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Entry Level High Frequency Trading Software Engineer Jobs

We build the hardware, the software, and the infrastructure, so when you hit a bottleneck, you can ... Background in latency-sensitive or resource-constrained systems including high-frequency trading ...

C++ Developer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$90K - $150K/yr

... high-frequency trading. * Develop Risk Management and Compliance Tools: Create tools for risk ... Practical, hands-on experience in software development is valued. A formal degree is not a strict ...

C++ Software Developer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$50.50 - $68/hr

C++ Software Developer, Chicago, IL - The C++ Software Developer will work collaboratively with the technology and business teams on our trading and research platforms. - Design and implement high ...

Company Description A trading well-funded company headquartered in the Chicago Loop You will have the opportunity to work on all aspects of our high-frequency trading system Qualifications ...

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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 Aug 15, 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.

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 are some common challenges faced by entry level high frequency trading software engineers, 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.

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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Infographic showing various Entry Level High Frequency Trading Software Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $104,863 per year, or $50.4 per hour.

Hardware Machine Learning Engineer

IMC

Chicago, IL

$127K - $167K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted yesterday


Job description

We are deploying machine learning directly onto custom hardware - and we want you to help drive it from the ground up. This is an initiative where you'll have the rare opportunity to architect solutions from scratch, influence technical research direction, and see your work drive real impact in one of the most demanding computing environments in the world.

We build the hardware, the software, and the infrastructure, so when you hit a bottleneck, you can fix it - there's no vendor to wait on and no abstraction layer you're not allowed to touch. If you've ever wanted to push the boundaries of what's computationally possible, this role is for you. We're looking for researchers and experienced engineers from any background. Trading experience is a bonus, not a prerequisite.

Your Core Responsibilities

  • Architect and co-design ML models with traders, quant researchers, and software engineers, treating hardware constraints (latency budgets, resource limits, numerical precision) as first-class design inputs
  • Shape our custom hardware roadmap by translating ML model requirements into concrete architectural decisions
  • Work hands-on with hardware engineers to implement, verify, and deploy ML inference solutions from proof-of-concept through production
  • Track and evaluate emerging research in neural architecture search, machine learning systems and quantization methods, and determine what translates to measurable improvements in our systems

Your Skills and Experience

  • Solid understanding of hardware constraints and design trade-offs (e.g., pipelining, resource utilization, fixed-point arithmetic) that shape how ML models can be efficiently mapped onto FPGAs or custom ASICs
  • Experience with hardware fundamentals, whether through VHDL/SystemVerilog development, HLS tools, or ML-to-hardware frameworks like hls4ml, FINN, or Vitis AI
  • Understanding of machine learning fundamentals - neural network architectures, inference optimization, quantization techniques, ML frameworks such as PyTorch/TensorFlow
  • Proficiency in Python, C++, or similar languages for tooling, testing, and simulation
  • Strong communication skills and ability to work collaboratively across disciplines with both technical and non-technical teams

Nice to Have

  • Exposure to ML compiler infrastructure such as MLIR, TVM, XLA, or similar tools for lowering and optimizing models for hardware targets
  • Background in latency-sensitive or resource-constrained systems including high-frequency trading, particle physics data acquisition, real-time signal processing, or similar domains
  • Familiarity with functional verification methodologies (for example SystemVerilog, UVM, Cocotb)
  • Advanced degree (MS or PhD) in EE, CS, Physics, or related field, or equivalent depth through industry or research experience