Software Engineer – Entry Level

Jobtailor; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Jobtailor is seeking a software engineer to enhance our proprietary trading platform used by traders in Chicago. You will design, implement, and debug low-latency applications, balancing performance with readable, maintainable code.

Join a collaborative, entrepreneurial team focused on innovation in financial markets. Expect exposure to all phases of the SDLC, strong coding standards, and opportunities to work with AI tools and hardware-optimized systems.

Qualifications

• Experience with all phases of the Software Development Lifecycle, preferably using object-oriented languages (C++, C#, Java).
• Ability to optimize and design low-latency software.
• Ability to work in a collaborative, entrepreneurial environment.
• Intellectual curiosity and willingness to continuously learn.
• Strong communication with teammates and product managers.
• Ability to relocate to Chicago; Chicago location only.
• Graduation date December 2026 or May/June 2027.
• Demonstrated interest in financial markets.
• Experience with hardware optimization and/or the financial industry is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Enhance the proprietary trading software platform used by traders and deliver software solutions for business needs.
• Design, implement, and debug complex low-latency trading applications.
• Balance optimization and readability to create efficient, extendable applications.
• Partner with team members to ensure software meets requirements and follows coding standards with automated testing.
• Communicate with project managers and leadership to develop work strategies.

Skills

Low-latency design

Collaborative working

Intellectual curiosity

Effective communication

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in CS or related field

Tools

C++

C#

Java

Job description

• Enhance the proprietary trading software platform used by traders and deliver software solutions for business needs
• Design, implement, and debug complex low-latency trading applications
• Balance optimization and readability to create efficient, extendable applications
• Partner with team members to ensure software meets requirements, follows coding standards, fits the architecture, and includes automated testing
• Communicate with project managers and team leadership to develop work strategies
• Collaborate in a team environment that encourages learning and innovation
• Participate in BTU's peer-led learning curriculum covering trading fundamentals and proprietary trading systems
• Participate in all phases of the software development lifecycle, from design through testing and deployment

Requirements

• Experience with all phases of the Software Development Lifecycle, preferably using an object-oriented language such as C++, C#, or Java
• Understanding of selecting the right tool for the job
• Ability to optimize and design low-latency software
• Ability to work in a collaborative, entrepreneurial environment
• Intellectual curiosity and desire to continuously learn and solve challenging problems
• Ability to communicate project updates effectively to teammates and product managers
• Ability to use AI tools effectively while maintaining independent judgment and critical thinking
• Ability to live in or relocate to Chicago; applicants will be considered for the Chicago location only
• Graduation date of December 2026 or May/June 2027
• Demonstrated interest in financial markets
• Experience with hardware optimization and/or the financial industry is extra credit

Core Competencies

Proficient in designing and implementing low-latency trading applications using object-oriented programming languages such as C++, C#, or Java, with a strong focus on optimization and software development lifecycle methodologies. Demonstrates effective communication and collaboration skills within a team-oriented environment, alongside a keen interest in financial markets.

Highest-signal resume keywords

• Low-Latency Software Design
• C++ Programming
• C# Programming
• Java Programming
• Software Development Lifecycle

ATS Optimization Keywords

Hard Skills

• Object-Oriented Programming
• Software Optimization
• Automated Testing
• Debugging
• Application Development

Soft Skills

• Effective Communication
• Collaboration
• Intellectual Curiosity
• Problem Solving

Industry Keywords

• Financial Markets
• Proprietary Trading Systems
• Hardware Optimization

Tools & Technologies

• AI Tools