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- Tasks: Join us in developing high-performance trading systems using modern C++.
- Company: Be part of a dynamic team focused on innovative financial technology solutions.
- Benefits: Enjoy a relaxed office environment and the chance to make a real impact.
- Why this job: This role offers immediate market influence and collaboration with top research teams.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in C++ and Linux, plus experience with SQL and network protocols required.
- Other info: Minimum 3 days in the office; no sponsorship available.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 84000 £ per year.
Associate Vice President – Software Engineering
We’re partnered with a leading global trading firm that’s scaling out their core trading systems engineering team. They’re looking for an experienced C++ developer with deep knowledge of low-latency trading systems to help design and build next‑generation trading gateways and matching engine infrastructure.
You’ll take ownership of design, implementation, and optimisation of systems that sit right at the heart of their electronic trading stack — where performance, precision, and reliability are critical.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Building and optimising low‑latency gateways and trading interfaces.
- Working on the in‑house matching engine – constantly tuning and enhancing performance.
- Designing and developing scalable, fault‑tolerant systems in C++ on Linux.
- Profiling, debugging, and removing bottlenecks across network and system layers.
- Collaborating with infrastructure and product teams to roll out real improvements to production.
What They’d Like to See
- Around 10+ years of hands‑on C++ experience, ideally in trading, exchange, or market data systems.
- Strong grasp of Linux internals (system calls, threading, IPC, sockets, schedulers).
- Experience working with FIX / ITCH / OUCH protocols and low‑latency networking (TCP, UDP, Multicast).
- Comfortable with lock‑free structures, circular buffers, NUMA‑aware programming, and performance tuning.
- Good understanding of data structures, memory management, and optimising code for speed.
Why It’s a Great Move
You’d be joining a high‑performing team that actually values clean, efficient engineering and gives you full ownership of what you build. It’s an environment where ideas are taken seriously, the tech challenges are real, and the work directly impacts live trading.
Location: London, England, United Kingdom
Seniority level: Mid‑Senior level
Employment type: Full‑time
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Contact Detail:
Harrington Starr Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior C++ Engineer
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest C++ standards and features, as well as best practices in low latency application development. This will not only enhance your technical skills but also demonstrate your commitment to staying current in the field.
✨Tip Number 2
Engage with online communities or forums related to C++ and trading systems. Networking with professionals in these spaces can provide insights into industry trends and may even lead to referrals for job opportunities.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with SQL and relational databases in detail. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've used these technologies in past projects, as this is a key requirement for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Research the FIX protocol and its applications in trading systems. Understanding this protocol will give you an edge during discussions and show that you're proactive about learning relevant technologies.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior C++ Engineer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your 5+ years of experience with modern C++ and any relevant projects you've worked on in a Linux environment. Emphasise your skills in SQL and understanding of TCP/UDP standards.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your enthusiasm for building high-performance trading systems. Mention specific technologies or methodologies you have used that align with the job description, such as low latency applications or test-driven development.
Showcase Relevant Projects: If you have experience with the FIX protocol or have worked on concurrent threaded applications, be sure to include these details in your application. Highlight any projects where you improved code quality or the development life cycle.
Prepare for Technical Questions: Anticipate technical questions related to C++ development and network protocols during the interview process. Brush up on your knowledge of the C++ development life cycle and be ready to discuss how you've applied this in past roles.
How to prepare for a job interview at Harrington Starr
✨Showcase Your C++ Expertise
Be prepared to discuss your experience with modern C++ in detail. Highlight specific projects where you've implemented advanced features or optimised performance, especially in a Linux environment.
✨Demonstrate Problem-Solving Skills
Expect technical questions that assess your understanding of low latency applications and network protocols. Prepare to explain how you've tackled challenges in previous roles, particularly those involving TCP/UDP standards.
✨Familiarise Yourself with the FIX Protocol
Since exposure to the FIX protocol is mentioned, make sure you understand its purpose and how it operates within trading systems. Being able to discuss its relevance will show your preparedness for the role.
✨Emphasise Collaboration and Communication
This role requires working closely with research and trading teams. Be ready to share examples of how you've successfully collaborated in the past, and how you can contribute to a team-oriented environment.
