At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and optimise ultra-low latency C++ trading components in high-performance environments.
- Company: Join MARGO, a tech-native consultancy in elite financial markets.
- Benefits: Work on cutting-edge technology with a focus on career growth and technical excellence.
- Other info: Dynamic team environment with opportunities for personal and professional development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in high-frequency trading with innovative engineering challenges.
- Qualifications: Strong C++ experience in performance-critical systems; HFT background preferred.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Join MARGO in the UK (London) – High Performance Trading Environments. MARGO is a tech-native consultancy delivering elite software engineering expertise to the most demanding financial markets environments. We operate in latency-critical trading contexts where performance, determinism and predictability are core system requirements. Our consultants work in highly specialised trading environments, designing systems that interact directly with exchanges and market venues under extreme time constraints.
Business Context
You will join a High Frequency Trading / Low Latency Trading environment within one of our partners (investment banks, proprietary trading firms or market makers). The teams design, build and operate latency-sensitive trading systems directly connected to exchanges, typically deployed in colocated environments.
- Microsecond to sub‐microsecond latency constraints
- Deterministic and predictable execution paths
- Minimal software and network overhead
- Direct interaction with market data feeds and order gateways
Role Overview
We are looking for a C++ Software Engineer to work on latency‐critical trading infrastructure. The role is strongly engineering‐driven and focuses on speed, predictability and control of execution rather than functional feature delivery. Depending on the environment, the role may also involve interaction with C# components used outside the ultra‐latency‐critical execution path.
Key Responsibilities
Core HFT Engineering
- Design, develop and optimise ultra‐low latency C++ trading components
- Work on critical execution paths for market data processing and order routing
- Implement lock‐free and wait‐free algorithms
- Optimise memory allocation, cache locality and CPU utilisation
- Reduce jitter and tail latency
System‐Level & Hardware‐Aware Optimisation
- Analyse and optimise CPU behaviour (branch prediction, cache misses, NUMA effects)
- Work closely with infrastructure and network teams on kernel bypass and user‐space networking
- Profile systems at instruction‐level and hardware‐counter granularity
Production Ownership
- Ensure correctness, determinism and stability of production trading systems
- Participate in production releases and live deployments
- Investigate latency regressions and production anomalies
- Maintain rigorous operational discipline
Use of C# (Non‐Critical Path)
C# may be used outside the latency‐critical execution path for:
- Monitoring and control tooling
- Configuration and orchestration services
- Risk guards, limits and kill‐switch mechanisms
- Real‐time dashboards and operational analytics
C# is not used on the execution path and does not replace core C++ expertise.
Technical Environment
Core Technologies
- Modern C++ (C++17/20)
- Lock‐free programming
- Custom memory allocators
- Zero‐copy architectures
- Linux (advanced / low‐level understanding)
- CPU pinning
- Huge pages
- NUMA architectures
- Networking
- TCP / UDP market data feeds
- Multicast
- Kernel bypass technologies (DPDK, Solarflare Onload or equivalent)
Latency & Performance Tooling
- CPU profilers and hardware performance counters
- Packet capture and latency measurement tools
- Exchange simulators and market data replay tools
Required Experience & Skills
Essential
- Strong experience in C++ development for performance‐critical or low‐latency systems
- Proven background in HFT or ultra‐low latency trading environments
- Deep understanding of CPU architecture, caches and memory models
- Strong knowledge of concurrency, memory ordering and Linux internals
- Experience working close to hardware and network layers
- Strong production mindset and sense of ownership
Highly Valued
- Exposure to C# in trading, control or monitoring systems
- Experience with market data feed handlers or order gateways
- Prior exposure to market making or proprietary trading environments
- Experience with FPGA‐assisted or hybrid architectures
Why Join MARGO
- Access to elite HFT and ultra‐low latency trading environments
- Technically extreme and intellectually demanding engineering assignments
- Clear separation between execution‐critical and supporting systems
- Human‐sized consultancy with very high technical standards
- Long‐term positioning on rare, high‐value low‐latency engineering skillsets
Important Note
This role is not suitable for candidates with a C#-only background. Core execution systems are implemented in C++. Please note - We do not offer visa sponsorship for this position.
Interested? Motivated? Apply on our website or at staff.uk@margo.com
C++ Developer High Frequency Trading (HFT Systems) in London employer: MARGO
Margo is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in London where technology meets finance. With a strong focus on employee growth, you will have the opportunity to engage directly with traders and quantitative teams, ensuring your contributions have a significant impact. The company promotes a balanced role that combines development and production support, alongside tailored training paths to enhance your skills in a high-stakes, fast-paced setting.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land C++ Developer High Frequency Trading (HFT Systems) in London
✨Tap into Campus Networks
If you're still in uni, don’t forget to engage with your campus's career services and attend finance-related events. Banks often do presentations and recruitment drives on campus, so put yourself out there and make use of these opportunities to show off your passion for the field.
✨Get Certified
Consider pursuing relevant certifications like the CFA or ACCA while you’re job hunting. They not only beef up your CV but also connect you with professional bodies which can lead to networking opportunities and even job openings in banking and financial services.
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Join finance-focused groups on platforms like LinkedIn and engage in discussions. This can really help you stand out from the crowd, allowing potential employers to see your knowledge and interest in industry trends. Plus, you might stumble upon job postings shared exclusively within the group.
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We think you need these skills to ace C++ Developer High Frequency Trading (HFT Systems) in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers!:In the banking and financial services world, quantifiable achievements are key. Make sure your CV highlights your grades in relevant subjects, any financial certifications you hold, and specific projects where you've delivered measurable results. Employers love to see how your skills translate into real-world success.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:When applying for a full-time position, your cover letter should make a direct connection between your experience and the job description. Don't just state your enthusiasm for finance—dive into how your background in banking or financial analysis sets you apart. Let your passion shine through while being specific about what you can bring to MARGO.
Include Relevant Financial Software Experience:If you've worked with financial modelling tools or software like Excel, SAP, or specific analytical tools during your studies or internships, bring that up! Highlighting your proficiency can really make your application pop and show you're ready to hit the ground running in a full-time role.
Research and Reflect:Before hitting that 'apply' button on MARGO's website, do a little digging. Look up their recent projects, values, and culture. Reflecting their ethos in your application can make a huge difference and show you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team!
How to prepare for a job interview at MARGO
✨Brush Up on Financial Analysis Skills
Make sure you're well-versed in financial concepts and analytical techniques relevant to banking and financial services. Get comfortable with tools like Excel for modelling or financial forecasting, as technical questions in this area are common during interviews with MARGO.
✨Prepare for Case Studies
Expect to tackle case studies that demonstrate your problem-solving skills in real-world banking scenarios. Familiarise yourself with the types of problems you might face—think risk assessments or investment evaluations—and be ready to articulate your thought process clearly.
✨Show Your Passion for Finance
Since this is a full-time position, employers at MARGO will be keen to see your genuine interest in finance. Be prepared to discuss recent industry trends or news articles that excite you, showcasing your enthusiasm and engagement with the field.
✨Network with Industry Professionals
Before your interview, reach out to current or former MARGO employees on platforms like LinkedIn. They'll offer unique insights into the company's culture and the interview process, which can give us a delightful edge in showcasing a good fit for the team.
