Software Engineer (Entry-Level) - C++

Akuna Capital; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 130,500 - 159,500; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Discretionary bonus

Comprehensive benefits

Job summary

Akuna Capital is seeking an entry‑level C++ Software Engineer to work on high‑performance systems that power our core trading operations. You’ll join small to mid-sized teams that interface with Quant and Trading, gaining exposure to user needs while building domain expertise.

You’ll work on heavily multithreaded, asynchronous, and distributed C++ systems to ensure reliability and scalability. Ideal candidates are pursuing a technical degree (CS/Engineering/Math/Physics) and will graduate by Aug

Qualifications

• Pursuing a bachelor’s, master’s, or Ph.D. in a technical field (computer science/engineering, math, physics, or equivalent)
• Graduating by August 2027
• Legal authorization to work in the U.S. as of day one, including F‑1 OPT or STEM visas

Responsibilities

• Contribute to high-performance C++ systems powering core operations.
• Interface with Quant and Trading teams to understand requirements and deliver solutions.
• Maintain multi-threaded, asynchronous, distributed architectures for reliability and scalability.
• Tackle day-to-day upkeep, low-risk feature requests, and targeted projects for stakeholders

Skills

Modern C++ (C++20/23)

Distributed systems

Parallel processing

Asynchronous architectures

Networking/protocols

Lock-free data structures

Performance profiling

Scripting (Python/shell)

Debugging tools (GDB/Valgrind)

Communication with non-technical Stake

Rapid problem solving

Ownership mindset

Education

Bachelor/Master/PhD in CS/Engineering/Math/Physics

Graduating by Aug 2027

Job description

About Akuna

Akuna Capital is an innovative trading firm with a strong focus on collaboration, cutting‑edge technology, data‑driven solutions, and automation. We specialize in providing liquidity on a variety of exchanges across various asset classes, primarily as an options market maker. To do this successfully, we build and maintain our own low‑latency technologies, including application frameworks, trading strategies, and mathematical models. Akuna’s founding partners first conceptualized the firm in Sydney, Australia, and opened the first office in Chicago in 2011. We now operate from offices in Sydney, Shanghai, Singapore, London, and Chicago.

What You’ll Do as an Entry‑Level C++ Software Engineer at Akuna

C++ software engineers at Akuna work on a variety of high‑performance systems that power the firm’s core business operations. Engineers work in small‑to‑medium teams that frequently interface with Quant and Trading, giving them exposure to user needs while building expertise in a specific domain. The C++ systems are heavily multithreaded, asynchronous, and distributed, and engineers are tasked with ensuring these systems are reliable, efficient, scalable, and flexible enough for niche use cases. Entry‑level engineers are responsible for day‑to‑day upkeep of core systems, servicing lower‑risk feature requests, and executing individual projects for their team’s stakeholders. We seek motivated, problem‑solving thinkers who can reach for creative solutions when faced with novel problems and who are eager to make a direct impact on the firm.

Requirements for This Role

• Pursuing a bachelor’s, master’s, or Ph.D. in a technical field (computer science/engineering, math, physics, or equivalent)
• Graduating by August 2027
• Legal authorization to work in the U.S. as of the first day of employment, including F‑1 students using OPT or STEM visas

Previous experience in finance or trading is not required. Many of our engineers joined Akuna with little to no prior knowledge of the markets, and we provide training and continuous education to build the requisite technical and non‑technical skill set for success.

Qualities That Make a Great C++ Software Engineer Candidate

• Experience programming in modern C++ (C++20 or later; C++23 preferred)
• Experience with distributed systems
• Experience with parallel processing
• Experience with asynchronous architectures
• Experience with networking or protocol encoding/decoding
• Experience with lock‑free data structures and algorithms
• Experience with performance profiling (e.g., perf, gprof, VTune)
• Scripting, such as in Python or shell
• Familiarity with standard debugging tools (e.g., GDB, Valgrind, address sanitizer)
• The ability to effectively communicate with non‑technical stakeholders in Quant and Trading to obtain requirements, workshop solutions, and implement agreed‑upon roadmaps
• The ability to react quickly and effectively to rapidly changing market conditions, including the ability to quickly and accurately respond to math and coding problems
• A passion for building complex systems from the ground up
• The ability to collaborate with others of different backgrounds, specialties, and knowledge levels to collectively deliver cohesive solutions to non‑trivial problems
• An intrinsically motivated attitude and the ability to work independently
• A strong sense of ownership, including a drive to fix bugs when they inevitably arise

Benefits & Compensation

In accordance with the Illinois Equal Pay Act, the minimum base salary starts at $145,000. Exact compensation offered may vary based on many factors, including but not limited to the candidate’s experience, qualifications, and skill set. This role is also eligible for a discretionary performance bonus as part of the total compensation package and includes a comprehensive benefits package that may encompass employer‑paid medical, dental, vision, retirement contributions, paid time off, and other benefits. The minimum base salary herein was determined in good faith by Akuna Capital LLC.