Senior C++ Software Engineer – Real Time Trading
Wolverine Trading · Chicago, Illinois ·
- Work mode
- Onsite
- Seniority
- Senior
- Category
- Software engineering
- Experience
- 3+ years
- Salary
- USD 100,000 – 140,000 / year
Senior C++ engineer building and tuning low-latency market data, exchange connectivity, and order execution systems for a Chicago proprietary trading firm, working on-site alongside traders and FPGA engineers. Core tech: modern C++ (C++17+), lock-free programming, TCP/UDP networking, and OS/hardware-level performance tuning.
At Wolverine Trading, we're looking for a Senior C++ Software Engineer to build and optimize the market data and execution systems at the heart of our trading operation. This role is on-site in our Chicago headquarters, where engineers work shoulder-to-shoulder with traders and hardware specialists on systems where every microsecond counts. You'll take on some of the most technically demanding problems in the industry including processing enormous volumes of market data, connecting exchanges around the world, and executing orders at maximum speed and reliability. This is a hands-on role for an engineer who thrives on performance-critical work, wants their code running in production where its impact is immediately measurable, and is ready to help set the technical direction of a growing team.
- Build and enhance low-latency C++ components for market data processing, exchange connectivity, and order execution.
- Develop and optimize connectivity to new markets and exchange platforms, expanding the reach of our trading business.
- Analyze and tune system performance at every level from application code and lock-free data structures to network and OS-level behavior.
- Collaborate with traders, FPGA engineers, and infrastructure teams to deliver end-to-end solutions across software and hardware.
- Own production systems through the full lifecycle: design, implementation, testing, deployment, and real-time support.
- Bachelor's or Master's Degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or a related field.
- 3+ years of professional experience developing C++ code; exposure to low-latency, real-time, or high-throughput systems from any industry is a plus.
- Expert-level knowledge of modern C++ (C++17 or later), including templates, move semantics, and low-level performance idioms.
- Strong grasp of systems fundamentals: memory hierarchies, CPU architecture, lock-free programming, and network protocols (TCP/UDP).
- No prior trading or financial markets experience needed! We are looking for a strong technical foundation and a drive to learn the domain is what matters.
- A pragmatic, detail-oriented approach and communication skills to work effectively with both technical and trading teams.
Our flat organizational structure promotes teamwork across the Firm and offers easy access to senior staff. While we work exceptionally well as a team in the office, our bonds are further strengthened through company events, activities and giving back. Volleyball, soccer, hockey, 5K runs, picnic, parties, and trivia nights provide friendly competition and build better relationships. By getting out of our usual environment and doing out-of-the-ordinary things together, we foster creativity and broaden our imaginations to accomplish new challenges.
Benefits:
- Highly competitive salary & bonus opportunity
- Generous paid time off and flexible scheduling
- 100% coverage of medical, dental, vision, life, and disability benefits for single coverage
- Generous Paid Parental Leave
- Retirement Plans: 401K and Roth 401K
- Profit sharing plan
- Long- and short-term disability
Additional Perks:
- Free breakfast and lunch from our in-house kitchen with rotating menus (including snacks!)
- On-site gym with a subsidized membership
- Frequent company outings
- Opportunity to give back to organizations that help individuals in need in the Chicagoland area
Professional Development:
- In-house education team – classes and resources are offered for continuous learning opportunities
- Mentorship Program through your first six months of employment
The base compensation range for this role is approximately $100,000-$140,000 contingent on experience. Wolverine Trading's total compensation model includes base salary and an annual discretionary bonus.