Senior C++ Software Engineer - Algorithmic Trading

Edgehog Trading; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 150,000 - 175,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

4% 401k match

Unlimited PTO

Free lunch

Commuter benefits

Team events

Job summary

Edgehog Trading in Chicago designs and operates low-latency trading systems for electronic options market making. You will design, implement, and optimize C++ applications used in strategy execution, collaborating with traders and other engineers to translate ideas into robust, production-ready software.

The role emphasizes data-driven problem solving, performance tuning, and safe, testable changes to production code.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience at an options market making firm.
• Strong proficiency in modern C++.
• Deep understanding of computer science fundamentals (data structures, algorithms, concurrency).
• Strong debugging, profiling, and performance-tuning skills.
• Comfortable working in a Linux environment and familiar with system-level programming.
• Ability to translate business goals and ideas into scalable production code.

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and optimize low-latency C++ applications for trading strategy execution.
• Collaborate closely with traders and other engineers to translate ideas into robust, production-ready systems.
• Conduct diagnostic assessments and perform data analysis to identify issues and prioritise tasks.
• Modify inter-application behaviors and component interactions in a safe, testable manner.
• Rewrite complicated Java applications into C++.
• Optimize production code and system components for low-latency and high-throughput.

Skills

Modern C++

Data structures & algorithms

Linux system programming

Debugging & profiling

Low-latency systems

Traders collaboration

Job description

About Us

Edgehog Trading is a proprietary trading firm specializing in electronic options market making. We take a technology-driven approach, designing and operating automated, scalable systems to provide liquidity across markets.

About Us

Edgehog Trading is a proprietary trading firm specializing in electronic options market making. We take a technology-driven approach, designing and operating automated, scalable systems to provide liquidity across markets.

Our team spans trading, engineering, and business operations, working together to build and support the systems that power the firm. We emphasize data-driven decision making, rigorous problem solving, and continuous improvement to navigate complex and evolving markets.

We operate in a highly collaborative environment where ideas can move quickly from concept to implementation, and where individuals are empowered to take ownership and contribute directly to the firm's growth.

What You'll Do

• Design, implement, and optimize low-latency C++ applications for trading strategy execution.
• Collaborate closely with traders and other engineers to translate ideas into robust, production-ready systems.
• Conduct diagnostic assessments and perform foundational data analysis to identify key issues, enabling data-driven prioritization of tasks and resources.
• Modify inter-application behaviors and component interactions in a safe, testable, and controlled manner.
• Rewrite complicated Java applications into C++
• Optimize production code and other system components to achieve low-latency and high-throughput capabilities.

Qualifications And Skills

• 5+ years of experience at an options market making firm
• Strong proficiency in modern C++
• Deep understanding of computer science fundamentals (data structures, algorithms, concurrency)
• Strong debugging, profiling, and performance-tuning skills
• Comfortable working in a Linux environment and familiar with system-level programming
• Possess strong intuition for selecting sensible default behaviors and parameter values
• Ability to translate business goals and ideas into scalable production code

Why Edgehog

• Small team advantage: Direct access to founders and senior team members from day one
• Ownership early: Manage real P&L and make meaningful impact within your first year
• Cutting-edge tech: Work with our proprietary models and low-latency trading systems built in-house
• Tight feedback loops: Monthly 1-on-1s with your mentor, quarterly reviews with leadership
• Chicago-based: Affordable cost of living, vibrant trading community

Benefits

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance with premiums 100% covered by the firm
• 401(k) with a 4% company match
• Unlimited paid time off and sick leave
• Free lunch, coffee, drinks, and snacks
• Commuter benefits
• Monthly happy hours and annual team events

The base salary range for this position is listed below. Base salary represents just one part of overall compensation; all full-time, permanent roles are eligible for a discretionary bonus and benefits, including items in the above list.

The base salary for this role is 150,000 - 175,000 USD per year