• Top 10% academic and professional performance.
• 3+ years of backend experience building production systems in Python.
• Deep expertise in data structures, algorithms, distributed systems, and performance optimization.
• Proven success scaling high-concurrency, high-throughput applications.
• Familiarity with Redis, PostgreSQL, ClickHouse; fintech or mission-critical domain experience is a plus.
• Exceptional communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Comfort with CI/CD and operational ownership of live services.