Skills

Rust PostgreSQL Monitoring Sales Motivation Architecture Databases benchmarking react Next.js blockchain Web Development

Job Specifications

Company Description

Initiativ is an investment firm currently in the process of obtaining ACPR approval, operating a multilateral trading facility dedicated to carbon allowances (EUA and UKA). The company combines regulatory requirements, on-chain innovation, and a product-driven approach to facilitate trading for industrial companies and professional market participants.

Role Description

As the exchange platform takes shape, Initiativ is looking for a Full-Stack Developer Intern (hybrid/on-site) to join the Tech team and contribute to building the trading infrastructure from the ground up. You will work alongside the lead developer on the core trading systems, helping create a robust, secure, and high-performance exchange.

Main Responsibilities

1. Backend Development

- Contribute to the development of the Rust monolith powering the exchange

- Design and optimize database schemas and queries (PostgreSQL)

- Write clean, maintainable, and well-tested code

2. Infrastructure & Performance

- Help build and maintain low-latency distributed systems

- Participate in performance optimization and benchmarking

- Contribute to the reliability and scalability of the platform

3. Technical Operations

- Assist with deployment, monitoring, and maintenance tasks

- Help document technical processes and architecture decisions

- Support debugging and troubleshooting efforts

4. Learning & Exploration

- Deepen your Rust skills in a real-world, high-stakes environment

- Explore blockchain integrations and on-chain components

- Gradually take ownership of specific modules or services

Required Skills

- Solid foundation in web development and understanding of frontend ecosystems (Next.js, React)

- Experience or strong interest in backend development

- Familiarity with relational databases (PostgreSQL or similar)

- Understanding of REST APIs and distributed systems concepts

- Curiosity about blockchain technology and decentralized systems

- Interest in financial markets and trading platforms

- Rigorous approach to code quality and documentation

- Professional proficiency in English. French is a plus.

Profile

- Student in an engineering school, computer science program, or university (gap year or final-year internship)

- Interest in early-stage environments that are structured and demanding

- Eagerness to learn Rust is essential — no prior experience required, but motivation is key

- Familiarity with the crypto ecosystem is a plus but not expected

- Autonomous, curious, and comfortable in an entrepreneurial context

Why join Initiativ?

- Build the core backend of a trading platform at the intersection of carbon markets, finance, and blockchain technology

- Work directly with the founders and cross-functional teams (Product, Risk, Sales)

- Gain hands-on experience with Rust, low-latency systems, and regulated fintech infrastructure

- Develop a rare and versatile skill set in high-performance backend development and emerging technologies

This is a fantastic opportunity to be part of a very driven team, witness a new market platform take shape from the ground up, and develop a uniquely technical skill set while working directly with founders.

About the Company

Initiativ is the next-gen exchange built for open access and low cost trading EUAs, EUAAs, and UKAs. We serve aviation, maritime, and industrial companies operating under the EU ETS cap-and-trade compliance system. All Initiativ services and products will be available upon t All Initiativ services and products will be available upon the obtention of the appropriate regulatory license in Europe. All Initiativ services and products will be available upon the obtention of the appropriate regulatory license in Europe. Know more