Head of Market Data Engineering (C++) - Electronic Trading

Selby Jennings; New York (NY); Hybrid; USD 250,000 - 400,000; Full time

Job summary

Selby Jennings is seeking a Head of Market Data Engineering for a leading global financial institution in New York. You will own the vision for a large-scale market data platform and work with traders, quants, and tech leaders to drive performance and strategic initiatives.

The role demands 10+ years in C++ and low-latency systems, hands-on architecture, and leadership of high-performing teams. It offers significant ownership and hybrid work from NYC or Jersey City offices.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of hands-on experience in C++ and latency-sensitive systems.
• Deep knowledge of market data platforms, feed handlers, exchange connectivity, and data distribution.
• Understanding of equities market structure and electronic trading environments.
• Background in HFT, market making, exchange technology, or similar performance-critical environments.
• Proven ability to lead engineering teams and influence senior stakeholders.
• Player-coach mindset with a passion for building world-class systems.

Responsibilities

• Own the vision and evolution of a large-scale market data platform.
• Lead the design and optimization of ultra-low-latency systems supporting electronic trading.
• Drive greenfield initiatives focused on performance, scalability, and next-generation market data capabilities.
• Partner directly with traders, quants, and senior technology leadership.
• Lead and mentor a team of engineers while contributing to architecture and technical decisions.
• Evaluate emerging technologies across low-latency infrastructure, networking, and hardware acceleration.

Skills

C++ (modern)

Low-latency systems

Market data platforms

Leadership

Architecture

Job description

A leading global financial institution is investing heavily in the future of its electronic trading business and is looking to hire a Head of Market Data Engineering to help drive that transformation. This is a rare opportunity to take ownership of a mission-critical market data platform while helping shape the next generation of trading technology.

You’ll sit at the center of a major technology modernization effort, partnering closely with trading, quantitative, and engineering teams to enhance performance, expand capabilities, and build out strategic greenfield initiatives. This is a highly visible role where you’ll influence architecture, technology direction, and long-term platform strategy.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Own the vision and evolution of a large-scale market data platform.
• Lead the design and optimization of ultra-low-latency systems supporting electronic trading.
• Drive greenfield initiatives focused on performance, scalability, and next-generation market data capabilities.
• Partner directly with traders, quants, and senior technology leadership.
• Lead and mentor a team of highly skilled engineers while remaining hands-on with architecture and technical decision-making.
• Evaluate emerging technologies across low-latency infrastructure, networking, and hardware acceleration.

What We’re Looking For

• 10+ YOE and deep expertise in modern C++ and low-latency systems engineering.
• Strong experience with market data platforms, feed handlers, exchange connectivity, and market data distribution.
• Understanding of equities market structure and electronic trading environments.
• Background in HFT, market making, exchange technology, electronic trading, or similar performance-critical environments.
• Proven ability to lead engineering teams and influence senior stakeholders.
• A player-coach mindset with a passion for building world-class systems.

Why This Opportunity?

• Major investment and executive sponsorship behind the platform.
• Opportunity to shape the future state of a globally significant electronic trading business.
• Significant architectural ownership and visibility.
• Blend of leadership, strategy, and hands-on engineering.
• Hybrid model with flexibility to work from either NYC or Jersey City offices (3 days onsite).