C++ Software Engineer - Data Platform in London

C++ Software Engineer - Data Platform in London

London Full-Time 60000 - 80000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
WorldQuant

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Design and develop core components for a cutting-edge data platform using C++.
  • Company: Join WorldQuant, a leader in systematic financial strategies and innovative technology.
  • Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, flexible work options, and opportunities for professional growth.
  • Other info: Collaborative, relaxed environment with a focus on continuous improvement and innovation.
  • Why this job: Make an impact in finance by solving complex problems with like-minded tech enthusiasts.
  • Qualifications: Degree in Computer Science and 2+ years of software engineering experience required.

The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.

World Quant develops and deploys systematic financial strategies across a broad range of asset classes and global markets.

We seek to produce high-quality predictive signals (alphas) through our proprietary research platform to employ financial strategies focused on market inefficiencies.

Our teams work collaboratively to drive the production of alphas and financial strategies – the foundation of a balanced, global investment platform.

World Quant is built on a culture that pairs academic sensibility with accountability for results.

Employees are encouraged to think openly about problems, balancing intellectualism and practicality.

Excellent ideas come from anyone, anywhere.

Employees are encouraged to challenge conventional thinking and possess an attitude of continuous improvement.

Our goal is to hire the best and the brightest.

We value intellectual horsepower first and foremost, and people who demonstrate an outstanding talent.

There is no roadmap to future success, so we need people who can help us build it.

Technologists at World Quant research, design, code, test and deploy firmwide platforms and tooling while working collaboratively with researchers and portfolio managers.

Our environment is relaxed yet intellectually driven.

We seek people who think in code and are motivated by being around like-minded people.

The Role

Our distributed platform combines high-performance storage, compute, and service layers for processing and serving massive, structured, time-series datasets - built in C++ with a distributed system architecture, real-time streaming, RPC-based data transfer, and columnar on-disk storage that powers data processing and analytics workflows.

  • Design, develop, and maintain core components across our distributed storage, compute, and service platforms - including storage engines, query and compute execution, RPC/networking layers, and distributed coordination (routing, partitioning, replication).
  • Partner with internal stakeholders across research and engineering teams to translate data-access, compute, and performance requirements into concrete design and implementation work.
  • Investigate and resolve production issues - from correctness bugs to performance regressions.
  • Participate in code review, system design, feature development, and productionization.

What You'll Bring

  • Degree in Computer Science or a related field.
  • 2+ years of professional software engineering experience.
  • Strong fundamentals in data structures, algorithms, and systems-level thinking (memory management, concurrency, I/O).
  • Proficiency in modern C++ (C++11 or higher); comfort with STL.
  • Solid working knowledge of UNIX/Linux development environments.
  • Experience using AI-assisted coding tools (e. g., Claude Code, Open Code) to accelerate development.
  • A clear, proactive communicator who works well with a globally distributed team.

Nice to Have

  • Python
  • Exposure to distributed systems concepts (replication, sharding, consensus), query/compute engines, or columnar/analytical storage formats.
  • Experience with RPC frameworks.
  • #LI-MH1
  • By submitting this application, you acknowledge and consent to terms of the

World Quant Privacy Policy.

The privacy policy offers an explanation of how and why your data will be collected, how it will be used and disclosed, how it will be retained and secured, and what legal rights are associated with that data (including the rights of access, correction, and deletion).

The policy also describes legal and contractual limitations on these rights.

The specific rights and obligations of individuals living and working in different areas may vary by jurisdiction.

Copyright © 2025 World Quant, LLC.

All Rights Reserved.

World Quant is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in hiring on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation or preference, age, marital status, citizenship, national origin, disability, military status, genetic predisposition or carrier status, or any other protected characteristic as established by applicable law.

C++ Software Engineer - Data Platform in London employer: WorldQuant

WorldQuant is an exceptional employer that fosters a dynamic and collaborative work culture in the heart of Greater London. With a strong emphasis on employee growth, we offer opportunities for professional development while tackling complex challenges in a supportive environment. Our commitment to innovation and independence empowers our team members to excel and make meaningful contributions to large-scale research operations.

WorldQuant

Contact Details:

WorldQuant Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land C++ Software Engineer - Data Platform in London

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 WorldQuant 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 WorldQuant.

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 WorldQuant.

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 WorldQuant 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 C++ Software Engineer - Data Platform in London

C++ (C++11 or higher)
Data Structures
Algorithms
Systems-Level Thinking
Memory Management
Concurrency
I/O Management

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 WorldQuant.

Craft a killer cover letter:Your cover letter is your chance to stand out—make it personal! Explain why you want to work at WorldQuant 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 WorldQuant

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 WorldQuant 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.