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Algorithmic Trading Developer Jobs in Washington

Senior GNC Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

$150 - $190/hr

... Engineer position is a full-time exempt position. The individual will support the development of ... algorithms, perform GNC trade studies and performance assessments of a hypersonic system. The ...

Senior GNC Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

$120K - $165K/yr

... algorithms, perform GNC trade studies and performance assessments of a hypersonic system. The ... Perform engineering trade studies to support GNC design and/or performance analysis * Support ...

Senior GNC Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

$120K - $165K/yr

... algorithms, perform GNC trade studies and performance assessments of a hypersonic system. The ... Perform engineering trade studies to support GNC design and/or performance analysis * Support ...

Demonstrated experience working within the systems engineering design cycle, including requirements decomposition and traceability, algorithm design and trade studies, verification and validation (V ...

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Algorithmic Trading Developer information

See Washington salary details

$17

$67

$85

How much do algorithmic trading developer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for algorithmic trading developer in Washington is $67.98, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $61.78 and $80.58 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an algorithmic trading developer?

An Algorithmic Trading Developer is a software professional who designs, builds, and maintains computer programs (algorithms) that automatically execute trades in financial markets. These developers combine knowledge of programming, quantitative analysis, and financial markets to create strategies that can analyze market data and place trades faster and more efficiently than human traders. Their work often involves working with large datasets, optimizing code for speed, and ensuring low-latency execution. They may also collaborate with traders and quantitative analysts to implement and test new trading ideas.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an algorithmic trading developer?

To thrive as an Algorithmic Trading Developer, you need strong programming skills (especially in Python, C++, or Java), a solid grasp of quantitative finance, and typically a degree in computer science, mathematics, or related fields. Expertise in trading platforms, financial data APIs, and familiarity with machine learning libraries and version control systems is common, alongside relevant certifications like CFA or CQF. Exceptional analytical thinking, attention to detail, and problem-solving abilities are crucial soft skills for success in this role. These capabilities enable developers to design, test, and optimize trading algorithms that perform reliably and profitably in dynamic financial markets.

What are some common challenges algorithmic trading developers face when deploying new trading strategies?

Algorithmic Trading Developers often encounter challenges such as ensuring low-latency execution, accurately backtesting strategies with real-world data, and managing the risks of live trading. Deployment requires close collaboration with quantitative analysts, traders, and IT teams to validate models and maintain robust infrastructure. Additionally, developers must monitor for unexpected market conditions and quickly address any system failures or regulatory changes that could impact trading performance.

What is the difference between Algorithmic Trading Developer vs Quantitative Analyst?

AspectAlgorithmic Trading DeveloperQuantitative Analyst
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Computer Science, Finance, or related fields; programming skillsDegree in Mathematics, Statistics, Finance, or Economics; strong analytical skills
Work EnvironmentDevelops trading algorithms, codes, tests, and implements trading systemsBuilds models, analyzes data, and provides trading insights
Employer & Industry UsageFinancial firms, hedge funds, trading firms focusing on system developmentInvestment banks, hedge funds, asset managers focusing on data analysis

While both roles work within the finance industry and require quantitative skills, Algorithmic Trading Developers primarily focus on coding and implementing trading algorithms, whereas Quantitative Analysts analyze data and develop models to inform trading strategies.

How to become an algorithmic trading developer?

To become an algorithmic trading developer, you typically need a strong background in computer science, mathematics, or finance, with proficiency in programming languages such as Python, C++, or Java. Knowledge of financial markets, trading strategies, and experience with data analysis, algorithm design, and trading platforms are essential. Gaining relevant certifications or completing specialized courses can also enhance your qualifications.

What are popular job titles related to Algorithmic Trading Developer jobs in Washington?

For Algorithmic Trading Developer jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Algorithmic Trading Developer jobs in Washington look for?

The top searched job categories for Algorithmic Trading Developer jobs in Washington are:

Infographic showing various Algorithmic Trading Developer job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 79% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 14% Contract. Highlights an 80% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $141,397 per year, or $68 per hour.

Dynamic Scheduler DSP Algorithm Engineer

AST SpaceMobile

Lanham, MD

$143K - $167K/yr

Full-time

Posted 7 days ago


Job description

Position Overview

The Dynamic Scheduler DSP Algorithm Engineer designs and optimizes a resource-allocation algorithm for the satellite payload system, working at the intersection of combinatorial optimization, signal processing, and system-level performance trade-offs. This person designs, analyzes, and improves optimization algorithms for large-scale resource-allocation problems, balancing competing system objectives - efficiency, coverage, and performance - and validating solutions against simulation and real system metrics rather than theoretical guarantees alone. The role requires strong communication skills and comfort working across algorithm, system, and hardware constraints to ensure solutions scale efficiently to large problem sizes. 

Key Responsibilities:

  • Design, analyze, and improve optimization algorithms for large-scale resource-allocation problems.
  • Balance competing system objectives (efficiency, coverage, performance) and formalize the trade-offs involved.
  • Validate algorithms against simulation and real system metrics, not just theoretical guarantees.
  • Ensure solutions scale efficiently to large problem sizes.

 Qualifications 

Education:

Experience:

  • Strong background in optimization (combinatorial and/or convex), with hands-on problem-solving experience.
  • Proficiency in Python or MATLAB for algorithm prototyping.
  • Ability to translate mathematical/technical specifications into working code. 

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Background in wireless communications, satellite systems, or signal processing.
  • Graduate degree (MS/PhD) in EE, applied math, operations research, or CS with an optimization focus. 

Soft Skills:

  • Strong communication skills, with the ability to work effectively across algorithm, system, and hardware constraints. 

Technology Stack:

  • Python and/or MATLAB for algorithm prototyping.
  • Combinatorial and convex optimization frameworks and solvers.
  • Simulation and system-metric validation tooling for large-scale resource-allocation problems. 

Physical Requirements 

  • Ability to lift up to 25 lbs.
  • Ability to use a computer for extended periods.
  • Ability to work in an office environment, with occasional exposure to lab or test environments to validate algorithms against real system metrics.
  • Ability to travel occasionally to support system validation or cross-team collaboration as needed.

This job description may not be inclusive to the duties and responsibilities listed. Additional tasks may be assigned to the employee from time to time or the scope of the job may change as needed by business demands.Â