Software Engineer, Trading Systems (C++)
Tower Research Capital · New York, United States
- On site
- Full-time
- $200,000 / year
- New York, United States
Job highlights
- Develop high-performance C++ trading infrastructure.
- Design systems for market data processing.
- Collaborate with researchers and traders.
- Optimize low-latency trading systems.
- Build scalable data solutions.
About the role
Software Engineer, Trading Systems C++
Tower Research Capital is a leading quantitative trading firm founded in 1998. We have a 25+ year track record of innovation and a reputation for discovering unique market opportunities. Tower is home to some of the world’s best systematic trading and engineering talent, empowering portfolio managers to build their teams and strategies independently while providing the economies of scale that come from a large, global organization.
Engineers thrive at Tower developing electronic trading infrastructure at a world-class level. Our engineers solve challenging problems in low-latency programming, FPGA technology, hardware acceleration, and machine learning. We continuously invest in top engineering talent and technology to ensure our platform remains unmatched in functionality, scalability, and performance.
Our Business Support teams are essential to building and maintaining the platform that powers everything we do, combining market access, data, compute, and research infrastructure with risk management, compliance, and a full suite of business services. These teams enable our trading and engineering teams to perform at their best.
At Tower, employees find a stimulating, results-oriented environment where highly intelligent and motivated colleagues inspire each other to reach their greatest potential.
Responsibilities
- Architect and evolve the trading platform to support the changing needs of quantitative research, simulation, and production trading, with emphasis on market data and execution systems.
- Partner closely with quantitative researchers, traders, and software engineers to design, implement, and deploy systematic trading strategies.
- Design and develop high-performance trading infrastructure for collecting market data, processing trading signals, and routing orders to exchanges globally.
- Build frameworks and tools enabling researchers to rapidly prototype, backtest, analyze, and deploy new trading strategies.
- Develop scalable systems providing efficient access to live and historical market data for research, simulation, and production use cases.
- Collaborate with researchers to translate quantitative models into robust, maintainable production systems.
- Lead development efforts across the strategy lifecycle, from research tooling and data infrastructure to production deployment and monitoring.
- Optimize trading and research systems through low-latency software design, network programming, performance analysis, and systems-level engineering.
- Create tools and analytics to identify market patterns, evaluate strategy performance, and improve trading decisions.
- Build risk management, monitoring, and performance attribution systems used by researchers and traders.
- Investigate production trading behavior and partner with strategy teams to diagnose performance, execution, and market data issues.
- Contribute to the architecture of shared platforms that improve productivity across research, development, and trading teams.
Qualifications
- Degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Mathematics, Physics, or a related technical field.
- Strong foundation in algorithms, data structures, distributed systems, and software design.
- Excellent programming skills in C++, with experience in Python strongly preferred.
- Interest in financial markets, systematic trading, and quantitative research workflows.
- Experience building high-performance systems, data-intensive applications, or low-latency software.
- Ability to collaborate effectively with quantitative researchers, traders, and engineers to solve complex technical and analytical problems.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities with a focus on both correctness and performance.
- Comfortable managing multiple projects and priorities in a fast-paced environment.
- Strong communication skills and a collaborative mindset.
Nice to Have
- Experience with market data systems, exchange connectivity, or electronic trading platforms.
- Experience building research platforms, backtesting systems, simulation frameworks, or quantitative analytics tools.
- Familiarity with statistical analysis, machine learning, or quantitative modeling techniques.
- Experience working in Linux environments and developing distributed systems.
- Knowledge of Python or Rust.
Salary Range
Anticipated New York annual base salary range $120,000 - $285,000, plus eligible for discretionary bonus.
Benefits
Tower’s headquarters are in the historic Equitable Building, right in the heart of NYC’s Financial District, and our impact is global with over a dozen offices worldwide. We foster a culture where smart, driven people thrive – without the egos. Our open concept workplace, casual dress code, and well-stocked kitchens reflect our value for a friendly, collaborative environment where everyone is respected and great ideas win.
- Generous paid time off policies
- Savings plans and other financial wellness tools
- Hybrid working opportunities
- Free breakfast, lunch, and snacks daily
- In-office wellness experiences and reimbursement for select wellness expenses
- Company-sponsored sports teams and fitness events
- Volunteer opportunities and charitable giving
- Social events, happy hours, treats, and celebrations
- Workshops and continuous learning opportunities
At Tower, you’ll find a collaborative and welcoming culture, a diverse team, and a workplace that values both performance and enjoyment. No unnecessary hierarchy. No ego. Just great people doing great work – together.
Tower Research Capital is an equal opportunity employer.
Key skills/competency
- C++
- Python
- Algorithms
- Data Structures
- Distributed Systems
- Software Design
- Low-Latency Programming
- Trading Systems
- Market Data
- Performance Analysis
Skills & topics
- Software Engineer
- C++
- Trading Systems
- Quantitative Trading
- Low-Latency
- High-Performance Computing
- Market Data
- Algorithms
- Data Structures
- Distributed Systems
- Python
- Financial Markets
- Systematic Trading
- New York
How to get hired
- Tailor your resume: Highlight C++ and low-latency system experience. Quantify achievements in financial trading systems.
- Showcase technical skills: Emphasize your background in algorithms, data structures, and distributed systems. Mention Python experience if applicable.
- Demonstrate market interest: Express genuine interest in financial markets and quantitative research workflows.
- Prepare for interviews: Expect technical questions on C++, algorithms, and system design. Practice explaining complex problem-solving.
- Network effectively: Connect with Tower Research Capital employees on LinkedIn for insights into their culture.
Technical preparation
Behavioral questions
Frequently asked questions
- What are the key technical skills required for the Software Engineer, Trading Systems C++ role at Tower Research Capital?
- The Software Engineer, Trading Systems C++ role at Tower Research Capital requires a strong foundation in algorithms, data structures, distributed systems, and software design. Excellent C++ programming skills are essential, with Python experience being strongly preferred. Experience building high-performance, low-latency, or data-intensive systems is also crucial. Familiarity with financial markets and quantitative research workflows is beneficial.
- What kind of projects will a Software Engineer work on at Tower Research Capital?
- Software Engineers at Tower Research Capital will architect and evolve the trading platform, focusing on market data and execution systems. They will design and develop high-performance infrastructure for data collection, signal processing, and order routing. This includes building frameworks for strategy prototyping, backtesting, and deploying quantitative models into production systems.
- What is the typical work arrangement for this Software Engineer role?
- This Software Engineer role offers hybrid working opportunities. While Tower Research Capital has a strong physical presence in NYC, they provide flexibility for employees to work remotely at times.
- What is the expected salary range for the Software Engineer, Trading Systems C++ position in New York?
- The anticipated annual base salary range for the Software Engineer, Trading Systems C++ position in New York is $120,000 to $285,000. This range does not include potential discretionary bonuses that candidates may be eligible for.
- How does Tower Research Capital support employee growth and development?
- Tower Research Capital fosters continuous learning through workshops and provides opportunities for professional development. The company offers a stimulating environment with intelligent and motivated colleagues who inspire each other to reach their full potential.
- What is Tower Research Capital's culture like for engineers?
- Tower Research Capital fosters a collaborative, results-oriented environment with a focus on high performance and innovation. Engineers work with intelligent and motivated colleagues, without unnecessary hierarchy or ego. The culture values both challenging work and enjoyment, promoting a friendly and respectful atmosphere.