Principal C++ Software Engineer- join this fintech startup- $250,000-$350,000 base + bonus and [...]

Saragossa; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

A fintech firm in Chicago is seeking a Principal Engineer to lead the architecture of a next-generation options trading platform. This hands-on role requires expertise in C++ and Python and involves establishing testing frameworks, making architectural decisions, and collaborating closely with a talented engineering team. The ideal candidate has senior architectural ownership experience in a Linux environment and a strong track record in technical decision-making. A unique opportunity for strong performers to potentially advance to CTO.

Qualifications

• Expert-level C++ experience is essential.
• Senior architectural ownership required.
• Experience working in a Linux environment.
• Proven ability to lead engineers and align technical decisions.

Responsibilities

• Lead architecture strategy and platform evolution.
• Establish robust testing and deployment frameworks.
• Make sound technical decisions in production environments.
• Own code quality, standards, and technical direction across the team.

Skills

Expert-level C++ experience

Python

Linux environment

Technical decision-making

Code quality

Technical standards

Testing frameworks

Job description

Interested in building the core of a next-generation options trading platform and help scale a broker-dealer from the ground up?

This FINRA-registered fintech is disrupting the US options wholesale market with a competition-driven model where market makers compete for retail order flow based on execution quality. Alongside institutional execution services and an alternative trading system focused on discreet execution and price improvement, the platform is designed to adapt quickly to regulatory change and scale seamlessly as clients grow. Backed by recent funding from strategic partners, the firm is entering a high-growth phase with strong momentum.

They’re seeking a Principal Engineer to serve as the technical authority for a high-performance options trading platform. This is a deeply hands-on role (C++ and Python) with ownership over architecture, code quality, and technical standards. You’ll work closely with a small, experienced engineering team, setting the bar for testing, making rebuild-versus-evolve decisions, resolving technical debates, and driving alignment as the platform scales.

You’ll lead long-term architecture strategy and platform evolution, establish robust testing and deployment frameworks, and design clean abstractions that enable semi-technical users to access data and write test cases.

You must have expert-level C++ experience, senior architectural ownership, and be used to working in a Linux environment, along with a track record of making sound technical decisions in production environments.

This is a critical, high-impact role with real ownership. You’ll shape both implementation and long-term architecture while building consensus among experienced engineers. Strong performers will have a clear path toward future CTO leadership as the firm evolves.

Apply now! No up-to-date resume required.