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Technology that drives trading.
The Role
Build and optimize low-latency C++ systems for market data processing, exchange connectivity, and order execution. Analyze performance across application, memory, CPU, networking, and operating-system layers. Collaborate with traders, FPGA engineers, and infrastructure teams, while owning production systems through design, testing, deployment, and real-time support.
Summary Generated by Built In
Senior C++ Software Engineer - Real Time Trading
Department: Technology
Employment Type: Full Time
Location: Chicago, IL
Description
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.
What You'll Do
What We're Looking For
Why Join Us
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:
Additional Perks:
Professional Development:
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.
Department: Technology
Employment Type: Full Time
Location: Chicago, IL
Description
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.
What You'll Do
- 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.
What We're Looking For
- 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.
Why Join Us
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.
Skills Required
- Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or a related field
- 3+ years of professional C++ development experience
- Expert-level knowledge of modern C++, including C++17 or later, templates, move semantics, and low-level performance idioms
- Strong understanding of memory hierarchies, CPU architecture, lock-free programming, and TCP/UDP network protocols
- Pragmatic, detail-oriented approach and strong communication skills
- Experience with low-latency, real-time, or high-throughput systems
- Prior trading or financial markets experience
Wolverine Trading Compensation & Benefits Highlights
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Healthcare Strength — Core medical, dental, vision, life, and disability coverage is paired with mental‑health resources, with several postings noting 100% employer‑paid premiums for single coverage. Wellness programs, an EAP, HSA options, and onsite wellbeing resources are also described.
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Retirement Support — 401(k) and Roth 401(k) plans are offered alongside a profit‑sharing program, with some roles describing a company match. Profit sharing directed into retirement accounts is often highlighted as a meaningful long‑term benefit.
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Wellbeing & Lifestyle Benefits — Free daily breakfast and lunch, onsite/subsidized gym access with fitness stipends, wellness initiatives, and frequent social events and clubs are emphasized. Onsite amenities like a meditation space and an in‑house culinary team further bolster day‑to‑day experience.
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The Company
What We Do
The Wolverine companies comprise a number of diversified financial institutions specializing in proprietary trading, asset management, order execution services, and technology solutions. We are recognized as a market leader in derivatives valuation, trading, and value-added order execution across global equity, options, and futures markets.
Why Work With Us
At Wolverine, we've created a strong, collaborative environment with exceptional growth opportunities. Whether your interest is trading, technology, or operations, motivated and innovative individuals can find many pathways to success. Our flat organizational structure promotes teamwork across the Firm and offers easy access to senior staff.
Gallery
Wolverine Trading Offices
OnSite Workspace
We believe that some of our best work is done working alongside each other at our Chicago headquarters. Whether we are sharing a meal prepared by our in-house culinary team or whiteboarding problems, the opportunities to collaborate are endless.
Typical time on-site:
None
