Python Developer

Python Backtesting Developer (Contract/Freelance)

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced Python Backtesting Developer on a contract basis to build a robust, high-performance backtesting engine specifically for Indian equity markets (NSE/BSE). This is a focused, technical role dedicated solely to developing the core backtesting infrastructure.

Project Scope

You will be responsible for designing and developing a complete backtesting engine from scratch that:

• Handles Indian market data (NSE/BSE equities, F&O, indices)
• Simulates realistic Indian market conditions and trading rules
• Supports multiple strategy types and timeframes
• Provides accurate performance metrics and reporting
• Processes large historical datasets efficiently

Key Responsibilities

Core Engine Development

• Design and build a scalable, event-driven backtesting engine in Python
• Implement order execution simulation with realistic slippage models for Indian markets
• Handle Indian market-specific constraints (circuit breakers, price bands, settlement cycles T+1)
• Support intraday and end-of-day backtesting across multiple timeframes
• Implement portfolio management and position tracking mechanisms

Indian Market Specifics

• Incorporate NSE/BSE trading hours, holidays, and market conventions
• Handle equity cash, futures, options, and index products
• Implement Indian brokerage models and taxation (STT, transaction charges, GST)
• Account for corporate actions (splits, bonuses, dividends, rights issues)
• Support both delivery and intraday trading simulations

Strategy Framework

• Create a flexible strategy interface that allows easy strategy implementation
• Support multiple concurrent strategies and portfolio-level backtesting
• Implement common indicators and technical analysis functions
• Enable parameter optimization and walk-forward analysis capabilities
• Design reusable components for risk management rules

Performance & Optimization

• Optimize code for processing 10+ years of tick/minute-level data efficiently
• Implement vectorized operations using pandas and NumPy for speed
• Design efficient data structures for time-series lookups
• Profile and eliminate performance bottlenecks
• Ensure the engine can backtest multiple strategies in parallel

Reporting & Analytics

• Calculate comprehensive performance metrics (returns, Sharpe ratio, max drawdown, win rate)
• Generate trade-by-trade logs and portfolio equity curves
• Create visualization outputs for strategy analysis
• Implement statistical analysis for strategy validation
• Build export functionality for results (CSV, JSON, database)

Required Qualifications

• 3-5+ years of professional Python development experience
• Proven experience building backtesting engines or similar quantitative systems
• Strong understanding of Indian stock markets (NSE/BSE) trading mechanics
• Expert-level proficiency in pandas, NumPy, and time-series data manipulation
• Deep knowledge of algorithmic trading concepts and performance metrics
• Experience working with large-scale financial datasets
• Strong understanding of order types, execution logic, and market microstructure
• Ability to write clean, well-documented, maintainable code
• Experience with version control (Git)

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous freelance/contract experience in fintech or trading systems
• Experience with Indian market data providers (NSE, BSE data feeds)
• Knowledge of options pricing and F&O market mechanics
• Familiarity with established backtesting frameworks (Backtrader, Zipline, VectorBT)
• Understanding of portfolio optimization techniques
• Experience with testing frameworks (pytest, unittest)
• Background in quantitative finance, mathematics, or statistics

Technical Requirements

Must Have:

• Python 3.8+
• pandas, NumPy, SciPy
• Object-oriented programming and design patterns
• Time-series data processing
• Statistical analysis

Good to Have:

• Cython/Numba for performance optimization
• PostgreSQL/TimescaleDB experience
• Docker for containerization

Project Details

Engagement Type:
Contract/Freelance (Full-time commitment preferred)

Work Arrangement:
Remote (Indian time zone hours required for collaboration)

Deliverables:

• Fully functional backtesting engine with documentation
• Unit tests and validation suite
• Sample strategies demonstrating engine capabilities
• Technical documentation and API reference
• Performance benchmarking reports

Selection Criteria

Candidates will be evaluated based on:

• Past backtesting projects or similar work (portfolio required)
• Code quality and architectural design approach
• Understanding of Indian market nuances
• Technical problem-solving in screening interview
• Proposed timeline and delivery approach

Application Process:
Ensure you complete the application form

We review applications on a rolling basis and will contact shortlisted candidates within 5-7 business days.