Junior C++ Engineer

Harrington Starr; Greater London; On-site; GBP 38,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Harrington Starr is seeking an enthusiastic early-career software engineer to join their engineering group building and supporting real-time trading systems. You will contribute across the full software lifecycle, implementing scalable, low-latency solutions in C++ and Python.

The role emphasizes delivering production-grade software, collaborating with front-office teams, and gaining exposure to algorithmic trading infrastructure and risk platforms. Strong academic credentials are required.

Qualifications

• 0–2 years of experience through internships, placements, or academic projects.
• Strong C++ and Python programming skills.
• Solid foundations in data structures, algorithms, and OS concepts.
• Comfortable in Linux/Unix environments.
• Interest in financial markets and trading tech.

Responsibilities

• Build, test, and enhance high-performance trading systems using C++ and Python.
• Translate models and trading logic into production-ready software.
• Develop internal tools for front-office trading teams.
• Improve market data ingestion, exchange connectivity, and real-time data flows.
• Contribute to distributed systems, low-latency communication, and performance tuning.
• Participate in design discussions, code reviews, profiling, and CI/CD improvements.
• Gain hands-on exposure to algorithmic trading infrastructure, market structure, and risk platforms.

Skills

C++

Python

Linux/Unix

Data structures/Algorithms

Low-latency

Distributed systems

Concurrency

Network programming

Open-source projects

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Math/Physics/Engineering

Job description

This role sits within a high-performing engineering group responsible for building and supporting the core systems that underpin real-time trading activity. The successful candidate will work across the full software development lifecycle, contributing to the design, build, deployment, and optimisation of highly scalable, performance-critical applications.

Key Responsibilities

• Build, test, and enhance high-performance trading systems using C++ and Python
• Translate quantitative models and trading logic into robust production-ready software
• Develop internal tools and interfaces used directly by front-office trading teams
• Improve market data ingestion, exchange connectivity, and real-time data flows
• Contribute to distributed systems, low-latency communication, and performance tuning initiatives
• Take part in design discussions, code reviews, profiling, and CI/CD improvements
• Gain hands-on exposure to algorithmic trading infrastructure, market structure, and risk platforms

Candidate Profile

• Early-career experience demonstrated through internships, placements, or academic projects (0–2 years)
• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mathematics, Physics, Engineering, or a related discipline (graduating between December 2025 and June 2026)
• Strong programming capability in C++ and Python
• Solid foundations in data structures, algorithms, and operating systems
• Comfortable working in Linux/Unix environments
• A strong focus on writing clean, efficient, and maintainable code
• Excellent analytical thinking and problem-solving ability
• Clear communicator with the ability to collaborate effectively in team environments
• Genuine interest in financial markets (prior finance experience not required)
• Exposure to distributed systems, concurrency, or network programming
• Experience working with low-latency or real-time systems
• Familiarity with trading platforms, data pipelines, or simulation tools
• Open-source contributions or personal technical projects that demonstrate initiative