Senior C++ Software Engineer – Real Time Trading

Wolverine Trading; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 100,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free breakfast and lunch from in-house

On-site gym

Frequent company outings

Retirement plans: 401K and Roth 401K

Profit sharing plan

Paid parental leave

Long- and short-term disability

Job summary

Wolverine Trading in Chicago, IL is seeking a Senior C++ Software Engineer to build and optimize market data and execution systems at the heart of our trading operation. This on-site role partners with traders and hardware specialists to push performance to the microsecond scale, delivering production-ready code with measurable impact.

You will design, implement, and tune low-latency components, connect global exchanges, and collaborate with FPGA and infrastructure teams to deliver end-to-end

Qualifications

• 3+ years of professional experience developing C++ code with exposure to low-latency, real-time, or high-throughput systems.
• Expert-level knowledge of modern C++ (C++17 or later), including templates, move semantics, and low-level performance idioms.
• Strong grasp of memory hierarchies, CPU architecture, lock-free programming, and network protocols (TCP/UDP).
• Willingness to learn the trading domain and collaborate with traders and hardware teams.
• Bachelor's or Master's Degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or a related field.

Responsibilities

• Build and enhance low-latency C++ components for market data processing, exchange connectivity, and order execution.
• Develop and optimize connectivity to new markets and exchange platforms, expanding the reach of our trading business.
• Analyze and tune system performance at every level from application code and lock-free data structures to network and OS-level behavior.
• Collaborate with traders, FPGA engineers, and infrastructure teams to deliver end-to-end solutions across software and hardware.
• Own production systems through the full lifecycle: design, implementation, testing, deployment, and real-time support.

Skills

C++ development

Low-latency systems

Real-time systems

Performance optimization

TCP/UDP networking

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in CS/CE

Tools

Linux

Networking stacks

Job description

Description

At Wolverine Trading, we're looking for a Senior C++ Software Engineer to build and optimize the market data and execution systems at the heart of our trading operation. This role is on-site in our Chicago headquarters, where engineers work shoulder-to-shoulder with traders and hardware specialists on systems where every microsecond counts. You'll take on some of the most technically demanding problems in the industry including processing enormous volumes of market data, connecting exchanges around the world, and executing orders at maximum speed and reliability. This is a hands-on role for an engineer who thrives on performance-critical work, wants their code running in production where its impact is immediately measurable, and is ready to help set the technical direction of a growing team.

Department

Technology

Location

Chicago, IL

Description

At Wolverine Trading, we're looking for a Senior C++ Software Engineer to build and optimize the market data and execution systems at the heart of our trading operation. This role is on-site in our Chicago headquarters, where engineers work shoulder-to-shoulder with traders and hardware specialists on systems where every microsecond counts. You'll take on some of the most technically demanding problems in the industry including processing enormous volumes of market data, connecting exchanges around the world, and executing orders at maximum speed and reliability. This is a hands-on role for an engineer who thrives on performance-critical work, wants their code running in production where its impact is immediately measurable, and is ready to help set the technical direction of a growing team.

What You’ll Do

• Build and enhance low-latency C++ components for market data processing, exchange connectivity, and order execution.
• Develop and optimize connectivity to new markets and exchange platforms, expanding the reach of our trading business.
• Analyze and tune system performance at every level from application code and lock-free data structures to network and OS-level behavior.
• Collaborate with traders, FPGA engineers, and infrastructure teams to deliver end-to-end solutions across software and hardware.
• Own production systems through the full lifecycle: design, implementation, testing, deployment, and real-time support.

What We’re Looking For

• Bachelor's or Master's Degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or a related field.
• 3+ years of professional experience developing C++ code; exposure to low-latency, real-time, or high-throughput systems from any industry is a plus.
• Expert-level knowledge of modern C++ (C++17 or later), including templates, move semantics, and low-level performance idioms.
• Strong grasp of systems fundamentals: memory hierarchies, CPU architecture, lock-free programming, and network protocols (TCP/UDP).
• No prior trading or financial markets experience needed! We are looking for a strong technical foundation and a drive to learn the domain is what matters.
• A pragmatic, detail-oriented approach and communication skills to work effectively with both technical and trading teams.

Why Join Us

Our flat organizational structure promotes teamwork across the Firm and offers easy access to senior staff. While we work exceptionally well as a team in the office, our bonds are further strengthened through company events, activities and giving back. Volleyball, soccer, hockey, 5K runs, picnic, parties, and trivia nights provide friendly competition and build better relationships. By getting out of our usual environment and doing out-of-the-ordinary things together, we foster creativity and broaden our imaginations to accomplish new challenges.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary & bonus opportunity
• Generous paid time off and flexible scheduling
• 100% coverage of medical, dental, vision, life, and disability benefits for single coverage
• Generous Paid Parental Leave
• Retirement Plans: 401K and Roth 401K
• Profit sharing plan
• Long- and short-term disability

Additional Perks:

• Free breakfast and lunch from our in-house kitchen with rotating menus (including snacks!)
• On-site gym with a subsidized membership
• Frequent company outings
• Opportunity to give back to organizations that help individuals in need in the Chicagoland area

Professional Development:

• In-house education team – classes and resources are offered for continuous learning opportunities
• Mentorship Program through your first six months of employment

The base compensation range for this role is approximately $100,000-$140,000 contingent on experience. Wolverine Trading's total compensation model includes base salary and an annual discretionary bonus.