Mustard Systems Graduate Programme

Programme Overview

We are a small, world-class quantitative trading firm where machine learning, neural networks, and computer vision drive our algorithmic trading strategies.

Our 12-month Graduate Programme gives brilliant minds the opportunity to experience a range of roles. You will work alongside our quants, developers, data engineers, and algorithmic trading team, contributing to a live trading product built on cutting-edge technology and advanced data pipelines.

This role is within our Horse Racing department and suits innovative, independent thinkers who relish the freedom to bring their own ideas and methods. Throughout each rotation you will learn from experts across the team, gaining insight into what it takes to succeed. The ideas and drive will come from you—this programme is designed to challenge you, give you autonomy, and stretch your abilities.

Structure of the Programme

For the first 6 months, you will complete three separate 2-month assignments, each developing a different set of skills typical of those required to succeed in the quant, developer, and algorithmic trading teams. At the end of each assignment, you will present your work and outline the scope for future development. We care more about your approach and original thinking than the perfect answer.

Each assignment begins with a short on-ramp project to introduce you to the work. From there, you are encouraged to try ideas and approach problems in your own way—backed by a team of experts whenever you get stuck.

After the 6-month rotation, the programme becomes more open-ended. If there is a particular project you enjoyed, this is your time to keep developing your ideas.

Pathway After the Programme

Once the 12 months are over, successful candidates will have the chance to join a part of the team permanently. We are looking for brilliant minds, not perfect code or textbook mathematics. There are no strict requirements, tests, or interviews to pass to join the team permanently.

Selection Process

1. A first-round cognitive ability test.
2. A 30-minute interview with a Head of Department.
3. A final 2–3 hour interview with the managers you will work under during the programme.

A successful candidate will:

• Have strong problem-solving skills and the confidence to explore your own ideas.
• Show an eagerness to collaborate with a diverse team of brilliant minds to solve difficult problems.
• Not necessarily know their exact career path or have an endless list of spring weeks—the programme is designed to give you a taste of each part of the team so you can see where your strengths lie.

To apply you must have:

• A Bachelor’s degree or higher in a quantitative subject from a top university.
• At least one example of something you have worked on in your spare time (separate from your studies) that demonstrates your problem-solving ability and curiosity. This does not have to relate to trading or sports; include more than one example if you have them.

This is not a corporate tick-box programme.

It is your chance to use cutting-edge tech to solve real problems, learn from some of the best in the field, and build a career where your ideas genuinely matter. Spaces are very limited.

Benefits

Comprehensive benefits, including:

• Competitive salary and significant bonus potential.
• Enhanced pension match with salary sacrifice option.
• Health insurance and life assurance.
• 33 days of annual leave (including bank holidays).