Development Engineer C++

Aquis Exchange PLC; City Of London; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Aquis Exchange in London is seeking a Development Engineer to help deliver high performance, low latency software for global markets. You will work with Product, Infrastructure and QA teams to design, implement and test scalable components that handle large TPS and reliability.

The role requires strong C++ (C++11+), Linux, Python, Git and SQL skills, plus an agile mindset and experience with modern development practices.

Qualifications

• Proficient in C++11 or later with practical experience.
• Strong understanding of core networking concepts (TCP/UDP/multicast).
• Comfortable working on Linux in a high-throughput environment.
• Proficiency in Python, Git and SQL.
• Analytical mindset with interest in financial markets and exchange tech.
• Ability to collaborate with Product, Infrastructure and QA teams.

Responsibilities

• Codes, tests, integrates, and documents software.
• Apply CS/engineering principles to develop complex products.
• Follow standards, processes, and tools across the SDLC.
• Stay updated with technology trends and suggest improvements.

Skills

C++11+

Networking concepts

Linux

Python

Git

SQL

Analytical mindset

Team player

Tools

C++

Python

Git

SQL

Job description

Job Overview

In this role you will work with the Product team, Infrastructure team, and QA team, to produce high performance, low latency and highly reliable code. Your goal will be to develop software which handle large amount of TPS to drive a highly efficient technology used by several markets around the world, including ourselves.

To be successful in this role as a Development Engineer, you will be a proponent of agile methodology and modern software best practices. You can produce detailed technical work in OOP and work with other members of the Development team to produce code of high-quality standards. Ideally, you should have worked in critical systems development in the past.

Responsibilities and Duties

• Codes, tests, integrates, and documents software.
• Apply principles and techniques of computer science, engineering, and mathematical analysis to the development of complex products.
• Apply and champion the appropriate standards, processes, procedures, and tools throughout the system development life cycle to support the generation of technical engineering products.
• Keep abreast of technology trends and champion new ideas and process improvements.

Required Skills/Experience

• Experience writing C++ (C++11 or later) — professional, academic, or personal projects all count.
• Understanding of core networking concepts (TCP, UDP, multicast) and why they matter in high-throughput system.
• Comfortable working on Linux.
• Python, Git, and SQL.
• An analytical mindset with genuine curiosity about how financial markets and exchange technology work.
• A drive to solve complex problems alongside a talented team.

Desired Skills/Experience

• Familiarity with real-time or event-driven systems — any context where latency and throughput matter.
• Exposure to Boost libraries.
• Knowledge of capital markets protocols such as FIX or SBE.
• QuestDB or Dolt.
• Any open-source contributions, side projects, or competitive programming that demonstrates initiative.

Mindset and Methodology

This role involves working with a sophisticated and specialised platform. New joiners invest time in understanding the architecture and domain before making changes to the most critical components. We’re looking for someone who enjoys that kind of deep learning and is keen to build long-term expertise that enables them to take on greater ownership and impact.

• Good team player
• Autonomous
• Good understanding of modern development best practices and methodologies
• Comfortable using Agile methodology, including continuous integration, sprints, Jira and the relevant processes and workflow.

About Aquis Exchange

Aquis Exchange (“Aquis”) is Europe’s challenger exchange, creating better markets for a modern economy. Aquis has market-leading technology and innovative rules for trading, and offers primary listings and secondary trading of equities, along with global licensing of proprietary technology.

Aquis consists of four divisions:

Aquis Markets operates lit and dark order books, covering 16 European markets. For its lit books, Aquis uses a subscription pricing model which works by charging users according to the message traffic they generate, rather than a percentage of the value of each stock that they trade.

Aquis Technologies is the software and technology division of Aquis. It focuses on building better markets via the creation and licensing of cutting-edge, cost-effective exchange infrastructure technology and services, including matching engine and trade surveillance solutions.

Aquis Stock Exchange (AQSE) is a stock market providing primary and secondary markets for equity securities . It is authorised as a Recognised Investment Exchange, which allows it to operate a regulated listings venue. The AQSE Growth Market is divided into two segments ‘Access’ and ‘Apex'; the Access market focuses on earlier stage growth companies, while Apex is the intended market for larger, more established businesses.

Aquis Data generates revenue from the sale of data derived from Aquis Markets and Aquis Stock Exchange to non-Member market participants.

Aquis is authorised and regulated by the UK Financial Conduct Authority and France's Autorité de contrôle prudentiel et de résolution and L’Autorité des marchés financiers to operate Multilateral Trading Facility businesses in the UK & Switzerland markets and in EU27 markets, respectively.

Aquis is part of SIX: the provider and operator of stable and efficient infrastructure for the Swiss and Spanish financial centres. For more information, please go to www.aquis.eu.

Our Culture

At Aquis, we’re proud of our culture - one built on trust, collaboration, and accountability. We work fast, support one another, and share responsibility for both our successes and our lessons learned.

Our values guide how we work every day:

• Win as One – We collaborate, share knowledge, and celebrate collective success.
• Disrupt Positively – We challenge the status quo and look for smarter, better ways to do things.
• Find Joy – We take pride in our work and enjoy what we do, even when it’s challenging.
• Act with Honour – We do the right thing, with integrity and respect for others.

You’ll join a supportive, ambitious, and diverse team where ideas are encouraged and innovation is part of our DNA. We recruit talented people from all walks of life and empower them to make an impact. If our values resonate with you, Aquis could be the ideal place to grow your career.

Equal opportunities at Aquis Exchange.

We are an equal-opportunities employer. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, gender, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status.