Research Developer

Location: Chicago, IL

About the Opportunity

We are seeking a high-caliber Software Engineer to join a premier global proprietary trading firm. In this role, you will design and implement sophisticated automated trading systems using modern C++, working at the intersection of high-performance computing and financial markets. This is a collaborative, low-ego environment where you will have a direct impact on the firm’s technological evolution and trading success.

Responsibilities

• System Architecture & Implementation: Design and develop scalable, low-latency trading infrastructure and automated algorithms.

• Connectivity & Integration: Engineer robust exchange connectivity solutions, ensuring alignment with complex external specifications and deep-dive exchange behavior analysis.

• Performance Optimization: Identify and resolve bottlenecks across the entire stack, utilizing lock-free data structures, profiling tools, and kernel-level optimizations to minimize latency.

• Research Infrastructure: Build and maintain high-performance distributed storage systems and proprietary platforms that power large-scale data analysis.

• Strategy Collaboration: Partner with researchers and operations to translate trading concepts into production-ready code and reconcile simulation-to-live performance.

• System Integrity: Develop comprehensive monitoring tools and participate in rigorous code reviews to ensure the stability of a 24-hour global trading environment.

Requirements (must-have)

• Technical Expertise: Advanced proficiency in C++ or a similar statically-typed imperative language.

• Engineering Fundamentals: Deep understanding of software engineering principles, including distributed systems and computer architecture.

• Problem Solving: A proven track record of solving complex technical challenges with automated, maintainable solutions.

• Operating Systems: High level of comfort working within Linux environments.

• Mindset: Collaborative, autonomous, and committed to high-quality code through extensive testing and peer review.

• Education: A degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or a related field (or equivalent professional experience).

Preferred Qualifications (nice-to-have)

• Industry Experience: Prior exposure to electronic trading, market data, or financial exchange protocols.

• Low-Level Networking: Experience with fundamental network programming and protocol implementation.

• Advanced Tooling: Familiarity with microbenchmarking, tracing, and compiler intrinsics.

Benefits & Perks

• Performance-Based Bonuses to reward individual and company success.

• Health & Wellness Benefits, including comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage.

• Retirement Savings through a 401(k) plan to help you plan for the future.

Pay: $200,000 to $250,000 per year

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, ethnic origin, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.

OP Recruiting, a member of the Objective Partners family of specialized talent solution providers, uses AI-assisted tools, including Alex by Apriora, to support our recruiting process. These tools may review application materials and analyze interview responses to provide insights about a candidate's experience and qualifications. AI output informs our recruiters; decisions about whether to advance or present a candidate are made by people. Learn more about our use of AI, including how to request an accommodation: https://www.oprecruiting.com/ai-in-our-hiring-process.

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