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Algorithmic Trading Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Associate Trader

Washington, DC

$17.75 - $23.75/hr

Trading innovation is the human intelligence behind our campaigns that help us to exceed performance goals. * Using MiQ's proprietary technology to create bespoke campaign setups & custom algorithms ...

... algorithms, tuning hyperparameters, and validating robustness through cross-validation techniques. Prior to development able to articulate the trade-off on different modeling techniques and ...

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Algorithmic Trading information

See Washington salary details

$84.4K

$97.1K

$106.5K

How much do algorithmic trading jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for algorithmic trading in Washington is $97,120.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $91,700.00 and $103,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What Is Algorithmic Trading?

Algorithmic trading involves trading in equities, currencies, or other financial instruments using computer programs. A trading program uses an algorithm to calculate current market conditions. This trading method is automated, so the program buys or sells the financial instrument when the algorithm says that the market meets all the requirements for a profitable trade. To create an algorithm, you perform mathematical and statistical analysis, also known as quantitative analysis, on an exchange or equity. After creating an algorithm with defined trading rules, you test it using historical market data. While this is primarily a technical field, you also need an understanding of the market.

Is algo trading a good career?

Algorithmic trading is a specialized career that involves developing and implementing automated trading strategies using programming skills, data analysis, and financial knowledge. It can be lucrative and offers opportunities in finance firms, hedge funds, and proprietary trading firms, but it requires strong technical skills, continuous learning, and risk management expertise.

What is algorithmic trading?

Algorithmic trading refers to the use of computer programs and algorithms to automatically execute trading orders in financial markets. These algorithms follow predefined rules based on factors like price, timing, and volume to optimize trading strategies and reduce human intervention. Algorithmic trading is widely used by institutional investors, hedge funds, and individual traders to increase efficiency, minimize costs, and capitalize on market opportunities. It can range from simple rule-based systems to complex strategies involving machine learning and artificial intelligence.

How much do Algo traders make?

Algorithmic traders' salaries vary based on experience, location, and performance, but they typically earn from $80,000 to over $200,000 annually. Successful traders with strong quantitative skills and advanced programming knowledge can earn significantly more through bonuses and profit sharing. Compensation often includes base salary, performance incentives, and benefits, especially in financial firms or hedge funds.

What is the difference between Algorithmic Trading vs Quantitative Analyst?

AspectAlgorithmic TradingQuantitative Analyst
Required CredentialsDegree in finance, computer science, or related field; programming skillsDegree in mathematics, statistics, or finance; strong analytical skills
Work EnvironmentTrading firms, hedge funds, financial institutions; fast-pacedInvestment banks, asset management firms; research-focused
Employer & Industry UsageUsed to automate trading strategiesDevelops models to inform trading decisions

While both roles involve quantitative skills and finance knowledge, Algorithmic Traders focus on implementing automated trading systems, whereas Quantitative Analysts develop models and strategies that may be used by traders or firms. The roles often overlap but differ mainly in their primary focus: execution versus modeling.

What are the main challenges faced by professionals in algorithmic trading, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in algorithmic trading often encounter challenges such as developing strategies that remain effective in rapidly changing markets, minimizing latency for faster execution, and managing the risks associated with automated trading systems. To address these challenges, it's essential to stay updated with the latest market trends and technological advancements, conduct rigorous backtesting of algorithms, and implement robust risk management protocols. Collaboration with quantitative analysts, software engineers, and risk managers is also key to ensuring strategies are both innovative and resilient.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Algorithmic Trader, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Algorithmic Trader, you need a strong background in quantitative analysis, programming (often Python, C++, or Java), and a solid understanding of financial markets, typically supported by a degree in mathematics, engineering, finance, or computer science. Familiarity with statistical modeling tools, trading platforms, and backtesting systems is essential, and certifications such as CFA or FRM can be advantageous. Superior problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work under pressure set standout professionals apart in this field. These skills are crucial to developing, implementing, and refining trading strategies that can operate profitably and reliably in fast-moving financial environments.

Is algorithmic trading illegal?

Algorithmic trading is legal in most jurisdictions when conducted within regulatory frameworks that require proper registration, compliance, and risk management. Traders and firms must adhere to rules set by financial authorities to prevent market manipulation and ensure fair trading practices.
What are the most commonly searched types of Algorithmic Trading jobs in Washington? The most popular types of Algorithmic Trading jobs in Washington are:
What are popular job titles related to Algorithmic Trading jobs in Washington? For Algorithmic Trading jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in Washington are hiring for Algorithmic Trading jobs? Cities in Washington with the most Algorithmic Trading job openings:
Senior Tracking Software Engineer, Space

Senior Tracking Software Engineer, Space

Anduril Industries

Washington, DC • On-site

$138K - $182K/yr

Full-time

Posted 3 hours ago


Anduril rating

9.4

Company rating: 9.4 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Anduril Industries is a defense technology company with a mission to transform U.S. and allied military capabilities with advanced technology. By bringing the expertise, technology, and business model of the 21st century's most innovative companies to the defense industry, Anduril is changing how military systems are designed, built and sold. Anduril's family of systems is powered by Lattice OS, an AI-powered operating system that turns thousands of data streams into a realtime, 3D command and control center. As the world enters an era of strategic competition, Anduril is committed to bringing cutting-edge autonomy, AI, computer vision, sensor fusion, and networking technology to the military in months, not years.
ABOUT THE TEAM
Anduril's Space team is dedicated to expanding our AI-powered capabilities into the final frontier, enhancing Space Domain Awareness, Space Control, and Command and Control for U.S. military and allied partners. We're developing fully integrated hardware and software systems, including Lattice for Space Missions and modular payloads, to address growing threats in space and ensure our Guardians maintain a decisive advantage in this contested war-fighting domain.
ABOUT THE JOB
We are looking for a Senior Tracking Software Engineer to join our rapidly growing team in Washington DC. In this role, you will lead the development of advanced 2D and 3D tracking algorithms that maintain custody of space objects, processing sensor detections and messages into actionable tracks for space situational awareness missions. As a senior member of the team, you will architect and implement sophisticated multi-target tracking systems using cutting-edge state estimation and data association techniques, develop physics-based models to validate performance, and mentor engineers while working closely with software teams to deploy your algorithms into operational systems. You will drive technical decisions, lead design reviews, and serve as a subject matter expert in tracking algorithms. This will require deep expertise in tracking algorithms, state estimation (Kalman filtering), data association methods (JPDA, MHT), proficiency in MATLAB, Python, and C++, experience with modeling and simulation, and demonstrated technical leadership. If you are someone who enjoys solving challenging tracking problems involving clutter, maneuvering targets, contested sensing environments, and real-time mission constraints while guiding others to do the same then this role is for you.
WHAT YOU'LL DO
  • Lead systems engineering and algorithm development tasks supporting space and missile defense tracking missions, providing technical direction and guidance to team members
  • Architect and implement advanced object tracking and state estimation algorithms, including track initiation, maintenance, correlation, and termination
  • Design and evaluate multi-target tracking and multi-sensor fusion approaches for EO/IR, RF, or hybrid sensor architectures
  • Lead the implementation of advanced data association techniques including JPDA (Joint Probabilistic Data Association), MHT (Multiple Hypothesis Tracking), nearest neighbor, and track-to-track fusion methods
  • Drive innovation in data association techniques, exploring novel approaches and optimizations for complex operational scenarios
  • Build sophisticated physics-based models and conduct modeling and simulation including Monte Carlo analysis, recorded sensor playback, and hardware-in-the-loop testing to validate tracking performance
  • Lead performance analysis, trade studies, and simulation-based assessments of tracking robustness under challenging conditions (maneuvering targets, clutter, countermeasures, degraded sensing)
  • Collaborate with and mentor software engineers to transition tracking algorithms from MATLAB/Python prototypes to production C/C++ code optimized for real-time operational systems
  • Drive the systems engineering lifecycle including requirements decomposition, trade studies on tracking approaches, verification and validation planning, and design reviews (SRR, PDR, CDR)
  • Lead technical documentation efforts and present at design reviews (SRR, PDR, CDR) and customer engagements
  • Mentor engineers in tracking algorithm development, state estimation theory, and best practices
  • Serve as a technical subject matter expert for tracking systems, advising program leadership on algorithm performance, risks, and opportunities
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
  • Currently possesses and is able to maintain an active U.S. Secret security clearance
  • Bachelor's degree or higher in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Applied Mathematics, Physics, Computer Science, or related technical field
  • 8+ years of experience designing, implementing, and testing multi-target tracking algorithms for aerospace, defense, or autonomous systems
  • Demonstrated technical leadership in tracking algorithm development, including leading design efforts, mentoring team members, or serving as a subject matter expert
  • Deep theoretical and practical expertise with state estimation techniques, including Kalman Filters (EKF, UKF), multi-target tracking concepts, and Interacting Multiple Model (IMM) filters
  • Proven experience developing tracking algorithms that handle track initiation, maintenance, correlation, and termination in operational systems
  • Expert proficiency in algorithm development using MATLAB and/or Python with demonstrated experience transitioning algorithms to C++ for production deployment
  • Extensive experience with modeling, simulation, and testing workflows including Monte Carlo analysis, sensor data playback, or hardware-in-the-loop environments
  • Strong ability to work collaboratively with software engineers, systems engineers, and test teams to integrate tracking algorithms into operational systems
  • Excellent communication skills with experience presenting technical concepts to diverse audiences including engineers, program managers, and customers
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
  • Advanced degree (MS or PhD) in Engineering, Physics, Applied Mathematics, or related technical field
  • 10+ years of experience in tracking algorithm development for defense or aerospace applications
  • Experience in one or more of the following domains: missile defense or space systems; EO/IR or RF sensors; kill vehicles, interceptors, or countermeasures
  • Extensive experience handling challenging tracking scenarios including track fragmentation, ghost tracks, sensor outages, and high-clutter environments
  • Deep familiarity with real-time system constraints, embedded systems, or edge compute optimization
  • Demonstrated experience leading efforts within the systems engineering design cycle, including requirements decomposition and traceability, algorithm design and trade studies, verification and validation (V&V), and documentation and design reviews (SRR, PDR, CDR)
  • Experience with MBSE tools (Cameo, Rhapsody, DOORS)
  • Experience with advanced tracking techniques such as Random Finite Set (RFS) methods, Probability Hypothesis Density (PHD) filters, or machine learning-enhanced tracking
  • Publication record in peer-reviewed journals or conferences related to tracking, state estimation, or sensor fusion
  • Experience briefing and interfacing with government customers (DoD, IC, or similar)
  • Track record of delivering tracking solutions into operational systems or fielded products

US Salary Range
$191,000-$253,000 USD
The salary range for this role is an estimate based on a wide range of compensation factors, inclusive of base salary only. Actual salary offer may vary based on (but not limited to) work experience, education and/or training, critical skills, and/or business considerations. Highly competitive equity grants are included in the majority of full time offers; and are considered part of Anduril's total compensation package. Additionally, Anduril offers top-tier benefits for full-time employees, including:
Benefits
At Anduril, we invest in our people. Our comprehensive, competitive benefits package (available at little to no cost to employees) ensures you're supported in health, recovery, and whatever comes next. For more information, Explore Our Benefits.
Protecting Yourself from Recruitment Scams
Anduril is committed to maintaining the integrity of our Talent acquisition process and the security of our candidates. We've observed a rise in sophisticated phishing and fraudulent schemes where individuals impersonate Anduril representatives, luring job seekers with false interviews or job offers. These scammers often attempt to extract payment or sensitive personal information.
To ensure your safety and help you navigate your job search with confidence, please keep the following critical points in mind:
  • No Financial Requests: Anduril will never solicit payment or demand personal financial details (such as banking information, credit card numbers, or social security numbers) at any stage of our hiring process. Our legitimate recruitment is entirely free for candidates.
  • Please always verify communications:
    • Direct from Anduril: If you receive an email from one of our recruiters, it will only come from an @anduril.com address.
    • Via Agency Partner: If contacted by a recruiting agency for an Anduril role, their email will clearly identify their agency. If you suspect any suspicious activity, please verify the agency's authenticity by reaching out to contact@anduril.com.
  • Exercise Caution with Unsolicited Outreach: If you receive any communication that appears suspicious, contains grammatical errors, or makes unusual requests, do not engage. Always confirm the sender's email domain is @anduril.com before providing any personal information or clicking on links.
  • What to Do If You Suspect Fraud: Should you encounter any questionable or fraudulent outreach claiming to be from Anduril, please report it immediately to contact@anduril.com. Your proactive caution is invaluable in protecting your personal information and upholding the security and trustworthiness of our recruitment efforts.

Data Privacy
To view Anduril's candidate data privacy policy, please visit https://anduril.com/applicant-privacy-notice/.
By submitting your application, you consent to Anduril Industries using a third-party service provider to conduct pre-employment risk, integrity, and due diligence screening and assessing potential risks as part of your application process. This third-party service provider provides risk-intelligence services that may include analysis of sanctions and watchlists, adverse media, public-record information, and other lawful open-source or commercial data sources. This third-party service provider does not act as a consumer reporting agency. Use of this provider helps to ensure compliance with applicable laws and protect technology, intellectual property, and organizational security.

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About Anduril Industries

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Anduril Industries is a trailblazer in the technology industry based in Costa Mesa, CA, US. Founded in 2017 by Palmer Luckey, the creator of Oculus VR, the company focuses on developing innovative technology to equip and empower those in the defense sector. Its primary products include cutting-edge autonomous systems and AI software that assist in combating threats to national and global security. The mission of Anduril Industries is to integrate technology and defense by building transformative, scalable solutions that ensure a safer world.

Industry

Guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing

Company size

501 - 1,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Costa Mesa, CA, US

Year founded

2017

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