Performance Systems Engineer Network & Kernel Optimization (Low-Latency Infrastructure)

About Whistler Trading: Whistler Trading was founded in 2022 with the ambition to build a new leader in systematic trading. We've invested heavily in research and infrastructure, developing lean, high-performance systems that let us go from idea to production faster than ever. Our team includes alumni of top firms like Citadel and SIG, medalists from math and informatics olympiads, and individuals with deep domain expertise in trading, distributed systems, and real-time infrastructure. We value drive, rigor, and originality, and we back people who want to build something lasting.

The Role: We're looking for a Performance Systems Engineer to optimize our low-latency network infrastructure. You'll work at the kernel level to reduce latency in our market data capture and execution systems, focusing on squeezing maximum performance out of AWS instances and custom network stacks. This is a specialized Individual Contributor role for someone who loves working close to the metal. You'll be profiling network paths, implementing kernel bypass techniques, and finding microseconds wherever they hide. The work spans eBPF, io_uring, DPDK, and custom optimizations for our cloud infrastructure.

What You'll Do:

• Optimize network performance: Profile and improve our market data capture pipeline from NIC to application layer. Find and eliminate latency bottlenecks in our AWS-based infrastructure.
• Implement kernel-level optimizations: Build and tune systems using eBPF, io_uring, DPDK, and other kernel bypass techniques. Work with network drivers and kernel modules to reduce packet processing overhead.
• Cloud infrastructure optimization: Figure out how to get the best possible network performance from AWS EC2 instances. Understand ENA drivers, placement groups, instance types, and how to configure systems for minimal latency.
• Work across the stack: Most of your work will be in C (where drivers and kernel interfaces live), but you'll integrate with our Rust codebase for application-level components. Comfort moving between languages is important.
• Measure and validate: Use profiling tools (perf, bpftrace, etc.) to identify bottlenecks and validate improvements. Design experiments to isolate performance factors and interpret results statistically.
• Collaborate with engineers: Work with our trading infrastructure team to understand performance requirements and implement solutions. Clear communication about tradeoffs and constraints matters.
• Build production-quality systems: Your work will inform and improve production systems handling live market data. Code quality, testing, and reliability are important.

Skills and Qualifications:

• Systems programming experience: Strong C programming skills and experience working with Linux kernel interfaces, network drivers, and low-level systems code.
• Rust familiarity: Willingness to work in Rust for application-level integration.
• Network optimization background: Real experience optimizing network performance in production systems.
• Kernel and low-level tools: Hands-on experience with eBPF, io_uring, epoll, or similar technologies.
• Performance profiling: Strong skills with Linux performance tools (perf, flamegraphs, bpftrace, etc.).
• Cloud infrastructure: Experience optimizing network performance on AWS or similar cloud platforms.
• Professional development practices: Experience working in a modern software environment with code reviews, version control (Git), CI/CD, and collaborative development.
• Problem-solving and statistical thinking: Ability to dig into complex performance problems, form hypotheses, and test solutions systematically.
• Communication: Clear technical communication.
• Education: Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or related technical field required.

Nice to have:

• Experience in trading, finance, or other low-latency domains.
• Familiarity with DPDK or other kernel bypass technologies.
• Understanding of network protocols and packet processing.
• Background with hardware performance counters and micro-architectural optimization.

Why Join Whistler:

• Deep technical work: This is hands-on systems work at the kernel level.
• Real performance constraints: Our systems need to be fast.
• Work with strong engineers: Our team includes people who have built production trading systems at top firms.
• Merit over hierarchy: We run a lean, collaborative organization where the best ideas win.
• Ownership and trust: You'll own this area of our infrastructure.
• Growth opportunity: As we grow, top performers grow with us.

Compensation and Benefits:

• Base Salary: CAD $125,000 – $175,000 depending on experience and performance.
• Benefits: Comprehensive health insurance, retirement plans, and other benefits.

Hiring Process:

• Initial screening: A conversation about your background and experience optimizing network systems.
• Technical discussion: Deep dive into your experience with low-latency optimization, kernel work, and specific projects you've worked on.
• Technical exercise: A practical problem related to network optimization or performance profiling.
• Team interview: Meet with engineers you'd work with to discuss collaboration style and answer questions about the role and team.
• Offer: If it's a mutual fit, we'll extend an offer promptly.