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Freelance Algorithmic Trading Programmer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Eagle Seven

Junior Trader

Chicago, IL · On-site

Executing algorithmic trading strategies in accordance with the trading desk's objectives ... Bachelor's degree in business/finance, statistics, mathematics, engineering, or related field * 0-2 ...

Navtech, Inc.

Algo Java Developer

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$56.25 - $72.75/hr

Algo Java Developer Location: New York, NY (Remote until Covid is resolved, then in office ... The Cash Equities Algorithmic Trading Technology team runs the execution stack from client FIX ...

DV Trading

Software Developer (Chicago)

Chicago, IL

$150K - $250K/yr

We are seeking a highly motivated, quick-learning developer for our algorithmic software ... Interest in algorithmic trading * Experience doing highly performant, low-level C++ work Benefits:

DV Trading

Software Developer (New York)

New York, NY

$150K - $250K/yr

We are seeking a highly motivated, quick-learning developer for our algorithmic software ... Interest in algorithmic trading * Experience doing highly performant, low-level C++ work Benefits:

DV Trading

Software Developer (Chicago)

Chicago, IL · On-site

$150K - $250K/yr

We are seeking a highly motivated, quick-learning developer for our algorithmic software ... Interest in algorithmic trading * Experience doing highly performant, low-level C++ work Benefits:

DV Trading

Software Developer (New York)

New York, NY · On-site

$150K - $250K/yr

We are seeking a highly motivated, quick-learning developer for our algorithmic software ... Interest in algorithmic trading * Experience doing highly performant, low-level C++ work Benefits:

ECI Group

Senior DevOps Engineer - Trading & Supply

Houston, TX · On-site

$124K - $159K/yr

... algorithmic trading technology in a compliant and flexible way • Being part of the on-call rota working as part of a global team development engineers Qualifications : Required : • You must be a ...

Eagle Seven

Energy Trader

Chicago, IL · On-site

Operating grey and black box algorithmic trading strategies in accordance with the trading desk ... Work closely with strategy developers in order to communicate and propose certain strategy specific ...

Eagle Seven

Energy Trader

Chicago, IL · On-site

Operating grey and black box algorithmic trading strategies in accordance with the trading desk ... Work closely with strategy developers in order to communicate and propose certain strategy specific ...

Eagle Seven

Energy Trader

Chicago, IL

Operating grey and black box algorithmic trading strategies in accordance with the trading desk ... Work closely with strategy developers in order to communicate and propose certain strategy specific ...

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Freelance Algorithmic Trading Programmer information

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

As of Jul 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for freelance algorithmic trading programmer in the United States is $80,664.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $68,000.00 and $92,500.00 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.
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Freelance Algorithmic Trading Programmer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Freelance Algorithmic Trading Programmer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 83% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 81% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 17% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $80,664 per year, or $38.8 per hour.

Head of Engineering / CTO | Chicago- Algorithmic Trading

Oxford Knight

Chicago, IL • On-site

Full-time

Posted 16 days ago

Job description

A leading HFT / quantitative trading firm is seeking a senior engineering leader to help shape the future of one of its most successful algorithmic trading businesses.
The group has been operating successfully for over 20 years and is considered one of the firm's flagship trading teams. Historically, engineering has evolved in a highly entrepreneurial and fast-moving environment, and the team is now looking for a senior leader to modernise engineering practices, platform maturity, and organisational structure while preserving the performance and agility that made the business successful.
This is a high-impact leadership role focused on engineering excellence, scalability, reliability, and long-term technology strategy across a large, established trading platform.
Importantly, this is not a mandate to reinvent the trading side of the business. The existing leadership team has deep domain expertise and has been with the group since inception. The focus here is bringing external perspective, modern engineering standards, and scalable organisational practices into a highly successful but historically under-structured environment.
Key Responsibilities
  • Define and drive long-term engineering strategy across the trading platform
  • Improve engineering maturity, development workflows, tooling, and operational processes
  • Lead initiatives around observability, monitoring, reliability, and production stability
  • Drive platform scalability and architectural evolution
  • Introduce modern software engineering standards and best practices
  • Lead AI-enabled engineering initiatives and workflow automation
  • Partner closely with trading, research, and infrastructure leadership
  • Mentor and scale a high-performing engineering organisation

Ideal Background
Senior engineering leadership experience within trading, big tech, infrastructure, or high-scale startup environments
  • Strong track record leading large engineering organisations and driving technical strategy
  • Experience modernising complex or legacy systems at scale
  • Deep understanding of distributed systems, reliability, scalability, and operational excellence
  • Strong organisational leadership and engineering process mindset
  • Experience improving developer productivity, tooling, CI/CD, observability, or platform engineering practices
  • Familiarity with modern AI-assisted engineering workflows is highly desirable

The firm is open-minded on industry background and is particularly interested in leaders who can bring mature engineering practices and external perspective into a high-performance trading environment.
Compensation is highly competitive and designed to attract top-tier engineering leadership talent.
Please send your resume to george@oxfordknight.com for more information
Whilst we carefully review all applications, to all jobs, due to the high volume of applications we receive it is not possible to respond to those who have not been successful.
Contact
Please send your resume to george@oxfordknight.com for more information

Apply