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.

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive salary and performance-based bonus structure.

• Comprehensive benefits package consistent with a leading global financial organization.