Principal Engineer (SQL / C# / Trading Systems)

Front-office | Real-time systems | High-impact engineering

This is not a typical data, DBA, or backend role.

This is for a Principal-level engineer who wants to sit at the heart of a live trading environment, shaping systems that directly influence investment decisions-daily.

Why this role stands out

• Work side-by-side with senior investment leadership
• Own and evolve mission-critical trading systems
• Solve real-time, high-stakes data problems
• Influence architecture, not just implementation
• Modernise long-lived, complex systems without breaking them
• See your work used immediately by a trading desk

Engineering here is central to the business, not a support function.

What you’ll be doing

• Designing and evolving data models that power trading decisions
• Writing and optimising complex SQL queries at scale
• Building and improving internal platforms (portfolio + order management systems)
• Developing tools, dashboards, and visualisations for real-time insights
• Bridging database + application architecture seamlessly
• Partnering directly with stakeholders to shape solutions, not just deliver features

You’ll be trusted to drive conversations, challenge ideas, and influence outcomes.

What we’re looking for:

Core strengths

• Deep expertise in SQL Server (architecture, optimisation, performance tuning)
• Strong experience in C# / .NET (or similar languages)
• Proven ability to think across systems, not silos
• Experience in front-office / trading / financial systems environments

What sets you apart

• You’re the person others go to for data modelling + systems design
• You understand what belongs in the DB vs the application layer
• You enjoy ownership, not instruction
• You can communicate complex ideas simply

This is a rare chance to join a high-performing, engineering-led environment where:

• Systems are built to evolve for years, not quarters
• Technical excellence and thoughtful design are prioritised
• You’ll have immediate, visible impact on live systems

If you’re a Principal / Staff / Lead Engineer - or a high-performing Senior ready to step up - and want to work on complex systems with real-world impact...

Get in touch or apply directly.