Software Developer (Gateway/Market Data)

Job Title

Software Developer (Gateway/Market Data)

Location

Chicago, IL Metro Area (Hybrid)

About the Opportunity

Step into a key engineering role building backbone execution technology for advanced financial markets. You will engineer ultra-fast data integration pipelines and high-efficiency order gateways that handle massive throughput with sub-millisecond precision. Working alongside trading desks and research teams, you’ll drive performance optimizations that keep execution speed at the cutting edge.

Responsibilities

• Architecture & Engineering: Direct the evolution of high-speed order execution gateways and real-time market data ingestion engines.

• Protocol & Market Integration: Implement and refine integration layers for external market centers utilizing standard financial transmission formats and custom binary streams.

• Performance Optimization: Diagnose network and execution delays to minimize software overhead across operating system and hardware boundaries.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Interface with quantitative researchers and execution traders to expand market reach and integrate new liquidity venues.

• Data Management: Establish robust mechanisms to log, store, and stream historical market signals for analytical review.

• Partner & Vendor Alignment: Resolve technical integration hurdles directly with external trading partners, data providers, and venue teams.

Requirements (must-have)

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or an equivalent technical field.

• Proven track record architecting performance-critical applications in modern C++ (C++14 or newer).

• Hands-on background constructing message parsers, execution gateways, or market data feed engines.

• Solid mastery of low-level networking, socket communications, TCP/IP, and UDP multicast within Linux environments.

• Familiarity with financial messaging standards (e.g., FIX, ITCH, or proprietary binary feeds).

• Practical experience employing packet capture utilities (such as tcpdump or Wireshark) for network analysis.

• Strong analytical mindset with a passion for reducing latency and scaling fault-tolerant systems.

• Clear communication skills with a collaborative approach to solving complex engineering challenges.

Preferred Qualifications (nice-to-have)

• Prior exposure to automated trading desks, high-frequency execution platforms, or algorithmic trading setups.

• Background in kernel tuning, network interface optimization, or lock-free concurrency patterns.

• Direct involvement with venue certification processes and live exchange connectivity.

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive base salary paired with performance-based bonus potential.

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision coverage.

• 401(k) retirement plan with company contribution matching.

• Flexible hybrid work schedule and generous paid time off package.

• Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE).