Senior Software Engineer (Backend Java) at Aquent

We are seeking a skilled Senior Software Engineer to join our client’s team in Chicago. This role focuses on advancing the technology behind a leading electronic trading platform. You will work on systems requiring ultra-low latency performance, robust reliability, and real-time synchronization across geographically distributed systems. This position is part of the QDM team, responsible for quote streaming, order entry, and matching, handling millions of messages daily with minimal latency.

Key Responsibilities:

• Collaborate with a team of technology engineers to drive and execute strategies for technology advancements.
• Work on high-performance, low-latency systems that facilitate the busiest trading days globally.
• Develop and design project aspects, ensuring high availability and reliability.
• Engage in architectural discussions and enforce architecture standards within the development team.
• Contribute to process enhancements and enforce best practices in project work.
• Conduct system-wide testing and some integration testing using Junit and Cucumber.
• Assist in debugging and designing automated test frameworks.
• Provide input for code reviews, environment build deployments, release notes, and build notices.
• Review code to identify and mitigate potential issues and defects proactively.
• Use design tools to share and communicate design ideas on larger systems frequently.
• Utilize design patterns and contribute to best practices and process enhancements.

Required Skills:

• Strong experience in designing and developing high availability, low latency systems.
• Proficiency in Java, including Data Structures, Collections, and Multi-threading.
• Experience with Oracle and Linux.
• Ability to communicate clearly in written and oral forms to team members.
• Proficiency in independently writing application modules, unit tests, and designing.
• Experience in contributing to architectural discussions and enforcing architecture standards.
• Knowledge of best practices in development and process enhancements.
• Experience in system-wide testing and integration testing using tools such as Junit and Cucumber.
• Ability to assist in debugging and designing automated test frameworks.
• Experience in conducting code reviews and deploying build environments.
• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science or a related field.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Demonstrated ability to influence best practices and contribute to process enhancements.
• Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.

The target hiring compensation range for this role is $55 to $60 hourly. Compensation is based on several factors including, but not limited to education, relevant work experience, relevant certifications, and location.

About Aquent Talent:

Aquent Talent connects the best talent in marketing, creative, and design with the world’s biggest brands.

Our eligible talent get access to amazing benefits like subsidized health, vision, and dental plans, paid sick leave, and retirement plans with a match. We also offer free online training through Aquent Gymnasium. More information on our awesome benefits! 

Aquent is an equal-opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, and other legally protected characteristics. We’re about creating an inclusive environment—one where different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives are valued, and everyone can contribute, grow their careers, and thrive.