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Freelance Algorithmic Trading Programmer Jobs in Seattle, WA

Databento

Software Engineer (C++/Java)

Seattle, WA · On-site +1

We're looking for a midlevel or senior IC to join our core engineering team. You'll be responsible ... An interest in financial data or algorithmic trading. Notice about phishing scams Be cautious of ...

Databento

Software Engineer (C++/C#)

Seattle, WA · On-site +1

We're looking for a midlevel or senior IC to join our core engineering team. You'll be responsible ... An interest in financial data or algorithmic trading. Notice about phishing scams Be cautious of ...

Nscale

VP, Financial Services GTM

Seattle, WA

... power algorithmic trading, risk modeling, deep quantitative analysis, and generative AI ... FinServ Value Engineering: Translate Nscale's raw compute power, liquid-cooled density, and low ...

Blue Origin

Software Development Engineer Sr

Seattle, WA

$197K - $276K/yr

The position spans algorithm design, flight software implementation, performance and robustness ... Coordinate cross-team vehicle-level analyses and trade studies * Lead root cause investigations and ...

SpaceX

GNC Engineer, Orbit Control (Starlink)

Redmond, WA

$145K - $175K/yr

GNC ENGINEER, ORBIT CONTOL (STARLINK) At SpaceX we're leveraging our experience in building rockets ... algorithm changes * Contribute to the development of new satellite generations by executing trade ...

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All JobsAlgorithmic Trading Programmer JobsFreelance Algorithmic Trading Programmer JobsFreelance Algorithmic Trading Programmer Jobs in Seattle, WA

Freelance Algorithmic Trading Programmer information

See Seattle, WA salary details

$46.1K

$91.8K

$127.5K

How much do freelance algorithmic trading programmer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for freelance algorithmic trading programmer in Seattle, WA is $91,798.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $77,400.00 and $105,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some typical challenges freelance algorithmic trading programmers face when working with clients?

Freelance algorithmic trading programmers often encounter challenges such as aligning with clients' diverse strategies, accommodating rapid changes in trading requirements, and ensuring robust backtesting for different market conditions. Effective communication is key, as clients may have varying levels of technical understanding and expectations regarding performance and risk management. Additionally, freelancers must stay updated on compliance standards and platform-specific APIs, which can differ significantly between projects.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Freelance Algorithmic Trading Programmer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Freelance Algorithmic Trading Programmer, you need strong programming skills (often in Python, C++, or Java), a solid understanding of financial markets, and experience with quantitative analysis. Familiarity with trading platforms (like MetaTrader, NinjaTrader, or Interactive Brokers API), backtesting frameworks, and relevant certifications such as CFA or CQF can be highly valuable. Outstanding problem-solving, attention to detail, and effective communication with clients set top performers apart. These skills are crucial for building reliable, profitable trading algorithms and translating complex financial requirements into robust, real-world solutions.

What is the difference between Freelance Algorithmic Trading Programmer vs Quantitative Analyst?

AspectFreelance Algorithmic Trading ProgrammerQuantitative Analyst
CredentialsProgramming skills, trading platform knowledge, sometimes certifications like CQFAdvanced degrees in finance, mathematics, or statistics, certifications like CFA or FRM
Work EnvironmentIndependent, remote, project-basedIn-house or consulting, often office-based
Industry UsageDevelops trading algorithms for clients or personal tradingAnalyzes financial data to inform trading strategies and risk management

While both roles involve quantitative skills and financial markets, Freelance Algorithmic Trading Programmers focus on coding and developing trading algorithms independently, whereas Quantitative Analysts analyze data to support trading decisions within organizations.

What is a Freelance Algorithmic Trading Programmer?

A Freelance Algorithmic Trading Programmer is a professional who designs, develops, and implements trading algorithms for financial markets on a contract or project basis. They use programming languages like Python, C++, or Java to create automated systems that can execute trades based on predefined strategies without human intervention. These programmers often collaborate with traders, investment firms, or hedge funds to build, backtest, and optimize trading algorithms that aim to maximize profits and minimize risks. Working independently, they may also advise clients on best practices, maintain trading infrastructure, and ensure compliance with relevant financial regulations.
What are popular job titles related to Freelance Algorithmic Trading Programmer jobs in Seattle, WA? For Freelance Algorithmic Trading Programmer jobs in Seattle, WA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Freelance Algorithmic Trading Programmer jobs in Seattle, WA look for? The top searched job categories for Freelance Algorithmic Trading Programmer jobs in Seattle, WA are:
What cities near Seattle, WA are hiring for Freelance Algorithmic Trading Programmer jobs? Cities near Seattle, WA with the most Freelance Algorithmic Trading Programmer job openings:
Freelance Algorithmic Trading Programmer jobs near you

Software Engineer (C++/Java)

Databento

Seattle, WA • On-site, Remote

Full-time

Posted 9 days ago

Job description

The financial industry is growing at a record pace, but our data providers are still stuck in the past — with cumbersome onboarding processes, complicated APIs, slow infrastructure, and expensive licensing costs.

Databento is the market data platform for modern finance. The company provides real-time and historical data across futures, options, and equities through a unified API. By owning the entire market data stack end-to-end, Databento is the first platform of its kind to combine the performance and reliability demanded by the world's leading trading firms with a dramatically simpler developer experience. Our team includes alumni of Two Sigma, Citadel Securities, Flow Traders, Tower Research, PDT Partners, SIG, and other top quantitative firms.

We're looking for a midlevel or senior IC to join our core engineering team. You'll be responsible for implementing and maintaining our Java client library, and also working alongside our core engineering team on the most performance-sensitive parts of our codebase.

Responsibilities
  • Own and maintain our Java client library, ensuring it is robust, well-tested, and easy for external users to integrate with.
  • Design, develop, and maintain high-performance server applications in C/C++.
  • Write message parsers and feed handlers for direct market data feeds from trading venues.
  • Optimize existing codebase for high throughput (millions of messages per second, up to 40+ gigabits) and low latency (measured in nanoseconds).
  • Implement tools and libraries for petabyte-scale data processing and analysis.
  • Collaborate with the systems team to implement best practices for build, deployment, CI/CD.
  • Implement monitoring and improve application uptime.
  • Ensure smooth feature rollouts and updates.
Preferred background
  • 5+ years of full-time software engineering experience, preferably at a trading firm, tech company, or high-growth startup.
  • Strong proficiency in both C/C++ and Java.
  • Experience with C# is a plus.
  • Experience designing APIs with a strong focus on intuitive, developer-friendly interfaces.
  • Familiarity with open source best practices, including release management, versioning, changelogs, issue triage, and backwards compatibility.
  • Knowledge of systems programming, algorithms, data structures, multithreading, networked I/O, serialization, CPU architecture, kernel, and compilers.
  • Experience working with multiprocess environments.
  • Comfortable with lldb/gdb.
  • Good communication skills and work ethic for a remote workplace.
  • An interest in low-level optimization and performance engineering.
  • An interest in financial data or algorithmic trading.
Notice about phishing scams

Be cautious of phishing scams impersonating Databento that offer fake job interviews and request purchases. Official emails come only from @databento.com or us.greenhouse-mail.io (our ATS). Any other domains (e.g., databento-careers.com, databento.online) are fraudulent.

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Databento, Inc. provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, we comply with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in every location where we operate. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training. Pursuant to applicable laws, we consider qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records. If you need an accommodation, please let us know.

Our recruiting data suggests that underrepresented applicants often downplay their skills. Even if your experience doesn't exactly match the qualifications listed, we still want to hear from you. Please apply!