ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Low Latency Developer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Optiver

Software Engineer - Low Latency Execution

Chicago, IL · On-site

$144.20K/yr

This role sits at the intersection of engineering, trading, and market microstructure research ... Rather than purely optimizing for latency, this role is centered on research, experimentation, and ...

Open Systems Technologies

C++ Developer

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$300K/yr

Responsibilities * Working alongside hardware and software developers to build ultra-low latency trading systems * Designing and implementing a low latency, high-frequency trading platform ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

People also search for

All JobsLow Latency Developer Jobs

Low Latency Developer information

See salary details

$39

$59

$82

How much do low latency developer jobs pay per hour?

As of May 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for low latency developer in the United States is $59.92, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $50.48 and $67.31 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Low Latency Developer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Low Latency Developer, you need strong programming skills in C++ or Java, deep knowledge of computer science fundamentals, and experience with high-frequency trading or real-time systems. Familiarity with performance profiling tools, network protocols, and low-latency messaging systems is typically required. Exceptional problem-solving abilities, meticulous attention to detail, and effective teamwork set top performers apart in this field. These skills are crucial for building robust, ultra-fast software that gives organizations a competitive advantage in time-sensitive environments.

What are typical challenges faced by Low Latency Developers when optimizing trading systems?

Low Latency Developers often face challenges such as minimizing network and processing delays, efficiently managing memory, and ensuring that code changes do not introduce bottlenecks. The role requires constant profiling and benchmarking to identify performance issues, as even microseconds can impact trading outcomes. Collaborating closely with infrastructure, network, and trading teams is essential to align software improvements with hardware capabilities and market requirements.

What is a Low Latency Developer?

A Low Latency Developer is a software engineer who specializes in designing and implementing systems that process data and execute tasks with minimal delay. These professionals often work in industries like finance, telecommunications, and gaming, where speed and efficiency are critical. Their responsibilities include optimizing code, reducing network and processing delays, and ensuring that applications meet strict timing requirements. They typically use programming languages like C++ or Java and work with real-time operating systems and high-performance networking technologies.

What is the difference between Low Latency Developer vs Network Engineer?

AspectLow Latency DeveloperNetwork Engineer
Primary FocusOptimizing software for minimal latency in trading, gaming, or real-time systemsDesigning, implementing, and maintaining network infrastructure and connectivity
Skills & CertificationsProgramming, C++, Python, knowledge of hardware accelerationNetworking protocols, Cisco certifications, routing, switching
Work EnvironmentSoftware development teams, financial firms, tech companiesData centers, ISPs, enterprise networks

While both roles require technical expertise, Low Latency Developers focus on software optimization to reduce response times, whereas Network Engineers work on building and maintaining the network infrastructure that supports such low-latency environments.

More about Low Latency Developer jobs
What cities are hiring for Low Latency Developer jobs? Cities with the most Low Latency Developer job openings:
What states have the most Low Latency Developer jobs? States with the most job openings for Low Latency Developer jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Low Latency Developer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Low Latency Developer jobs are:
Low Latency Developer jobs near you

Software Engineer - Low Latency Execution

Optiver

Chicago, IL • On-site

$200K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

Overview:
You'll work on the systems and experiments that shape how we compete on exchanges. This role sits at the intersection of engineering, trading, and market microstructure research - focused on understanding what drives execution outcomes and turning those insights into production systems.
You'll collaborate with the team on the mandate is to understandexchange architecture end-to-end - from matching engines and order types to market data feeds and queue dynamics - and use that knowledge to design and evaluate new approaches to order placement and execution.
Rather than purely optimizing for latency, this role is centered on research, experimentation, and iteration under uncertainty. You'll explore ambiguous problems where the right answer isn't known upfront, form hypotheses, and validate them through a combination of data analysis, simulation, and live experimentation. Working closely with researchers, you'll continuously refine how we interact with markets based on real-world feedback.
Technology at Optiver:
At Optiver we pride ourselves on being real engineers, not just coders. Our engineers work closely with traders to identify the business problems we face and determine how they should be solved. We apply a disciplined and scientific approach. We engineer simple, well-architected solutions that meet the dynamic needs of our traders. Our passion is to solve problems which really matter to the business, and we take pride in the quality of our solutions.
What you'll do:
  • Operate in ambiguous, high-uncertainty environments, turning open-ended questions into a deep understanding of exchange microstructure
  • Partner with researchers to design and run experiments that evaluate execution strategies and market behavior
  • Build systems that enable rapid iteration on order placement, cancellation, and execution logic
  • Translate research findings into robust production improvements
  • Own the full loop: idea → experiment → analysis → implementation

What you'll get:
You'll join a culture of collaboration and excellence, surrounded by curious thinkers and creative problem-solvers. Motivated by a passion for continuous improvement, you'll thrive in a supportive, high-performing environment alongside talented colleagues, collectively tackling some of the toughest challenges in the financial markets.
In addition, you'll receive:
  • The opportunity to work alongside best-in-class professionals from over 40 different countries
  • A highly competitive compensation package
  • Global profit-sharing pool and performance-based bonus structure
  • 401(k) match up to 50%
  • Comprehensive health, mental, dental, vision, disability, and life coverage
  • 25 paid vacation days alongside market holidays
  • Extensive office perks, including breakfast, lunch and snacks, regular social events, clubs, sporting leagues and more

Who you are:
  • Experience leading complex, large-scale engineering projects
  • Strong computer science fundamentals and sound engineering judgment
  • Ability to balance innovative thinking with practical execution
  • Proficient in systems-level programming (e.g., C, C++, Linux)
  • A mindset of continuous improvement in a fast-paced environment
  • Willingness to set technical direction, uphold engineering standards, and take ownership of outcomes

Who we are:
Optiver is a tech-driven trading firm and leading global market maker. As one of the oldest market making institutions, we are a trusted partner of 70+ exchanges across the globe. Our mission is to constantly improve the market by injecting liquidity, providing accurate pricing, increasing transparency and acting as a stabilising force no matter the market conditions. With a focus on continuous improvement, we participate in the safeguarding of healthy and efficient markets for everyone who participates.
Optiver Chicago's culture parallels the energetic city we're immersed in. Home to the Chicago Board of Trade, Chicago Board Options Exchange, and Chicago Mercantile Exchange, Chicago has established itself as the trading capital of the US. Active on leading US exchanges, Optiver's Chicago office trades a wide range of products from listed derivatives to cash equities, ETFs, bonds and foreign exchange.
Our differences are our edge. Optiver does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, physical or mental disability, or other legally protected characteristics.
Below is the expected base salary for this position. This is a good-faith estimate of the base pay scale for this position and offers will ultimately be determined based on experience, education, skill set, and performance in the interview process. This position will also be eligible for a discretionary bonus (if determined by Optiver) and Optiver's benefits package with the benefits listed above.
Base Salary Range
$200,000-$200,000 USD

Apply