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High Frequency Trading Software Engineer Jobs in California

About the role We're seeking a Senior Systems Software Engineer to take on the toughest challenges ... Work with a team of experts with deep expertise in high-frequency trading and scaling developer ...

Specializing in specific time horizons, from high frequency trading to mid-to-low frequency hedge ... Design, develop, and maintain robust, performant, and scalable software systems. * Optimize ...

Systems Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$180K - $250K/yr

Work with a team of experts with deep expertise in high-frequency trading and scaling developer ecosystems * Shape the architecture of a system designed to process millions of transactions per second

Collaborate with experts in high-frequency trading and scaling developer ecosystems. * Shape products that bring crypto to mainstream users. * Access to cutting-edge hardware and development tools.

Wells Fargo is seeking several Senior Specialty Software Developers (Protocol Engineers) to ... Background in FinTech, payment systems, or high-frequency trading platforms * Understanding of the ...

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High Frequency Trading Software Engineer information

See California salary details

$62.7K

$145.6K

$202.8K

How much do high frequency trading software engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for high frequency trading software engineer in California is $145,592.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $118,400.00 and $170,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some typical daily responsibilities of a High Frequency Trading Software Engineer?

A High Frequency Trading Software Engineer typically spends their day designing, coding, and optimizing low-latency trading algorithms and infrastructure. They work closely with quantitative analysts to implement and fine-tune trading strategies, as well as monitor system performance and troubleshoot issues in real-time. Collaboration with other engineers and traders is common to quickly adapt to market changes and deploy enhancements. This role often requires attention to detail and rapid problem-solving, as even microseconds of improvement can significantly impact trading results.

What is a High Frequency Trading Software Engineer job?

A High Frequency Trading (HFT) Software Engineer designs, develops, and optimizes trading algorithms that execute transactions in financial markets within microseconds or milliseconds. They work with low-latency networks, high-performance computing, and programming languages like C++ or Python to improve trading speed and efficiency. The role requires deep knowledge of computer architecture, multi-threading, and real-time systems. Engineers collaborate with quantitative researchers and traders to implement and enhance strategies. Their main goal is to minimize latency and maximize profitability by continuously refining the trading infrastructure.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the High Frequency Trading Software Engineer position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a High Frequency Trading Software Engineer, you need advanced proficiency in low-latency C++ or Java development, strong quantitative and analytical skills, and a background in computer science, mathematics, or a related discipline. Familiarity with trading platforms, financial markets, network programming, and performance profiling tools is highly valued, and some roles may prefer experience with Linux systems or certifications in finance or programming. Excellent problem-solving abilities, adaptability, and effective teamwork and communication skills set standout candidates apart. These competencies are vital to designing, optimizing, and maintaining the ultra-fast, reliable trading systems essential to competitive high frequency trading environments.

What are the most commonly searched types of High Frequency Trading Software Engineer jobs in California? The most popular types of High Frequency Trading Software Engineer jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to High Frequency Trading Software Engineer jobs in California? For High Frequency Trading Software Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching High Frequency Trading Software Engineer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for High Frequency Trading Software Engineer jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for High Frequency Trading Software Engineer jobs? Cities in California with the most High Frequency Trading Software Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various High Frequency Trading Software Engineer job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $145,592 per year, or $70 per hour.

Senior Software Engineer - High Frequency Systems & Communications

The Marlin Alliance

San Diego, CA • Hybrid

$150K - $200K/yr

Full-time

Posted 14 days ago


Job description

Senior Software Engineer – High Frequency Systems & Communications

The Senior Software Engineer will serve in a role embedded within a DoD client laboratory environment. This position supports software engineering through requirements analysis, software design, and development, with a focus on system-level integration and communication frameworks for high frequency systems and communications.

Incorporated in 2002, The Marlin Alliance is a digital transformation company dedicated to ensuring our clients compete and win in tomorrow's digital world. We specialize in creating technical solutions that allow for seamless execution of automated business processes and the generation of governed, machine-consumable data. From strategic planning to advanced analytics and cybersecurity, our team provides cutting-edge, cross-disciplinary solutions. We are seeking motivated professionals who share our agile, solution-oriented mindset and are ready to deliver the real, practical results relied upon by our clients.

Location: Fort Huachuca, AZ, Hybrid
Clearance: DoD Secret clearance required; ability to obtain Top Secret/SCI clearance preferred
Travel: Up to 10% travel may be required

Responsibilities:

  • Provide software development support for projects from concept to final product delivery
  • Implement software features, working closely with backend and DevSecOps engineers to integrate them into a functioning system
  • Collaborate with internal and external partners to understand requirements and deliver software systems that meet mission needs
  • Participate in code reviews and assist in implementing proof-of-concept solutions
  • Lead software development teams through all phases, from concept and prototyping to final product delivery and sustainment
  • Apply Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA) principles to system-level integration and communication frameworks

Required Qualifications:

  • Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, Computer Information Systems, Information Technology, or a related field
  • 10+ years of software architecture/development, software system integration, and/or systems engineering experience
  • Detailed knowledge of C/C++, Java, and Python, with at least 10 years of programming experience in each
  • Proficiency with both Linux and Windows operating systems
  • Experience with containerization and CI/CD pipeline technologies
  • Familiarity with Android/Qt and/or Kotlin frameworks
  • Experience leading software development teams through all phases, from concept and prototyping to final software product delivery and sustainment
  • Experience with Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA)
  • Detailed knowledge of Agile development methodologies (Scrum/Kanban) and DevSecOps processes and tools (GitLab, Jenkins, Artifactory, SonarQube)
  • Detailed knowledge of design patterns, enterprise architecture patterns, and software engineering best practices
  • Detailed knowledge of Object-Oriented Programming (OOP)
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey technical concepts to diverse audiences
  • Ability to analyze technical challenges and contribute to effective solutions in a team environment
  • Must be a US citizen and possess an active DoD Secret security clearance

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Experience with TRAX software
  • Experience with waveforms
  • Experience with additive manufacturing
  • Ability to obtain Top Secret/SCI clearance

Work Environment and Mental/Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the functions.

  • Typical office environment with no unusual hazards
  • The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate
  • Constant sitting while using the computer terminal
  • Constant use of sight abilities while reviewing documents
  • Constant use of speech/hearing abilities for communication
  • Occasional reaching, stooping, kneeling, or crouching may be required
  • Occasional lifting up to 20 pounds
  • Constant use of mental alertness
  • Frequent work under deadlines

Job Classification: Associate II
Salary Range: $150,000 - $200,000

Disclaimer:

This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee(s) incumbent in this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties requested by any person authorized to give instructions or assignments. All duties and responsibilities are essential functions and requirements and are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities.

To perform this job successfully, the incumbents will possess the skills, aptitudes, and abilities to perform each duty proficiently. Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health or safety of themselves or others. The requirements listed in this document are the minimum levels of knowledge, skills, or abilities.

This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an "at-will" relationship.

An Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities.