Head of Exchange Infrastructure

About the role

We are looking for a Head of Exchange Infrastructure to own the core exchange layer that powers all Kraken products, including the matching engine, core infrastructure, third‑party custody, algo engine and API engine. The role consolidates multiple legacy engines into a single, high‑performance stack and works closely with engineering, risk and compliance teams.

Key responsibilities

• Define and execute the product vision and roadmap for the exchange layer, covering matching engine, core infrastructure, custody, algo and API engines.
• Lead and grow a team of four to five product managers, setting high standards for product craftsmanship.
• Consolidate multiple matching engines into a unified platform, starting with US derivatives, then international derivatives and spot.
• Build an interface‑agnostic platform so every product team can use the same infrastructure.
• Establish success metrics such as p99 latency, throughput, uptime and resiliency and hold teams accountable.
• Partner with engineering leaders to sequence migrations without disrupting live markets.
• Collaborate with Risk and Credit Infrastructure to enable a single account for trading all products.
• Anticipate industry shifts and shape the platform to stay ahead of market trends.
• Align cross‑functional teams (product, engineering, risk, compliance) around the exchange strategy.

Required profile

• Senior product leader with experience in exchange, trading or high‑performance platforms.
• Proven track record managing and developing product managers who can operate independently.
• Player‑coach mindset, comfortable owning roadmaps and writing specifications.
• Strong understanding of matching engine and market‑data architecture and low‑latency trade‑offs.
• Experience building platforms for internal customers and distinguishing them from bespoke solutions.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to influence technical and non‑technical stakeholders.
• Passion for crypto markets, market structure and next‑generation infrastructure.