Software Engineer - C++

OP Recruiting; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

OP Recruiting is seeking a Software Engineer – Low-Latency C++ to join a premier trading firm building ultra-fast, fault-tolerant infrastructure. You will design, profile, and optimize high-throughput data engines and execution platforms in collaboration with researchers and systems architects.

The role emphasizes hands-on C++ development, Linux internals, and minimizing latency to nanoseconds across WAN deployments, with a strong focus on production-grade reliability and performance.

Qualifications

• Proficient in C++ with focus on low-latency applications.
• Strong understanding of Linux/Unix internals, memory architectures, and network protocols.

Responsibilities

• Design, build, and enhance ultra-low-latency execution platforms and market data engines.
• Perform deep performance profiling to minimize latency and maximize throughput in production.
• Engineer fault-tolerant architecture for WAN environments and continuous live operation.
• Develop interfaces for hardware acceleration (FPGAs, ASICs) integrations.
• Maintain scalable back-end infrastructure for distributed file systems and large research workflows.

Skills

C++

Linux internals

Performance profiling

Networking TCP/UDP

System debugging

Education

Bachelor's degree in CS/CE

Job description

Job Title:

Software Engineer – Low-Latency C++

Location:

New York, NY | Chicago, IL | Austin, TX | London, UK

About the Opportunity

Join a premier global quantitative trading firm building ultra-low-latency distributed infrastructure where system speed and reliability directly drive market execution. As a C++ Software Engineer, you will design, profile, and optimize fault-tolerant platforms and high-throughput data processing engines alongside top-tier quantitative researchers and systems architects. This role offers immediate technical impact in an agile, engineering-first environment where performance improvements are measured in nanoseconds.

Responsibilities

• Design, build, and enhance resilient, ultra-low-latency execution platforms and market data engines spanning diverse asset classes.
• Execute deep-level performance profiling and C++ code optimizations to minimize latency and maximize throughput across production environments.
• Engineer fault-tolerant architecture capable of WAN packet prioritization, graceful hardware failover, and continuous live operation.
• Develop low-level software interfaces and integrations for specialized hardware acceleration, including FPGAs and custom ASICs.
• Maintain scalable back-end infrastructure supporting distributed file systems, high-volume research workflows, and direct market access.

Requirements

• At least 1 year of professional software engineering experience delivering production C++ applications.
• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
• Advanced proficiency in C++ with strong hands-on daily application.
• Solid understanding of Linux/UNIX operating system internals, CPU performance tuning, memory architecture, and network communication protocols (TCP/UDP).
• Excellent analytical, architectural design, and system debugging skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Proven track record of high technical impact, code quality, and technical mentorship.
• Demonstrated ability to navigate trade-offs between high-level abstractions and low-level algorithmic optimizations.
• Experience developing software that interfaces directly with low-latency network hardware or custom processors.

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive base salary accompanied by performance-based bonus potential.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance coverage.
• Retirement savings plans, generous paid time off, and continuous learning support.