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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 ...

Eagle Seven

Junior Trader

Chicago, IL

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 ...

DV Trading

Software Developer (Chicago)

Chicago, IL · On-site

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:

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 ...

Apply Early

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:

Apply Early

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 (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:

DRW

Senior UX Designer (Algorithmic Trading)

Chicago, IL · On-site

$150K - $225K/yr

We are seeking a Senior UX Designer to join our algorithmic trading team and lead the creation of ... Work side by side with traders and developers to deliver a cohesive user experience across our ...

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All JobsFreelance Algorithmic Trading Programmer Jobs

Freelance Algorithmic Trading Programmer information

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$40.5K

$80.7K

$112K

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

As of Jul 3, 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.
More about Freelance Algorithmic Trading Programmer jobs
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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 June 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 77% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 21% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $80,664 per year, or $38.8 per hour.
Head of Trading Operations, Algorithmic Trading Group

Head of Trading Operations, Algorithmic Trading Group

DRW

Chicago, IL • On-site

$175K - $225K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 17 days ago

Job description

DRW is a diversified trading firm with over 3 decades of experience bringing sophisticated technology and exceptional people together to operate in markets around the world. We value autonomy and the ability to quickly pivot to capture opportunities, so we operate using our own capital and trading at our own risk.
Headquartered in Chicago with offices throughout the U.S., Canada, Europe, and Asia, we trade a variety of asset classes including Fixed Income, ETFs, Equities, FX, Commodities and Energy across all major global markets. We have also leveraged our expertise and technology to expand into three non-traditional strategies: real estate, venture capital and cryptoassets.
We operate with respect, curiosity and open minds. The people who thrive here share our belief that it's not just what we do that matters-it's how we do it. DRW is a place of high expectations, integrity, innovation and a willingness to challenge consensus.
DRW is seeking a Head of Trading Operations for the Algorithmic Trading Group to lead the trading team, desk operations, automation, and process improvement. You will manage workflows, monitor exchange positions, and coordinate with risk and compliance. You will also partner with researchers and developers to refine operational protocols and lead UX/UI initiatives to improve reliability, reduce errors, and maximize performance of our trading strategies.
Work Environment:
  • Work with experienced traders (average tenure of 10+ years) in a large, collaborative team.
  • Interact closely with research, software, and hardware experts who support all aspects of running a sophisticated trading operation.
  • Gain exposure to multiple complex strategies across markets within a team that has a proven two-decade track record of success.

Key Responsibilities:
  • Manage traders and trading schedules to ensure redundancy, reliability, and business continuity of trading operations (including on-call coverage and disaster recovery).
  • Lead and own all aspects of trading operations with an ongoing emphasis on maximizing trading desk performance, automation and process improvement.
  • Develop and refine operational protocols with researchers, developers, and traders to optimize the operation and communication of the trading desk.
  • Manage and drive the UX/UI team to improve trading UIs and processes that improve efficiency, reduce errors, and enhance trader workflows.
  • Maintain and improve systems and processes related to position management, back office, clearing, and exchange relationships; ensure accuracy, timeliness, and regulatory/compliance alignment.
  • Define and track KPIs for desk operations (uptime, incident response times, error rates, etc.) and drive continuous improvement.
  • Lead data-driven decision making; partner with researchers and developers to develop dashboards, automations, and alerting.
  • Enhance communication and training among traders to standardize processes, ensure reliable operation of trading systems, and foster a culture of ownership and excellence.

Qualifications and Experience:
  • 10+ years experience in financial markets, desk operations, or equivalent leadership roles within a trading environment; experience overseeing trading systems and operations.
  • Experience on a trading desk managing automated trading systems and tools, strategies, orders, positions, and risk, with demonstrated ability to make sound decisions in fast-paced, high-pressure environments.
  • Strong understanding of position management, trade capture, settlement, clearing, and exchange processes; familiarity with multiple asset classes preferred.
  • Demonstrated track record in automation, process optimization, and driving measurable improvements in trading operations.
  • Proven ability to design and implement operational controls, incident-management frameworks, and disaster-recovery plans for trading environments.
  • Experience leading cross-functional teams (traders, researchers, software developers, UX/UI designers, risk/compliance).
  • Technical aptitude: comfort with data tooling, scripting and AI tools is a plus.
  • Education: Bachelor's degree in finance, mathematics, computer science, engineering, or a related quantitative field. MBA is a plus.

What success looks like:
  • Improved desk uptime and reliability with reduced incident response times.
  • Higher efficiency and reduced human error through automation and streamlined workflows.
  • Clear procedures for all core desk operations.
  • Strong, collaborative relationships across researchers, developers, traders, and risk/compliance teams.
  • A scalable, resilient operating model with robust redundancy.

The annual base salary range for this position is $175,000 to $225,000 depending on the candidate's experience, qualifications, and relevant skill set. The position is also eligible for an annual discretionary bonus. In addition, DRW offers a comprehensive suite of employee benefits including group medical, pharmacy, dental and vision insurance, 401k (with discretionary employer match), short and long-term disability, life and AD&D insurance, health savings accounts, and flexible spending accounts.
For more information about DRW's processing activities and our use of job applicants' data, please view our Privacy Notice at https://drw.com/privacy-notice.
California residents, please review the California Privacy Notice for information about certain legal rights at https://drw.com/california-privacy-notice.
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