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Entry Level High Frequency Trading Software Engineer Jobs

Quanta Search

High Frequency Algo C++ Developer

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$53.50 - $72.25/hr

The firm deployssystematic, computer-driven trading strategies across multiple liquid asset classes ... Software developer who will be actively engaged in developing, maintaining, and enhancing the firm ...

Quanta Search

High Frequency Algo C++ Developer

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$53.50 - $72.25/hr

The firm deploys systematic, computer-driven trading strategies across multiple liquid asset ... Software developer who will be actively engaged in developing, maintaining, and enhancing the firm ...

Open Systems Technologies

C++ Developer

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$300K/yr

Responsibilities * Working alongside hardware and software developers to build ultra-low latency trading systems * Designing and implementing a low latency, high-frequency trading platform ...

Alpha Nexus Group

C++ Software Engineer

Boston, MA

Company Description Our client is seeking motivated and passionate C++ Software Engineers to develop high performance transactional systems that support a leading high frequency trading platform.

Alpha Nexus Group

C++ Software Engineer

Boston, MA · On-site

Company Description Our client is seeking motivated and passionate C++ Software Engineers to develop high performance transactional systems that support a leading high frequency trading platform.

1872 Consulting

Senior C++ Developer

Manhattan, NY · On-site

Software Developer We are seeking experienced Software Developers for our Core Engineering team ... Designing and implementing a high-frequency trading platform, which includes collecting quotes and ...

Hyphen Connect Limited

$109K - $149K/yr

Expert-level proficiency in C++ or Rust programming ... Strong background in high-frequency trading (HFT) or market making. * Experience with low-latency ...

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All JobsEntry Level High Frequency Trading Software Engineer Jobs

Entry Level High Frequency Trading Software Engineer information

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$24K

$104.9K

$189K

How much do entry level high frequency trading software engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level high frequency trading software engineer in the United States is $104,863.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $65,000.00 and $120,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Is HFT hard to get into?

Entry level high frequency trading software engineering roles are competitive and typically require strong programming skills in languages like C++ or Python, as well as a solid understanding of financial markets and algorithms. Gaining experience through internships, coding projects, or relevant certifications can improve chances, but the field is known for its high technical standards and fast-paced environment.

What engineer makes $500,000 a year?

An entry-level high frequency trading software engineer typically does not earn $500,000 annually; such high salaries are usually reserved for senior or lead roles with extensive experience, advanced skills in algorithms and low-latency programming, and often include performance bonuses and profit sharing in trading firms. Most high-frequency trading engineers earn six-figure salaries, with top-tier professionals reaching or exceeding this level through experience and performance.

What is the difference between Entry Level High Frequency Trading Software Engineer vs Quantitative Trading Analyst?

AspectEntry Level High Frequency Trading Software EngineerQuantitative Trading Analyst
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Computer Science, Engineering, or related field; programming skills in C++, PythonBachelor's in Finance, Economics, or Mathematics; strong analytical and statistical skills
Work EnvironmentFast-paced trading firms, technology-driven teams, focus on software developmentTrading desks, research teams, focus on data analysis and strategy development
Employer & Industry UsageFinancial firms specializing in high-frequency trading, hedge funds, proprietary trading firmsInvestment banks, hedge funds, trading firms, financial institutions

While both roles operate within the trading industry, the Entry Level High Frequency Trading Software Engineer primarily focuses on developing and maintaining trading algorithms and infrastructure, whereas the Quantitative Trading Analyst emphasizes analyzing data and developing trading strategies. Both require strong technical skills, but their daily tasks and focus areas differ significantly.

What does an Entry Level High Frequency Trading Software Engineer do?

An Entry Level High Frequency Trading (HFT) Software Engineer designs, develops, and maintains software systems that enable firms to execute trades at extremely high speeds in financial markets. Their work focuses on optimizing algorithms, improving code efficiency, and reducing system latency to gain a competitive edge. They often work closely with quantitative analysts and traders to implement and test trading strategies, maintain trading infrastructure, and troubleshoot issues that arise during live trading sessions.

What is the salary of HFT software engineer?

An entry-level high-frequency trading (HFT) software engineer typically earns between $80,000 and $120,000 annually, with experienced professionals earning significantly more. Compensation often includes bonuses and benefits, and strong programming skills in C++ and low-latency systems are highly valued in this field.

What are some common challenges faced by entry-level software engineers in high frequency trading, and how can they prepare for them?

Entry-level software engineers in high frequency trading (HFT) often face challenges such as optimizing code for ultra-low latency, understanding complex financial products, and adapting to a fast-paced, highly collaborative environment. To prepare, candidates should develop strong programming skills (especially in C++ or Python), gain familiarity with network protocols, and practice writing performance-critical code. Engaging in mock coding interviews, studying real-world trading systems, and seeking mentorship from experienced engineers can also help new hires adjust quickly and excel in their roles.

How to get into HFT as a software engineer?

To become an entry-level high-frequency trading (HFT) software engineer, develop strong programming skills in languages like C++ or Python, gain knowledge of financial markets and trading algorithms, and familiarize yourself with low-latency systems and networking. Internships or entry-level roles at trading firms or quantitative funds can provide relevant experience and industry exposure.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Entry Level High Frequency Trading Software Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level High Frequency Trading Software Engineer, you need strong programming skills in languages such as C++ or Java, a solid foundation in algorithms, data structures, and a degree in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with Linux/Unix systems, version control tools like Git, and experience with low-latency networking are typically required, while knowledge of financial markets or trading systems is a plus. Outstanding problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and the capacity to work well under pressure are crucial soft skills. These competencies are vital to developing, optimizing, and maintaining robust, high-performance trading systems in a fast-paced, competitive environment.
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Entry Level High Frequency Trading Software Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level High Frequency Trading Software Engineer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 99% Full Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $104,863 per year, or $50.4 per hour.
SPEED C++ Engineer/High Frequency Trading

SPEED C++ Engineer/High Frequency Trading

Anveta

Miami, FL • On-site

Other

Posted 19 hours ago

Job description

Job title - SPEED C++ Engineer/High Frequency Trading
Required Candidate Location: Hybrid New York City or Miami, FL 3 Days a Week - NO RELOCATION
Contract Status : C-C preferred.
Type of Interview Required: Video
Job Description:

  • Hiring Department/Group: SPEED MD - Equities Technology
  • Job Title: Software Engineer
The Systematic Platform Execution & Exchange Data (SPEED) Team is at the core of Equities, Quant Strategies, and Shared Services Technology organization, powering the firm's lowest-latency solutions for systematic and high-frequency trading. SPEED delivers the live trading and market-data platforms used by portfolio managers and risk systems, including Latency Critical Trading (LCT), DMA OMS (Client Direct), DMA market data feeds, packet capture (PCAPs), enterprise market data, and intraday data services across latency tiers from sub-100 nanoseconds to millisecond-sensitive workflows. By building and operating this execution and data infrastructure, SPEED enables portfolio managers and researchers to compete effectively in the most time-critical markets.
We are looking for a C++ Engineer to help design, build, and enhance high-performance applications that process large volumes of real-time data. This role is suited to engineers who enjoy solving systems and performance challenges, writing reliable production code, and working closely with cross-functional teams to deliver robust technical solutions.
Depending on the assignment, you may work on components related to real-time data processing, analytics, messaging, infrastructure, or performance-sensitive services. We are hiring across several areas, so the exact domain focus may vary.
Key Responsibilities
  • Design, implement, and maintain scalable, high-performance C++ applications and services.
  • Improve existing systems for performance, reliability, maintainability, and efficiency.
  • Contribute to components involving real-time data processing, networking, messaging, and I/O.
  • Investigate and troubleshoot issues across application, system, and occasionally network layers.
  • Collaborate with engineering, infrastructure, and business stakeholders to translate requirements into practical technical solutions.
  • Write clean, well-tested, production-quality code and documentation.
  • Participate in code reviews, design discussions, and ongoing improvements to engineering practices.
  • Support delivery and operation of systems in production environments as needed.
Required Qualifications
  • Strong proficiency in modern C++.
  • Professional experience building production software in C++ environments.
  • Experience working on performance-sensitive, distributed, or real-time systems is strongly preferred.
  • Solid computer science fundamentals, including data structures, algorithms, memory management, and concurrency.
  • Experience with debugging, profiling, and performance analysis tools.
  • Familiarity with Git and standard build tooling such as CMake or similar.
  • Strong problem-solving skills and ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment.
  • Good communication skills and ability to collaborate across technical and non-technical teams.
Nice to Have
  • Experience in low-latency or high-throughput systems.
  • Exposure to Linux systems, networking, or systems-level performance tuning.
  • Familiarity with Python, Bash, or similar scripting languages for tooling and automation.
  • Experience in financial services, market data, trading systems, or other data-intensive domains.
  • Exposure to cloud platforms, HPC/research environments, or large-scale data platforms.
  • Familiarity with modern developer productivity tools, including AI-assisted coding tools.
  • For Analytics-Oriented Roles, some assignments may benefit from experience with:
    • KDB+/q or large-scale time-series / market data environments
    • Data analysis tooling such as pandas, PyTorch, or Apache Arrow
    • Basic statistics or analytical workflows
Personal Attributes
  • Practical, hands-on engineer with strong ownership mindset
  • Comfortable working across the software lifecycle, from development through production support
  • Collaborative and adaptable, with a focus on delivering value
  • Interested in building reliable, efficient systems and continuously improving them
  • High accountability and ownership; able to self-manage time, set priorities, and meet deadlines.

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