Benjamin Laney

Quantitative Researcher | Senior Software Engineer

B62 Systems•  April 2018 - Present

Advancing the frontiers of quantitative research and algorithmic trading systems, my time with B62 Systems is best characterized as the confluence of my passions, my extensive scientific and engineering backgrounds and the bleeding-edge of investment science. ● Advanced Research: Proprietary work improving upon leading research in Hyper-Parameter Optimization [J. Bergstra, 2013], Hierarchical Risk Parity (HPO) [López de Prado, 2018], signal preservation and amplification, applied machine learning, bespoke data structures and parallel programming. ● End-to-End Quantitative Development: Developed a research-to-deployment pipeline (including backtesting framework), producing over 150 distinct trading strategies and 1000’s of sub-variants. Optimized portfolio composition for Sharpe Ratios in excess of 1.6 and built high-performance infrastructure with management capacity above $1.5B. ● Advanced Machine Learning in Finance: Built upon existing tools (PyTorch, XGBoost, SciKit, etc.) to integrate state-of-the-art machine learning techniques into strategy development and refinement. ● Infrastructure and Scalability: Engineered computational infrastructure that combines the efficiency of cloud resources (AWS) with powerful high-performance servers, enabling rapid scaling across diverse asset classes with fine-tuned control and robust monitoring. Skills: Quantitative Research · Software Systems Engineering · Python · Quantitative Investing · Machine Learning · Investment Strategies · Financial Systems Design · Backtesting · Market Data · Computer Architecture · Amazon Web Services (AWS) · PyLibraries (NumPy, Pandas, Pytorch, Tensorflow, boto-3, docker-py, optuna, pathos, scikit, etc.) · Cloud Computing (AWS, Azure, GCP, DigitalOcean, Heroku, Github Pages/Pipelines, Jenkins, etc.) · Artificial Intelligence (AI) · Containerization (EKS, ECS, Docker, Kubernetes, etc.) · Big Data & Database Technologies (noSQL, SQL, cloud, on-premise, etc.) · Distributed Computing · Computer and Software Architecture · Object-Oriented Programming (OOP) · Quantitative Finance · Portfolio Management · Risk Management · Financial Analysis · Data Science · High Performance Computing (HPC) · Parallel Computing · Applied Machine Learning · Data Visualization · Computer and Electronics Hardware Design · Advanced CPU/GPU Technology · Anaconda

Software Engineer

KNIME Analytics•  April 2019 - January 2023

At KNIME, my multifaceted role spanned software development, project management, and leadership, marked by leading pivotal software projects and enhancing cloud architecture expertise. ● Software Development: Directed significant projects including a commercial Web-Portal, machine learning extensions for open-source platforms, and interactive data interfaces for business users. ● Certifications & Skills: Secured an AWS Developer certification and honed expertise in programming languages, cloud architecture, server administration, and Agile methodologies. ● Data Science & Analytics: Developed machine learning integrations, data analytics extensions and interactive interfaces into KNIME's open-source platforms, enhancing the company's data science offerings and enabling business users to construct real-time data applications, optimizing analytics processes. ● Data Visualizations: Oversaw the creation of visualization extensions for the open-source software, ensuring users benefited from intuitive, clear, and actionable insights from their data. ● Team Collaboration: Played vital roles across diverse teams such as Frontend, DevOps, Partners, and Evangelism, emphasizing quality and efficiency in each contribution. ● Management & Coordination: Oversaw external and student developers, ensuring optimal planning, support, and review processes; also served as interim Head of IT, managing IT infrastructure and key applications. Skills: Software Systems Engineering · Python · Machine Learning · Computer Architecture · Amazon Web Services (AWS) · PyLibraries (NumPy, Pandas, Pytorch, Tensorflow, boto-3, docker-py, optuna, pathos, scikit, etc.) · Cloud Computing (AWS, Azure, GCP, DigitalOcean, Heroku, Github Pages/Pipelines, Jenkins, etc.) · Containerization (EKS, ECS, Docker, Kubernetes, etc.) · Distributed Computing · Computer and Software Architecture · Object-Oriented Programming (OOP) · Data Science · High Performance Computing (HPC) · Parallel Computing · Applied Machine Learning · Data Visualization · Anaconda · Jenkins · Linux · Systems Administration (Linux, GPC, AWS, Office365, G-Suite, Atlassian, Jenkins, etc.) · JavaScript · Node.js · Frontend Frameworks (React.js, Vue.js, Nuxt/Next, Redux, Typescript, etc.) · RESTful WebServices · Leadership · Agile Methodologies

Software Engineer

Freelancer•  July 2018 - June 2020

As a Freelance Developer, I took my first step into the world of independent work, driven by an entrepreneurial spirit and a commitment to providing exceptional web solutions for diverse client needs. Over this two-year period, I specialized in the development of custom web applications and services. These projects ranged from simple informative websites to complex platforms, each one uniquely tailored to meet my clients' requirements. I handled every stage of the development process, from initial consultations and planning to implementation, testing, and post-launch support. Beyond just development, I also provided consultation services to clients looking to enhance their existing websites. Leveraging my understanding of web performance and design principles, I helped them identify areas of improvement, implement enhancements, and ultimately, achieve better user engagement and performance outcomes. While this stint as a freelance developer was challenging, it also fostered significant growth, sharpening my technical abilities and honing my skills in client management, problem-solving, and business development. Skills: Computer Architecture · Cloud Computing (AWS, Azure, GCP, DigitalOcean, Heroku, Github Pages/Pipelines, Jenkins, etc.) · Object-Oriented Programming (OOP) · Data Science · Data Visualization · Systems Administration (Linux, GPC, AWS, Office365, G-Suite, Atlassian, Jenkins, etc.) · JavaScript · Node.js · Frontend Frameworks (React.js, Vue.js, Nuxt/Next, Redux, Typescript, etc.) · RESTful WebServices · Leadership

Assistant Instructor

University of Arizona•  January 2019 - April 2019

University of Arizona logo Assistant InstructorAssistant Instructor University of ArizonaUniversity of Arizona Jan 2019 - Apr 2019 · 4 mosJan 2019 - Apr 2019 · 4 mos United StatesUnited States During my tenure as an Assistant Instructor at the University of Arizona, I facilitated learning for students across a wide range of subjects in web development. My role included teaching the fundamentals of full-stack web applications, covering key technologies such as MongoDB, Express, React, and Node.js. I also instructed students in web development fundamentals, including JavaScript, HTML, and CSS. Beyond the basics, I guided students in understanding cloud deployment and server architecture, providing hands-on experience with platforms like GCP, and deployment tools such as Heroku and Github Pages. In addition to teaching, I mentored students in adhering to industry-standard coding conventions and best practices, which covered areas such as git version control, linting, testing, and documentation. My role also encompassed introducing students to classic and modern web frameworks and technologies. These included but were not limited to React, jQuery, Bootstrap, Handlebars, Firebase, and others. My goal was to ensure students received comprehensive and up-to-date knowledge of web development, empowering them to create modern, efficient, and effective web applications and prepare them for successful careers in the tech industry. Skills: Computer Architecture · Cloud Computing (AWS, Azure, GCP, DigitalOcean, Heroku, Github Pages/Pipelines, Jenkins, etc.) · Big Data & Database Technologies (noSQL, SQL, cloud, on-premise, etc.) · Object-Oriented Programming (OOP) · JavaScript · Node.js · Frontend Frameworks (React.js, Vue.js, Nuxt/Next, Redux, Typescript, etc.) · RESTful WebServices · Leadership