Lead Software Engineer - Performance
Lead Software Engineer - Performance

Lead Software Engineer - Performance

London Full-Time No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead the development of a high-performance trading system using C++ and Rust.
  • Company: Join a dynamic, newly formed systematic fund backed by a top macro hedge fund.
  • Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary up to £200k, bonuses, equity, and flexible remote work options.
  • Why this job: Be part of a collaborative, flat environment with no legacy code and full autonomy.
  • Qualifications: Proven academics in relevant fields; experience in OOP is a plus.
  • Other info: We welcome applicants who are eager to learn, even if they don't meet all requirements.

About: Newly formed systematic fund, backed by one of Europe’s top-performing macro hedge funds, is building out a high-performance trading desk from scratch. Operating with startup agility but institutional firepower, the team has full autonomy to define its tech stack and trading approach.

Opportunity: Join at day zero to build a latency-critical trading system in Rust and C++. You’ll design and implement infrastructure for signal processing, execution, and market connectivity—working closely with researchers and PMs to iterate rapidly. The environment is flat, technical, and collaborative, with minimal bureaucracy and no legacy code.

Tech: Core stack in C++ and Rust. Open to other OOP backgrounds, however. Custom protocol handling, kernel bypass networking. Strategy evaluation infrastructure and low-latency pipelines. Strong focus on correctness, determinism, and performance.

Where: London-based team with flexible remote options. Offices globally.

Comp: Up to £200k base + bonus + potential equity. Backed for success, with strong incentives aligned to technical impact.

We encourage you to apply even if you think you may not currently fit all these requirements – so long as you have proven academics and are willing to work hard and learn, we want to hear from you.

Note: if you haven't received a reply within 3 days, your application was unfortunately not accepted.

Lead Software Engineer - Performance employer: Durlston Partners

As a Lead Software Engineer at our newly formed systematic fund in London, you will be part of an innovative team that combines startup agility with institutional strength, offering a unique opportunity to shape cutting-edge trading systems from the ground up. Our collaborative work culture fosters creativity and technical excellence, with minimal bureaucracy and a strong focus on employee growth through hands-on experience and mentorship. Enjoy competitive compensation, including a generous salary, bonuses, and equity, all while working in a flexible environment that values your contributions and encourages continuous learning.
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Contact Detail:

Durlston Partners Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Lead Software Engineer - Performance

✨Tip Number 1

Familiarise yourself with the latest trends and technologies in C++ and Rust, especially in the context of high-performance systems. Being able to discuss recent advancements or projects you've worked on can really set you apart during interviews.

✨Tip Number 2

Network with professionals in the finance and tech sectors, particularly those involved in trading systems. Attend relevant meetups or online forums where you can share insights and learn from others' experiences.

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare to demonstrate your problem-solving skills through coding challenges or technical discussions. Practising common algorithms and data structures in C++ and Rust will help you showcase your expertise effectively.

✨Tip Number 4

Research the company’s culture and values, as they emphasise a flat and collaborative environment. Be ready to discuss how your work style aligns with their approach and how you can contribute to building a strong team dynamic.

We think you need these skills to ace Lead Software Engineer - Performance

C++ Programming
Rust Programming
Low-Latency System Design
Performance Optimisation
Signal Processing
Market Connectivity Protocols
Kernel Bypass Networking
Object-Oriented Programming (OOP)
Correctness and Determinism in Software
Collaborative Development
Agile Methodologies
Problem-Solving Skills
Strong Communication Skills
Technical Leadership
Adaptability to New Technologies

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience with C++ and Rust, as well as any relevant projects that demonstrate your ability to build high-performance systems. Use specific examples to showcase your skills in latency-critical environments.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your enthusiasm for the opportunity to join a newly formed systematic fund. Discuss how your background aligns with their focus on performance and correctness, and mention your willingness to learn and adapt.

Showcase Relevant Projects: If you have worked on projects involving custom protocol handling or low-latency pipelines, be sure to include these in your application. Detail your role in these projects and the impact they had on performance.

Highlight Collaboration Skills: Since the role involves working closely with researchers and PMs, emphasise your collaborative experiences. Mention any instances where you successfully worked in flat, technical teams to achieve common goals.

How to prepare for a job interview at Durlston Partners

✨Showcase Your Technical Skills

Be prepared to discuss your experience with C++ and Rust in detail. Highlight specific projects where you've implemented performance-critical systems, and be ready to explain your thought process and the challenges you faced.

✨Understand the Company’s Vision

Research the systematic fund and its approach to building a high-performance trading desk. Understanding their goals and how your skills can contribute will demonstrate your genuine interest in the role.

✨Prepare for Problem-Solving Questions

Expect technical questions that assess your problem-solving abilities. Practice coding challenges related to low-latency systems and be ready to discuss how you would approach designing infrastructure for signal processing and market connectivity.

✨Emphasise Collaboration and Communication

Since the environment is flat and collaborative, be sure to highlight your teamwork experiences. Discuss how you've worked closely with researchers and project managers in the past to iterate on projects effectively.

Lead Software Engineer - Performance
Durlston Partners
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