A different operating model for KDB+
The conventional approach to KDB+ engineering capacity is no longer sustainable at the scale most programmes demand.
"The total number of experienced KDB+ engineers worldwide is estimated in the low thousands. For a technology that underpins most of the global sell-side front office, this is a structural constraint that conventional sourcing cannot resolve."
Structural Cost Advantage
Significantly lower cost per resource versus core financial hubs. The two-year cost differential is typically measured in millions.
Deployed in Weeks, Not Months
KDB+ positions commonly remain unfilled for three to six months. Our model delivers production-ready engineers in under 10 weeks.
100% Retention Across All Hubs
Zero attrition in regional hubs, delivering the continuity and stability that core locations struggle to maintain.
Clear Runway to Scale
Limited competition for KDB+ talent in-region, aligned to North American and European trading hours.
Internalisation Pathway
Defined capability transfer after 24 months. Structured transition ensuring continuity and validated knowledge handover.
Active Regional Hubs
North Carolina
United States
Texas
United States
Montreal
Canada
Bucharest
Romania
Athens
Greece
Warsaw
Poland
Krakow
Poland
UK & Ireland
Headquarters
Production-ready from day one
KDB+/q Core Skills
Core q syntax, data structures, qSQL, and time-series manipulation.
Architecture Fundamentals
Tickerplant, RDB, HDB, gateways, and real-time data flows.
Practical Data Engineering
Loading, querying, enriching, and analysing market-style datasets.
Capital Markets Knowledge
Trade lifecycle, asset classes, front-to-back operating models.
Production Readiness
Structured communication, investigation practices, production processes.
KX Developer 1, 2, 3
Full KX certification plus Q Partners proprietary assessment.
Signature to deployment in 10 weeks
Statement of Work
Scope, delivery approach, and governance framework agreed prior to commencement.
Consultant Identification
Review of trained consultant bench. Additional associates entered into cohort as required.
Training & Certification
Industry-led KDB+/q training. Consultants assessed for front-office environments.
Client Selection
Client-led interviews. Validation of technical fit and deployment readiness.
Onboarding
Compliance, security, project orientation, and environment access.
Governance & Support
Delivery oversight, performance management, and structured reporting.
Internalisation
Structured transition ensuring continuity and validated knowledge handover.
Two flexible delivery structures
Co-Managed Delivery
Engineers report directly to the client's delivery lead. Q Partners retains a dotted-line governance role, providing delivery oversight, ongoing support, and structured reporting.
Q Partners-Led Delivery
Preferred where pre-existing KDB+ capability does not currently reside. Engineers report to a Q Partners Technical Lead, accountable for delivery against agreed scope and milestones.