C++ – High Frequency Proprietary Trading recruitment

Interesting opportunity to join a global multi-asset class proprietary trading firm.

This firm were one of the first companies to pioneer the use of computers to automate trading and specialise in using sophisticated high frequency quantitative trading strategies.

This is for C++ developers without prior financial markets experience who want to move into the world of high frequency trading, specifically to code trading systems in C++.

Proprietary trading or “prop trading” occurs when a company trades financial instruments with their own money as opposed to its customers/investors.

One of the main strategies used is statisical arbitrage, i.e. taking advantage of price discrepancies between markets.

The role as a programmer in this type of firm is very important. A lot of the models created make a theoretical assumption that a profit will occur if the trade is executed at a particularspeed. The programmer's job  is to come up with computational strategies in C++ to make theexecution of the models practically possible.  A lot of the work is focused on speed.  You are not responsible for developing actual trading strategies – this is left to the quants that look for these price differentials using complex mathematical methods. In reality, it’s far more complex than a price difference between A and B however to you – the coder – it is just A and B.

From the perspective of a technologist – executing a trade simply involves taking information from one location to another. If you are a person who understands how a computer works at alow level, and enjoy high performance  computing– you can make a profit for your firm. You understand the limitations that computing can offer and want to come up with new ideas to challenge existing methods.

Our client is looking for somebody with the following experience:

• A minimum of 4 years programming experience in C++

• Has worked at a relevant company in a relevant business area, some examples of this include:

• Stock exchanges

• Spread betting companies

• Software houses that do a lot of work regards to high volume transactional data.

• Gaming companies.

• An excellent academic background. The successful candidate will likely have a First in Computer Science from a University renowned for producing outstanding technologists.

• A passion for high performance computing.

• Excellent problem solving skills.

You will be seen as the go-to for programming issues at your current firm. You would of finished top of your class in your early years and high in the class at University.

In return our client can provide you the following:

-              A highly challenging technical role.

-              A relaxed environment full of outstanding technologists who come from a variety of backgrounds.

-              Outstanding compensation. 

-              Huge job satisfaction.

If you are up for the challenge and would like to discuss this opportunity or similar – please call Sean Sinclair at NJF Search International on +44 (0)20 7257 6204 or mail sean.sinclair@njfsearch.com with an attached version of your CV.

NJF Search is a leading executive search firm focusing on the Financial Services industry. Our growing reputation among many of the world’s leading financial institutions has resulted in a prolific demand for our services and continued expansion.

NJF recently won Best Search Firm 2012 by Here is the City.