Junior C++ Engineer

This role sits within a high-performing engineering group responsible for building and supporting the core systems that underpin real-time trading activity. The successful candidate will work across the full software development lifecycle, contributing to the design, build, deployment, and optimisation of highly scalable, performance-critical applications.

Key Responsibilities

  • Build, test, and enhance high-performance trading systems using C++ and Python
  • Translate quantitative models and trading logic into robust production-ready software
  • Develop internal tools and interfaces used directly by front-office trading teams
  • Improve market data ingestion, exchange connectivity, and real-time data flows
  • Contribute to distributed systems, low-latency communication, and performance tuning initiatives
  • Take part in design discussions, code reviews, profiling, and CI/CD improvements
  • Gain hands-on exposure to algorithmic trading infrastructure, market structure, and risk platforms

Candidate Profile

  • Early-career experience demonstrated through internships, placements, or academic projects (0–2 years)
  • Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mathematics, Physics, Engineering, or a related discipline (graduating between December 2025 and June 2026)
  • Strong programming capability in C++ and Python
  • Solid foundations in data structures, algorithms, and operating systems
  • Comfortable working in Linux/Unix environments
  • A strong focus on writing clean, efficient, and maintainable code
  • Excellent analytical thinking and problem-solving ability
  • Clear communicator with the ability to collaborate effectively in team environments
  • Genuine interest in financial markets (prior finance experience not required)

Desirable Experience

  • Exposure to distributed systems, concurrency, or network programming
  • Experience working with low-latency or real-time systems
  • Familiarity with trading platforms, data pipelines, or simulation tools
  • Open-source contributions or personal technical projects that demonstrate initiative

Contact Ciara Clarke at Harrington Starr for a confidential discussion.

Job Details

Company
Harrington Starr
Location
Slough, Berkshire, UK
Employment Type
Full-time
Posted