Software Engineer

Senior Software Engineer | £100,000 - £350,000We're working with an elite proprietary trading powerhouse specialising in ultra-low-latency automated strategies on this exciting opportunity. This is a rare chance to join a high-frequency trading (HFT) firm at an early stage, where you will architect mission-critical systems and leverage C++ or Rust to dominate global markets.As a key hire in their Cambridge hub, you will bridge the gap between complex quantitative research and high-performance production code. This isn't just a coding job; it's a "greenfield" engineering challenge where you will build distributed systems from scratch that process massive data volumes in microseconds.The Role Lead the design and development of ultra-low-latency trading systems using high-performance C++ or Rust code. Architect mission-critical research and execution systems from scratch, taking full ownership of the SDLC from prototype to production. Collaborate directly with Quantitative Traders to translate algorithmic concepts into highly performant, reliable market-ready software. Tackle complex engineering hurdles involving distributed systems, concurrent programming, and low-level Linux kernel optimization. Mentor a small team of junior engineers, providing technical guidance and fostering a culture of engineering excellence.What You'll Need Exceptional expertise in systems-level programming with either C++ (C++17/20) or Rust, with a deep understanding of memory management and performance tuning. Deep knowledge of Linux internals and systems programming, including socket programming and high-performance I/O. Strong networking fundamentals (TCP/IP, UDP, Multicast) and experience building high-throughput distributed systems. Proven experience in concurrent programming, lock-free structures, and multi-threaded application development. A holistic problem-solving mindset with the ability to navigate the "big picture" of a complex trading environment while maintaining obsessive attention to detail.What's On Offer Industry-leading compensation package ranging from £100,000 to £350,000 total compensation with significant upside potential. True greenfield environment where your technical decisions directly impact the firm's PnL and technological roadmap. High-performance culture with a flat hierarchy and the opportunity to transition into senior managerial roles as the team scales. Work alongside some of the brightest minds in quantitative finance and software engineering in a collaborative, research-driven environment.Apply via Haystack today!