Legal and Technical Copy Editor (Contract / Part-time / Freelance)

The financial industry is growing at a record pace, but our data providers are still stuck in the past — with cumbersome onboarding processes, complicated APIs, slow infrastructure, and expensive licensing costs.

Databento is the next-generation market data provider — with the radical idea that you should only pay for the data that you use. We power the world's largest finance and fintech institutions and lower the barrier of entry for small startups, gaining over 4000 users during our first year of launch. Our team consists of former data users from firms like Two Sigma, Belvedere, Pico, Flow Traders, and Tower Research.

Position Overview

We're seeking a freelance copy editor for a contract role focused on editing technical financial content. The project involves reviewing a large set of terms and long-form explanations used in professional trading and investment workflows. The ideal candidate has experience editing complex financial or regulatory material and can ensure accuracy, consistency, and clarity across all entries.

We’re specifically looking for candidates who can think critically and independently about the content they’re working with. While we appreciate the role of AI tools in the editorial process, this position requires strong human judgment and original insight, rather than relying solely on generative tools like ChatGPT.

Responsibilities

You’ll serve as the lead editor on a high-visibility content project focused on trading and investment workflows. This includes:

• Editing and proofreading technical definitions and explanatory content for accuracy, clarity, and tone.
• Ensuring all content is consistent in style, structure, and formatting across entries.
• Cross-checking facts and terminology against primary source materials.
• Verifying that regulatory references (e.g., SEC, FINRA, tax code) are accurate and current.
• Rewriting sections as needed to ensure originality while preserving meaning.
• Reviewing content directly in our CMS and flagging formatting issues or inconsistencies.
• Suggesting improvements to enhance readability without compromising technical accuracy.

Desired Qualifications

The ideal candidate has experience editing technical content for the legal or financial industry, with a sharp eye for detail and an institutional focus. Below are other attributes that we look for.

• Ability to distinguish between generic AI-generated language and content that truly adds value.
• Ability to work independently and maintain consistency across a large content set.
• A strong and relevant portfolio of financial, legal, and/or technical content.
• Demonstrated ability to lead projects from start to finish.
• Excellent command of editorial standards and extreme attention to detail.
• Experience with CMS tools (familiarity with Markdown is a bonus).
• Familiarity with trading operations or asset management terminology.

Please include a sample portfolio or website in your application.

Databento, Inc. provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, Databento complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training. Pursuant to applicable laws, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records. And if you believe that you will need any type of accommodation, please let us know.