At a Glance
- Tasks: Optimise Linux kernels and develop high-performance C++ systems for trading.
- Company: Top-tier quantitative trading firm focused on performance engineering.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, cutting-edge projects, and collaboration with elite engineers.
- Other info: Work in a dynamic environment with opportunities for growth and innovation.
- Why this job: Join a team tackling challenging performance issues that impact real-world trading.
- Qualifications: 6+ years in modern C++, deep Linux knowledge, and a passion for performance.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
Want to work where nanoseconds matter? We're partnering with a top-tier quantitative trading firm seeking a Low-Latency Kernel Engineer to push the limits of Linux, networking, and hardware performance. This is a deeply technical role focused on kernel tuning, CPU and memory optimization, network stack performance, and ultra-low-latency C++ development. You'll work directly with FPGA, infrastructure, and hardware teams to eliminate bottlenecks across the entire stack.
What you'll be doing:
- Optimising Linux kernels and network stacks for deterministic low-latency performance
- Analysing CPU, cache, memory, NUMA, and scheduling behaviour
- Developing high-performance C++20 systems used in trading and market data environments
- Leveraging tools such as perf, eBPF, and ftrace to identify and remove bottlenecks
- Collaborating with FPGA engineers on hardware-accelerated solutions
What we're looking for:
- 6+ years of modern C++ (C++20+) experience
- Deep expertise in Linux internals, kernel tuning, networking, and systems programming
- Strong understanding of CPU architecture, cache hierarchies, memory management, and performance profiling
- Exceptional academics from a top university in Computer Science, Mathematics, Engineering, Physics, or a related quantitative field
- A genuine passion for low-level performance engineering
Nice to have:
- DPDK, XDP, AF_XDP, RDMA, OpenOnload, or other kernel-bypass technologies
- FPGA or hardware acceleration exposure
- Experience in HFT, trading systems, market data, telecoms, or other latency-sensitive environments
Join a team of elite engineers solving some of the hardest performance challenges in the industry, where every optimisation can directly impact production trading performance.
Senior Low Latency Kernel Engineer (C++/Linux) employer: Selby Jennings
Selby Jennings is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters collaboration and innovation in the heart of London. Employees benefit from extensive growth opportunities, competitive compensation, and a supportive environment that encourages professional development, making it an ideal place for those looking to make a meaningful impact in the finance technology sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Low Latency Kernel Engineer (C++/Linux)
✨Join Local Tech Meetups
Get out there and mingle with fellow developers by joining local tech meetups. It’s a fantastic way to meet people who might be working at Selby Jennings or know someone who does. Plus, you can pick up some trendy tech skills and trends while you're at it!
✨Contribute to Open Source Projects
Show off your coding chops by jumping into open-source projects. Not only does this give you practical experience, but it also gets you noticed in the dev community. You'll create a killer portfolio that speaks volumes about your skills to Selby Jennings.
✨Tap into Online Developer Communities
Don’t underestimate the power of online developer communities like GitHub, Stack Overflow, and even Reddit. Participate in discussions, share your projects, and build your visibility. We can often find opportunities through these channels that can lead to a full-time gig at companies like Selby Jennings.
✨Explore Job Boards Specifically for Tech Roles
Keep your eyes peeled on job boards that focus on tech roles. Sites like TechCareers or Stack Overflow Jobs can often have listings for companies like Selby Jennings that might not show up on broader job sites. Make it a habit to check these regularly, and don’t hesitate to apply directly through our website!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Low Latency Kernel Engineer (C++/Linux)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show off your coding skills:When applying for a software engineering role, it's super important to showcase your coding skills. Make sure your CV includes your tech stack, any relevant programming languages you’re comfortable with, and examples of projects you've worked on. If you have a GitHub profile, link it up! We love to see code in action.
Tailor your portfolio:For a full-time role, we’d expect to see some solid examples of your work in your portfolio. Make sure to include at least two or three projects that highlight your problem-solving skills and your ability to work with different technologies. Focus on the projects that are most relevant to the position at Selby Jennings.
Craft a killer cover letter:Your cover letter is your chance to stand out—make it personal! Explain why you want to work at Selby Jennings and how your skills align with the role. Show us your passion for software development. We dig enthusiastic candidates who understand the value of collaboration and continuous learning!
Be clear and concise:When it comes to writing your CV and cover letter, clarity is key. Avoid jargon that could confuse us and stick to simple, direct language. Highlight your achievements with quantifiable results where possible, and keep everything easy to read. A well-organised application goes a long way!
How to prepare for a job interview at Selby Jennings
✨Brush Up on Your Coding Skills
For a full-time software engineering role, it's crucial that we stay sharp with our coding abilities. Expect technical questions that might involve solving problems on the spot or discussing algorithms. Practise on platforms like LeetCode or HackerRank to get comfortable with the types of questions that often come up.
✨Know Your Tools and Frameworks
Make sure we’re well-acquainted with the tools and technologies listed in the job description. Familiarise ourselves with any specific frameworks or programming languages mentioned. If Selby Jennings uses React or Node.js, for instance, be ready to discuss how we’ve used them in previous projects or coursework.
✨Showcase Your Projects
Bring along a portfolio that highlights our best work. This could be code samples, GitHub repositories, or any side projects we’ve built. Make sure we can talk through our thought process for each project, especially the challenges we faced and how we solved them—this shows our problem-solving skills in action.
✨Prepare for Behavioural Questions
While technical skills are key, full-time positions also require cultural fit. Be ready to discuss our previous experiences and how we handle teamwork, conflict, and deadlines. Brush up on the STAR method—Situation, Task, Action, Result—to clearly articulate our past experiences when discussing how we've contributed to a team.
