Senior Software Developer – Low-Latency Exchange Trading

Location: London (Hybrid)

About the Role:

We are working on behalf of a leading player in the digital asset and trading infrastructure space, currently hiring a Senior Java Software Developer to join their high-performance trading systems team. This position focuses on exchange connectivity and ultra-low latency trading infrastructure, supporting both spot and derivative markets across global platforms.

The role offers a unique opportunity to help re-architect a core trading stack in a high-frequency trading (HFT) environment. You’ll work closely with engineering, trading, and quant teams to deliver robust, scalable systems capable of meeting the demands of 24/7 global markets.

Responsibilities:

Design, build, and optimise ultra-low latency connectivity with multiple global trading venues. Architect resilient, high-throughput components for real-time market data processing and order execution. Leverage cutting-edge messaging systems (e.g., Aeron, SBE) to maximise performance. Identify and resolve microsecond-level bottlenecks through JVM and system profiling. Improve infrastructure reliability with advanced monitoring and automation. Contribute to the evolution of a cloud- and colo-based hybrid infrastructure stack. Ensure compliance with rigorous uptime, latency, and security standards. Drive automation to streamline trading workflows and reduce operational risk.

Key Skills & Experience:

10+ years of commercial Java development experience in performance-critical environments. Strong understanding of exchange-facing protocols (e.g., FIX, binary, custom APIs). Advanced skills in JVM tuning, garbage collection optimisation, and memory management. Expertise in high-performance messaging and serialization frameworks. Deep networking knowledge: TCP/UDP, kernel bypass (e.g., DPDK, Solarflare), and IPC. Proven experience with concurrent programming and multi-threaded architectures. Familiarity with systems-level performance tuning on Linux, including NUMA and huge pages. Hands-on experience in HFT or low-latency trading environments. Ability to thrive under pressure in a fast-moving, high-stakes setting.

Nice to Have:

Experience with infrastructure-as-code and cloud- tools (e.g., Kubernetes, AWS, Terraform). Background in low-level programming (e.g., C/C++, Rust) or functional (e.g., Q/KDB+, Haskell). Understanding of hardware acceleration techniques including FPGA and RDMA.

Why Apply:

Join an ambitious, technically elite team in a growing industry. Contribute to the development of innovative trading technologies at the forefront of digital markets. Competitive compensation, including performance-related bonuses. Comprehensive benefits package including private healthcare and pension contributions. A fun and inclusive office culture with regular team events, socials, and in-house perks.