Senior C++ Software Engineer - Algorithmic Trading in Chicago, Illinois at Edgehog Trading

About us

Edgehog Trading is a proprietary trading firm specializing in electronic options market making. We take a technology-driven approach, designing and operating automated, scalable systems to provide liquidity across markets.

Our team spans trading, engineering, and business operations, working together to build and support the systems that power the firm. We emphasize data-driven decision making, rigorous problem solving, and continuous improvement to navigate complex and evolving markets.

We operate in a highly collaborative environment where ideas can move quickly from concept to implementation, and where individuals are empowered to take ownership and contribute directly to the firm’s growth.

• Design, implement, and optimize low-latency C++ applications for trading strategy execution.
• Collaborate closely with traders and other engineers to translate ideas into robust, production-ready systems.
• Conduct diagnostic assessments and perform foundational data analysis to identify key issues, enabling data-driven prioritization of tasks and resources.
• Modify inter-application behaviors and component interactions in a safe, testable, and controlled manner.
• Rewrite complicated Java applications into C++
• Optimize production code and other system components to achieve low-latency and high-throughput capabilities.

• 5+ years of experience at an options market making firm
• Strong proficiency in modern C++
• Deep understanding of computer science fundamentals (data structures, algorithms, concurrency)
• Strong debugging, profiling, and performance-tuning skills
• Comfortable working in a Linux environment and familiar with system-level programming
• Possess strong intuition for selecting sensible default behaviors and parameter values
• Ability to translate business goals and ideas into scalable production code

Why Edgehog:

• Small team advantage: Direct access to founders and senior team members from day one
• Ownership early: Manage real P&L and make meaningful impact within your first year
• Cutting-edge tech: Work with our proprietary models and low-latency trading systems built in-house
• Tight feedback loops: Weekly 1-on-1s with your mentor, quarterly reviews with leadership
• Chicago-based: Affordable cost of living, vibrant trading community

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance with premiums 100% covered by the firm
• 401(k) with a 4% company match
• Unlimited paid time off and sick leave
• Free lunch, coffee, drinks, and snacks
• Commuter benefits
• Monthly happy hours and annual team events

The base salary range for this position is listed below. Base salary represents just one part of overall compensation; all full-time, permanent roles are eligible for a discretionary bonus and benefits, including items in the above list.

The base salary for this role is 150,000 - 175,000 USD per year