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Entry Level High Frequency Trading Software Engineer Jobs

Wolverine

Software Engineer - Trading Systems

Chicago, IL · On-site

$100K - $140K/yr

As a Software Engineer at Wolverine, you'll contribute to the design and development of high-performance applications that support our trading strategies. You'll work closely with experienced ...

w3r Consulting

Senior Software Engineer

O Fallon, MO · On-site

$114K - $151K/yr

Responsible for performance engineering of the enterprise software architecture. * Significant code ... switching, high frequency trading systems or global real-time event streaming systems etc.

Optiver

Senior Software Engineer C++

Austin, TX

$121K - $160K/yr

Optiver is looking for Senior Software Engineers to join our High-Frequency Trading (HFT) team in Austin, TX. Our HFT team is comprised of software engineers and researchers who design, improve and ...

Carnegie Affiliates

C++ Socket Level Developer

New York, NY · On-site

$53.50 - $72.25/hr

Design and implement a high-frequency trading platform, Develop systems that provide easy access to ... Strong skills in Mult-ithreading and Socket Level programming A strong background in data ...

Optiver

Senior Software Engineer C++

Austin, TX · On-site

$121K - $160K/yr

Optiver is looking for Senior Software Engineers to join our High-Frequency Trading (HFT) team in Austin, TX. Our HFT team is comprised of software engineers and researchers who design, improve and ...

DRW

Algorithmic Trader

Chicago, IL · On-site

$125K/yr

You will work closely with experienced traders, software engineers, and quantitative researchers to ... Ability to understand and troubleshoot high-frequency trading strategies and systems * Strong ...

Geneva Trading

Junior Software Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$80K - $130K/yr

Junior Software Engineer (Trading Systems & OS) Location: Chicago, IL (Loop) Team: Proprietary ... Work daily within a tight-knit unit of Traders and Quants to translate high-frequency strategies ...

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All JobsEntry Level High Frequency Trading Software Engineer Jobs

Entry Level High Frequency Trading Software Engineer information

See salary details

$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.

С++ System Developer for a Hedgefund

Quanta Search

Manhattan, NY • On-site

$53.50 - $72.25/hr

Full-time

This job post has expired 1 day ago. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

Our client, a prominent US HedgeFund is seeking a strong C++ Systems Developer who will focus on automated trading systems and core development. The ideal candidate will demonstrate genuine interest in market activities, be efficient in scalable market data consumption, and robust order routing and execution capabilities. The Systems Developer will occupy a position at the center of the firm's algorithmic trading unit. This person must have experience building large-scale production systems, high-performance trading applications, and driving improvement in all levels of the technology stack. As a C++ Systems Developer you will:
  • Develop execution capabilities designed for scalability, performance, and resilience
  • Specialize in market microstructure to enhance trading intelligence and market participation
  • Build market data solutions to process and disseminate data to libraries and applications
  • Build order management systems that deliver speed, efficiency, and simplicity to trading strategies
  • Research and innovate ideas in software engineering and high-performance computing
  • Partner with traders and core engineers to devise next gen solutions for firm's trading activities

Requirements
  • Degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, EE or similar
  • Minimum of two years developing low latency C++ applications
  • Proficiency in advanced C++ ('11/14) including proficiency with STL, TMP, Boost, and type safety
  • Proficiency in advanced data structures, algorithms, OO programming, and computational complexity
  • Proficiency in Software Engineering including design/requirement specs, testing, QA, release
  • Experience with low-level system facilities: threading, I/O, signals, shared memory, VM, VFS
  • Experience in distributed computing including exchange topology, market gateways, and SORs
  • Knowledge of TCP/IP, UDP, and network topology; experience with socket programming
  • Knowledge of Exchange connectivity, Order Management Systems, and High Frequency Trading

Additional skills/experience that will reflect favorably
  • Graduate degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, EE, or similar
  • Knowledge and familiarity with exchange protocols FIX, ITCH, PITCH, OUCH, and related
  • Low-latency: hardware/bios tuning, NUMA aware, multi-threaded design, lock-free programming
  • Low-latency: compiler and cache optimization, user-space networking (kernel bypass), IPC/RPC
  • Experience in programming/system tools; svn, gdb, valgrind, tcpdump, strace, systemtap, and more
  • Experience with designing simulation and back-testing frameworks and research infrastructure
  • Hardware knowledge and/or FPGA experience

Thank you for illuminating hiring with Quanta Search!
www.quantasearch.com

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