← Search all jobs

Software Engineer - C++, Trading Strategies

Akuna Capital

Chicago, IL · Posted January 2, 2026

Just laid off? Start here: a plan for the first weeks

See every open role at Akuna Capital

More in Illinois job market · All Software Engineer jobs (2,001) · Financial Services & Banking · Investment jobs

More roles at Akuna Capital

Similar jobs

Where Chicago, IL ranks

Where Chicago, IL placed in our monthly rankings, month by month. Each month stays online at its own address.

Pay compared with the market

This listing does not state pay. Across 793 open software engineer listings that state pay, the middle half runs $147,500 to $247,500 and the median is $193,000.

Listed pay is what employers advertise, not what people are paid.

Software Engineer salaries by state · Check your own pay

How AI is used in this kind of work

Among software developers, AI is already used for some of the tasks. Measured exposure for software developers: 29% (some).

Share of this job’s tasks that AI is already used for at work, from real usage. It is not a forecast of job loss, and a low number means no use seen yet. Source: Anthropic Economic Index.

Check how this applies to your own job

Skills this job asks for

Say which you have and which you want to build. We use it to match you to jobs like this one.

  • Agile
  • React
  • C#

About the job

About Akuna:

Akuna Capital is an innovative trading firm with a strong focus on collaboration, cutting-edge technology, data driven solutions, and automation. We specialize in providing liquidity as an options market maker – meaning we are committed to providing competitive quotes that we are willing to both buy and sell. To do this successfully, we design and implement our own low latency technologies, trading strategies, and mathematical models.

Our Founding Partners first conceptualized Akuna in their hometown of Sydney. They opened the firm’s first office in 2011 in the heart of the derivatives industry and the options capital of the world – Chicago. Today, Akuna is proud to operate from additional offices in Sydney, Shanghai, London and Singapore.

What you’ll do as a Software Engineer on the Trading Strategies Team at Akuna:

Akuna is looking for Software Engineers who are excited to apply their skills to low latency trading. Working directly with Traders and Researchers, you will focus on analysis, design, implementation, testing and delivery of Akuna’s strategies to the market. Your goal is to develop software that incorporates vast amounts of data to drive sophisticated, ultra-fast strategies, capturing market opportunities before our competition. In this role, you will:

Lead in the design, implementation, and deployment of trading strategies using modern C++ technologies

Bring deep technical knowledge in areas such as parallel programming, trading systems, networking, and performance analysis

Be extremely hands-on, producing both detailed technical work and high-level architectural designs

Have leadership opportunities across both project and team management

Build software using Agile methodologies and modern software best practices

Work directly with Traders and Researchers to create and enhance high performance, low latency trading strategies

Qualities that make great candidates:

3+ years of experience developing performant, scalable applications in modern C++20 and beyond

Experience developing trading strategies and/or a demonstrated passion for financial markets

Experience using data to drive decision-making

Significant experience with distributed systems, data structures, and algorithms

Solid understanding of multi-threaded/multi-core programming paradigms

Highly collaborative in nature, with excellent written and verbal communication skills

Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Math or equivalent

The ability to react quickly and accurately to rapidly changing market conditions, including the ability to quickly and accurately respond and/or solve math and coding problems are essential functions of the role

In addition to technical skillsets, Akuna values the unique perspectives people can bring to the table to collaboratively solve complex problems and drive Akuna forward. We want everyone to feel empowered to apply. We welcome your application and encourage you to take the first steps toward your future with us!

Please note that level/title, as well as team placement, will be determined upon the conclusion of the interview process. If you are a current student or recent graduat e , please take a look at our Entry Level and Intern positions .

In accordance with Illinois Equal Pay Act, the minimum base salary starts at $145,000. Exact compensation offered may vary based on many factors including, but not limited to, the candidate’s experience, qualifications, and skill set. This role is also eligible for a discretionary performance bonus as part of the total compensation package and includes a comprehensive benefits package that may encompass employer-paid medical, dental, vision, retirement contributions, paid time off, and other benefits. The minimum base salary herein was determined in good faith by Akuna Capital LLC.