Senior Product Development Specialist (m/f/d) - Financial Indexes

BITA is a Fintech company with a mission to disrupt the index and systematic investment industries. Through advanced software, state-of-the-art infrastructure, and high-quality data, we empower our clients to develop innovative investment products faster, more flexibly, and at a lower cost. We are a young and dynamic team located worldwide, united by a strong belief that the investment industry is ready for a new challenger.

We are looking for a Senior Product Development Specialist to join our Product Development team in Frankfurt. You will contribute across the lifecycle of new index and systematic investment products, from research and methodology design through prototyping, backtesting, implementation, and commercial launch. A key part of the role is translating quantitative research into robust and practical technical solutions and applying AI and machine learning where they can improve research and product development processes.

As a senior member of the team, you will also support and mentor colleagues, contribute to the coordination of research activities, and work closely with the Head of Product Development on product priorities and complex development initiatives.

Key Responsibilities:

Product Launch & Lifecycle Management

• Contribute to the development and launch of new index and systematic investment products, from initial concept and research through methodology design, implementation, and commercial release.
• Develop transparent, rules-based and investable methodologies across thematic, factor, smart-beta and other systematic strategies.
• Prepare product specifications and methodology frameworks in collaboration with Product Development, Commercial, Index Operations, IT, Legal and Marketing teams.
• Support the ongoing review and enhancement of existing products based on market developments, client requirements and product performance.

Python & Technical Development

• Design and develop Python-based solutions for new and non-standard index products, including research, backtesting and implementation.
• Write robust, reusable and well-documented Python code suitable for integration into production environments.
• Work with large datasets to transform raw information into investment signals and automate research, rebalancing and other index-related processes.
• Identify and apply appropriate AI and machine-learning techniques to improve research, data analysis, validation and product development processes.
• Work closely with IT and Index Operations to transition new methodologies and solutions into production.

Research & Thematic Index Development

• Conduct and coordinate quantitative and thematic research supporting the development of new index products, with a particular focus on identifying structural trends and translating them into investable strategies.
• Evaluate themes, datasets, signals and investment hypotheses using structured and reproducible research approaches.
• Develop rules-based thematic universes and methodologies based on macroeconomic, technological, societal and other structural trends.
• Contribute to reusable research frameworks and tools that improve the efficiency and consistency of product development.
• Support the prioritisation and coordination of research activities and provide guidance to junior researchers where required.
• Work closely with the Head of Product Development and other teams on product priorities and complex development initiatives.
• Collaborate with IT, Engineering and Index Operations to ensure methodologies and prototypes can be implemented reliably in production.
• Support and mentor junior team members in quantitative research, Python development, code review, version control and index methodology design.
• Contribute to best practices and technical standards within the Product Development team.

Client & Market Support

• Support the Commercial team in client discussions by presenting product concepts, methodologies, research findings and performance characteristics.
• Prepare client-facing analytics, scenario analyses and customised index solutions where required.
• Contribute to the evaluation of market trends and client requirements to identify opportunities for new or enhanced index products.

Required Qualifications:

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Economics, Mathematics, Engineering, Computer Science, or a related quantitative field. A Master’s degree, MBA, CFA, or comparable qualification is an advantage.
• Experience: 5+ years of relevant experience in financial services, including at least 3 years in index product development, systematic or thematic investing, or quantitative research, ideally within an index provider, asset manager, or fintech.
• Index Expertise: Strong hands-on understanding of index methodology design, benchmark construction, rebalancing, corporate actions, and the index lifecycle, with experience developing and launching new index products.
• Python & Data: Strong professional Python skills and experience developing robust, reusable solutions for quantitative research, backtesting, signal generation, and analysis of large financial datasets. Familiarity with software development best practices, including Git, testing, and documentation.
• AI & Machine Learning: Good understanding of modern AI/ML techniques and practical experience applying them to financial data, quantitative research, or process improvement.
• Thematic & Quantitative Research: Strong understanding of thematic investing and the ability to translate structural trends, investment ideas, and relevant datasets into transparent, rules-based methodologies.
• Collaboration & Communication: Experience supporting or guiding research activities and junior colleagues, combined with strong analytical skills and business-fluent English. Ability to communicate complex concepts effectively to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.

Preferred / Nice to Have:

• Experience with databases, data pipelines, or workflow orchestration.
• Knowledge of derivatives, structured products, or related index strategies.
• Familiarity with relevant benchmark regulations and industry standards, including EU BMR, ESMA guidance, and IOSCO Principles.
• Experience working in a fintech, startup, or fast-paced product environment, with the ability to adapt to changing priorities.

What We Offer:

Global Team: Work in a collaborative, international, and flat-structured environment with direct access to senior leadership.

Dynamic Environment: Be part of a fast-moving fintech where innovation, collaboration, and pragmatic problem-solving are encouraged.

Meaningful Impact: Contribute directly to the development of innovative index products and help shape how new ideas move from research to market.