Software Developer (Gateway/Market Data)

Objective Partners; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Objective Partners in Chicago, IL is seeking a Software Developer (Gateway/Market Data) to architect and build ultra-fast data integration pipelines and high-efficiency order gateways for financial markets. You will work with trading desks and research teams to optimize performance and reduce latency across Linux-based networks.

Responsibilities include designing gateways, refining market data feeds, and collaborating with external partners.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in CS or software engineering (or equivalent).
• Proven track record architecting performance-critical apps in modern C++ (C++14+).
• Hands-on with message parsers, execution gateways, or market data feed engines.
• Strong low-level networking/socket knowledge in Linux (TCP/UDP).
• Familiarity with financial messaging standards (FIX, ITCH, binary feeds).
• Experience using tcpdump or Wireshark for network analysis.

Responsibilities

• Direct evolution of high-speed order execution gateways and real-time market data ingestion engines.
• Implement and refine market data integration layers with external venues and standard formats.
• Diagnose delays and optimize performance across OS and hardware boundaries.
• Collaborate with researchers and traders to expand market reach and liquidity venues.
• Establish robust data logging, storage, and streaming of market signals for analytics.
• Coordinate with external partners and data providers to resolve integration issues.

Skills

C++ performance-critical

Low-latency engineering

Networking & Linux

Analytical mindset

Collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or Software Engineering

Tools

tcpdump

Wireshark

Job description

Job Title

Software Developer (Gateway/Market Data)

Location

Chicago, IL Metro Area (Hybrid)

About The Opportunity

Step into a key engineering role building backbone execution technology for advanced financial markets. You will engineer ultra-fast data integration pipelines and high-efficiency order gateways that handle massive throughput with sub-millisecond precision. Working alongside trading desks and research teams, you’ll drive performance optimizations that keep execution speed at the cutting edge.

Responsibilities

• Architecture & Engineering: Direct the evolution of high-speed order execution gateways and real-time market data ingestion engines.
• Protocol & Market Integration: Implement and refine integration layers for external market centers utilizing standard financial transmission formats and custom binary streams.
• Performance Optimization: Diagnose network and execution delays to minimize software overhead across operating system and hardware boundaries.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Interface with quantitative researchers and execution traders to expand market reach and integrate new liquidity venues.
• Data Management: Establish robust mechanisms to log, store, and stream historical market signals for analytical review.
• Partner & Vendor Alignment: Resolve technical integration hurdles directly with external trading partners, data providers, and venue teams.

Requirements (must-have)

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or an equivalent technical field.
• Proven track record architecting performance-critical applications in modern C++ (C++14 or newer).
• Hands-on background constructing message parsers, execution gateways, or market data feed engines.
• Solid mastery of low-level networking, socket communications, TCP/IP, and UDP multicast within Linux environments.
• Familiarity with financial messaging standards (e.g., FIX, ITCH, or proprietary binary feeds).
• Practical experience employing packet capture utilities (such as tcpdump or Wireshark) for network analysis.
• Strong analytical mindset with a passion for reducing latency and scaling fault-tolerant systems.
• Clear communication skills with a collaborative approach to solving complex engineering challenges.

Preferred Qualifications (nice-to-have)

• Prior exposure to automated trading desks, high-frequency execution platforms, or algorithmic trading setups.
• Background in kernel tuning, network interface optimization, or lock-free concurrency patterns.
• Direct involvement with venue certification processes and live exchange connectivity.

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive base salary paired with performance-based bonus potential.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision coverage.
• 401(k) retirement plan with company contribution matching.
• Flexible hybrid work schedule and generous paid time off package.
• Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE).