Senior C++ FIX Protocol & Exchange Connectivity Engineer

Project overview

We are partnering with a leading global trading organisation seeking a Senior C++ FIX Protocol & Exchange Connectivity Engineer to join a high-performing technology team responsible for developing and supporting mission-critical electronic trading platforms.

This is an exciting opportunity to work at the core of a sophisticated trading environment, building low-latency exchange connectivity solutions that process Real Time market data and execute orders across global financial markets. Working closely with traders, quants, and trading operations teams, you'll play a key role in delivering highly scalable and resilient trading infrastructure.

The Opportunity

As a Senior C++ FIX Protocol & Exchange Connectivity Engineer, you will design, develop, and optimise software that connects directly to exchanges using industry-standard trading protocols. You'll be responsible for ensuring reliable, high-performance exchange connectivity whilst contributing to the development and enhancement of automated trading systems.

Key ResponsibilitiesFIX Protocol & Exchange Connectivity

Trading Systems & Algorithm Development

Essential Skills & Experience

Highly Desirable

Personal Attributes

Why Apply?

Interested? Apply now or contact me directly for a confidential discussion.

• Waterloo, London (Hybrid)
• £600
• £748 per day (Inside IR35)
• Initial 6-Month Contract | Extensions Available up to 3 Years
• Design, develop, and maintain exchange connectivity solutions using modern C++
• Build software that communicates directly with exchanges using FIX Protocol, WebSocket, and HTTP APIs
• Develop and support market data handlers, order gateways, and order routing systems
• Optimise exchange communications through techniques such as network tuning, TLS optimisation, and low-latency connectivity improvements
• Research exchange-specific behaviour and protocol requirements to ensure optimal performance and compliance
• Integrate and enhance exchange SDKs using technologies including C++, Rust, Python, and TypeScript
• Develop, maintain, and extend automated testing frameworks to ensure software quality, stability, and performance
• Implement trading algorithms and enhancements based on requirements from traders and quantitative teams
• Translate trading and business requirements into robust, high-performance software solutions
• Continuously improve the stability, reliability, scalability, and performance of the trading engine
• Work closely with Trading Operations teams to improve monitoring, observability, and operational tooling
• Investigate and resolve production issues, including latency bottlenecks, performance degradation, and system failures
• Support software releases, deployments, and production rollouts of new trading platform functionality
• 5+ years of commercial C++ development experience within Financial Services, Electronic Trading, Commodities, Capital Markets, or Investment Banking
• Strong experience developing FIX Protocol connectivity solutions
• Proven track record building and supporting low-latency, high-performance distributed systems
• Strong understanding of multithreaded, concurrent, and asynchronous programming
• Experience with exchange connectivity, market data feeds, order management systems (OMS), or electronic trading platforms
• Solid understanding of networking concepts and protocols, including FIX, TCP/IP, WebSocket, and API-based integrations
• Excellent knowledge of algorithms, data structures, and performance optimisation techniques
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to troubleshoot complex production issues
• Experience with Scripting and automation using Python, PowerShell, C#, SQL, or similar technologies
• Experience with software deployment, release management, and operational best practices
• Experience working directly with traders, quantitative analysts, and trading support teams
• Understanding of the full trading life cycle, including order capture, execution, allocation, settlement, and regulatory requirements
• Experience within electronic trading, commodities trading, market making, hedge funds, exchanges, or investment banking environments
• Knowledge of low-latency networking and performance tuning techniques
• Exposure to Linux-based trading environments
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to engage effectively with traders, developers, and senior stakeholders
• Comfortable operating in fast-paced, high-pressure trading environments
• Proactive, self-motivated, and delivery-focused
• Strong ownership mentality with a passion for building reliable, high-performance systems
• Able to manage competing priorities and thrive under demanding deadlines
• Naturally curious with a desire to solve complex technical and business challenges
• Work on business-critical electronic trading and exchange connectivity platforms
• Collaborate directly with traders, quants, and senior engineering teams
• Exposure to cutting-edge low-latency trading technologies
• Long-term contract with potential extensions up to 3 years
• Competitive day rate of £600
• Hybrid working from a central London location

Project details

• Start: flexible
• Location: London, UK, GB
• Rate: 75-94 EUR/h