Senior Algorithmic Trader

Placements24; Sandton; Hybrid; ZAR 1,800,000 - 3,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement savings plan

Equity participation

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Algorithmic Trader to join a leading quantitative trading team. This remote‑first role targets elite execution across global markets, emphasizing autonomous project delivery in a highly disciplined environment.

You will design and optimize high‑frequency strategies, deploy profitable alpha generation methods, and collaborate with quants and developers to ensure scalable, low‑latency trading systems while managing risk.

Qualifications

• PhD or Master’s in CS, math, physics, statistics, financial engineering, or related field.
• Minimum 6 years of experience in algorithmic or quantitative trading, focused on high‑frequency strategies.
• Proven track record deploying profitable live trading algorithms.
• Strong programming in C++ and Python with relevant libraries.
• Deep understanding of financial markets and execution algorithms.

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and refine high‑frequency trading algorithms.
• Develop and test alpha generation strategies using quantitative methods.
• Monitor and optimize live trading strategies for minimal latency and max efficiency.
• Manage trading risk at strategy and portfolio level with robust controls.
• Collaborate with software engineers to ensure scalable systems.

Skills

C++

Python

Statistical modelling

Machine learning

Data analysis

Communication

Distributed team

Education

PhD or Master’s in quantitative field

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading quantitative trading firm, is looking for an elite Senior Algorithmic Trader to join their high-frequency trading team on a fully remote basis. This role demands exceptional expertise in developing, deploying, and managing sophisticated algorithmic trading strategies across global markets. You will leverage cutting-edge technology, advanced statistical modeling, and deep market insight to optimize trading performance and manage risk. This remote-first position requires a highly self-disciplined and intellectually curious individual with a proven track record of success in developing profitable alpha strategies. You will collaborate virtually with a world-class team of quants, developers, and researchers to push the boundaries of quantitative trading.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and refine high-frequency trading algorithms for various asset classes.
• Develop and test new alpha generation strategies using quantitative methods and statistical analysis.
• Monitor and optimize the performance of live trading strategies, ensuring minimal latency and maximum efficiency.
• Manage trading risk at the strategy and portfolio level, implementing robust risk controls.
• Collaborate closely with software engineers to ensure the seamless integration and scalability of trading systems.
• Analyze market microstructure, order book dynamics, and execution patterns to identify trading opportunities.
• Stay abreast of technological advancements and academic research in quantitative finance and machine learning.
• Communicate complex findings and strategy performance to the trading team and management.
• Work independently and effectively manage projects and deliverables in a remote environment.
• Must possess the ability to work autonomously and maintain high productivity in a remote setting.
• Must be legally authorized to work in South Africa and equipped for remote work.

Requirements

• Ph.D. or Master's degree in Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics, Statistics, Financial Engineering, or a related quantitative discipline.
• Minimum of 6 years of experience in algorithmic or quantitative trading, with a focus on high-frequency strategies.
• Proven track record of developing and deploying profitable trading algorithms in live production environments.
• Expertise in programming languages such as C++, Python, and proficiency with relevant libraries.
• Deep understanding of financial markets, trading infrastructure, and execution algorithms.
• Strong knowledge of statistical modeling, machine learning, and data analysis techniques.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to think critically under pressure.
• Exceptional communication and collaboration skills, comfortable working in a distributed team.
• Must possess the ability to work autonomously and maintain high productivity in a remote setting.
• Must be legally authorized to work in South Africa and equipped for remote work.

Benefits

This fully remote position offers an exceptionally high base salary, a significant performance-based bonus, and potential equity participation. Benefits include comprehensive health insurance, a generous retirement savings plan, and substantial professional development opportunities. This is an unparalleled opportunity to join a leading firm and shape the future of quantitative trading, working from anywhere in South Africa.