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Option Trading Software Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Wolverine

Software Engineer - Trading Systems

Chicago, IL · On-site

$100K - $140K/yr

Software Engineer - Trading Systems Department: Technology Employment Type: Full Time Location: Chicago, IL Description Grow your C++ expertise while building systems that power real-time decision ...

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Option Trading Software Engineer information

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$63.5K

$147.5K

$205.5K

How much do option trading software engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for option trading software engineer in the United States is $147,524.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $120,000.00 and $173,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an option trading software engineer?

Option Trading Software Engineers are specialized software developers who design, build, and maintain systems for trading options in financial markets. They work closely with traders and quantitative analysts to implement trading algorithms, manage large data sets, and ensure platforms are fast, reliable, and compliant with regulations. Their work often involves real-time data processing, low-latency programming, and integrating with financial exchanges. These engineers play a critical role in enabling firms to execute complex trading strategies efficiently. Strong knowledge of programming languages like C++, Python, or Java, as well as an understanding of financial markets, is typically required.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as an option trading software engineer?

To thrive as an Option Trading Software Engineer, you need strong programming skills (typically in C++, Python, or Java), a solid understanding of financial markets, and a relevant degree in computer science, engineering, or a related field. Familiarity with trading platforms, low-latency systems, and experience using tools like FIX protocol, Linux, and version control systems are highly valued, along with quantitative certifications or coursework. Excellent problem-solving, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help you collaborate with traders and adapt quickly to changing market conditions. These skills and qualities are vital for building robust, high-performance trading systems that ensure accuracy and speed in a competitive trading environment.

How does an option trading software engineer typically collaborate with traders and quantitative analysts?

Option Trading Software Engineers work closely with traders and quantitative analysts to understand trading strategies and translate them into reliable, high-performance software solutions. This collaboration often involves daily meetings to discuss new requirements, review algorithm performance, and diagnose real-time issues. Engineers are expected to quickly adapt to evolving trading needs, implement feedback, and ensure systems remain robust under high-load market conditions. Effective communication and a strong grasp of both technology and financial concepts are essential for success in this fast-paced environment.

Can option trading be a career?

Option trading can be a career for professionals such as options traders, quants, or software engineers specializing in trading algorithms. It requires strong analytical skills, knowledge of financial markets, and often proficiency with trading platforms and programming languages like Python or C++. Many traders work in hedge funds, proprietary trading firms, or financial institutions, often requiring certifications such as the Series 7 or Series 63 for certain roles.

What are popular job titles related to Option Trading Software Engineer jobs?

For Option Trading Software Engineer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Option Trading Software Engineer job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 86% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $147,524 per year, or $70.9 per hour.

Senior Trading Software Engineer

New York, NY • On-site, Remote

Belvedere Trading
Finance and Insurance • 51 - 200 employees
Learn more about Belvedere Tradingexternal

$175K - $200K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 6 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Solve low-latency trading problems and optimize performance-critical code.

  • Collaborate with fellow trading engineers to improve system performance and scalability.

  • Build new platform features and refine existing systems to meet the demands of high-speed trading.

Job description

Belvedere Trading is a leading proprietary trading firm with offices in Chicago, New York, Boulder, and Singapore. Our traders work hard to provide liquidity to the market through their market-making activities and are the masters of a diverse set of commodities, interest rates, exchange-traded funds (ETF), and equity index options. From the beginning, we began iteratively investing in our proprietary technology and committing to building our systems from the ground up. Our trading models and software systems are continually re-engineered, optimized, and maintained to stay on top of the industry. We operate best within a team environment where we challenge each other to deliver value consistently and share in the success of the company.   

We’re looking for a Senior Trading Software Engineer to help push the boundaries of our trading platform. You’ll work side-by-side with traders and quantitative researchers to design and evolve the infrastructure behind our automated options trading systems. Our core platform is built in Java, but we’re expanding into modern C++ to drive our strategies into new markets. This role will have a hand in everything from trading logic to system performance to FPGA integrations. We operate every day with rigorous code reviews, automated testing, and scalable best practices. If you love optimizing every microsecond, solving real-time problems, and building scalable, battle-tested systems, this role will keep you challenged and engaged every day.
What you'll do
  • Solve low-latency trading problems and optimize performance-critical code. 
  • Collaborate with fellow trading engineers to improve system performance and scalability.
  • Contribute across the tech stack: application development, network optimization, and platform tuning.
  • Partner with hardware and networking teams to drive low-latency performance gains.
  • Leverage data to drive decision-making and uncover optimization opportunities.
  • Design and implement performance-critical, low-latency solutions for real-time trading.
  • Continuously enhance our performance architecture to support evolving strategies.
  • Build new platform features and refine existing systems to meet the demands of high-speed trading.
What you'll need
  • Proven experience in full-cycle software development in trading or other high-performance domains
  • 5+ years of professional experience in modern C++; Java experience is a plus
  • Strong grasp of network programming (e.g., raw sockets, latency tuning, packet handling)
  • Demonstrated ability to debug, profile, and optimize complex systems
  • A self-directed approach with the ability to identify and solve system issues without handholding
  • Experience in fast-paced environments where reliability and performance are paramount
  • A proactive mindset that anticipates risk, foresees performance bottlenecks, and proposes forward-thinking solutions
  • A Bachelor's or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related technical field
Additionally, certain positions at Belvedere Trading are eligible for discretionary bonuses. Our employees have access to a variety of benefits, which can be found on our website here.
Work Schedule  
Belvedere Trading is supportive of a Hybrid work schedule requiring two days a week in either the Chicago, Boulder, New York, or Singapore offices during normal business hours. 

Women and underrepresented groups frequently apply to jobs only if they meet 100% of the qualifications.
We encourage you to break that mold and apply. No candidate is perfect; all have a lot to offer. We welcome your application.

Core Values
The secret to our award-winning culture is our Core Values: Team Belvedere, Me In Team, Own It, Iterative Innovation, and Passionate Discourse. We live and breathe these values every day.

Our Stance
Belvedere is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to providing a non-discriminatory employment environment for its employees. Discrimination against employees and applicants due to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, age, military, and veteran status is prohibited. Belvedere encourages initiatives to increase diversity and provide equal opportunity to all applicants and employees. Belvedere is committed to providing a positive environment in which team members are treated with respect, dignity, and courtesy. Our firm believes in a dynamic culture of inclusion and diversity, where people thrive on individual and organizational characteristics, values, experiences, and backgrounds.
 
Please note that Belvedere Trading does not accept unsolicited resumes from search firms or employment agencies. Any unsolicited resumes will become the property of Team Belvedere. No phone calls, please.
 
Any questions regarding the virtual recruiting process, please reach out to recruiting@belvederetrading.com.
 
 

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.