Software Developer (Java)

OP Recruiting; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

OP Recruiting is seeking a Core Java Software Engineer to join a premier global quantitative trading firm in Chicago. You will build ultra-low-latency, high-throughput trading infrastructure and collaborate with researchers, systems, and operations teams to scale distributed platforms.

The role emphasizes production-grade Java development, scalable distributed systems, and proactive performance optimizations, with opportunities to influence multiple execution venues and financial products.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or a related technical discipline (or equivalent professional engineering experience).
• Demonstrated expertise in writing, refactoring, and debugging production-grade Java applications.
• Strong grasp of core computer science principles, system architecture, and modern software design patterns.
• Hands-on experience building scalable, fully automated, and thoroughly tested distributed systems.
• Practical understanding of low-level software stack operations, networking protocols, and storage system mechanics.
• Pragmatic problem-solving mindset with a focus on delivering robust, maintainable solutions.
• Collaborative attitude paired with the ability to drive initiatives independently.

Responsibilities

• Architect, build, and maintain enterprise-grade Java software powering core execution and analytical platforms.
• Enhance existing quantitative research environments to support new execution venues, financial products, and system capabilities.
• Engineer distributed data storage solutions tailored for high reliability and demanding performance thresholds.
• Identify and resolve execution bottlenecks across custom codebases, open-source libraries, and operating system kernels.
• Research and evaluate emerging technologies to increase the processing capacity, stability, and speed of distributed computing farms.
• Build advanced monitoring tools and proactive telemetry to detect operational anomalies.
• Optimize network communication protocols across distributed components to achieve minimal latency and maximal throughput.
• Conduct technical candidate interviews and perform peer code reviews across engineering and research groups.

Skills

Java

Distributed systems

Performance optimization

Debug production code

Code reviews

Problem solving

Collaboration

Linux familiarity

Education

Bachelor’s degree in CS/CE or related field

Job description

Job Title

Software Developer (Java)

Location

Chicago, IL | New York, NY | London, UK | Amsterdam, NL

About The Opportunity

Join a premier global quantitative trading firm as a Core Java Software Engineer building ultra-low-latency, high-throughput trading infrastructure. In this role, you will partner directly with research, systems, and operations teams to scale and optimize distributed computing platforms operating around the clock. This is an exceptional opportunity to tackle complex technical challenges where microsecond performance gains directly drive business growth.

Responsibilities

• Architect, build, and maintain enterprise-grade Java software powering core execution and analytical platforms.
• Enhance existing quantitative research environments to support new execution venues, financial products, and system capabilities.
• Engineer distributed data storage solutions tailored for high reliability and demanding performance thresholds.
• Identify and resolve execution bottlenecks across custom codebases, open-source libraries, and operating system kernels.
• Research and evaluate emerging technologies to increase the processing capacity, stability, and speed of distributed computing farms.
• Build advanced monitoring tools and proactive telemetry to detect operational anomalies.
• Optimize network communication protocols across distributed components to achieve minimal latency and maximal throughput.
• Conduct technical candidate interviews and perform peer code reviews across engineering and research groups.

Requirements (Must-Have)

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or a related technical discipline (or equivalent professional engineering experience).
• Demonstrated expertise in writing, refactoring, and debugging production-grade Java applications.
• Strong grasp of core computer science principles, system architecture, and modern software design patterns.
• Hands-on experience building scalable, fully automated, and thoroughly tested distributed systems.
• Practical understanding of low-level software stack operations, networking protocols, and storage system mechanics.
• Pragmatic problem-solving mindset with a focus on delivering robust, maintainable solutions.
• Collaborative attitude paired with the ability to drive initiatives independently.

Preferred Qualifications (Nice-to-Have)

• Exposure to low-level C++ development.
• Practical knowledge of Linux environment tuning and system internals.
• Prior experience in electronic trading, quantitative finance, or capital markets.

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive base salary accompanied by an attractive discretionary bonus pool.
• Comprehensive healthcare benefits, retirement plan options, and professional development support.

Accepting Candidates