Senior RAD Engineer/Rapid Application Developer (C++ & Linux)

Senior RAD Engineer/Rapid Application Developer (C++ & Linux)

About the Opportunity

Are you a veteran C++ engineer who thrives at the intersection of creative problem-solving, rapid prototyping, and high-performance engineering?

An exceptional opportunity has arisen with a leading European challenger exchange and financial technology innovator. Part of a major international financial infrastructure group, our client builds cutting-edge trading technology and infrastructure that powers the modern economy.

Unlike traditional, rigid low-latency engineering roles, the Rapid Application Development (RAD) team lives where troubleshooting meets innovation. As a Senior RAD Engineer , you will be part of a small, elite, high-impact team combining deep detective work with rapid software delivery. You will investigate the toughest production anomalies, validate new trading technology approaches through rapid prototyping, and build the critical internal frameworks keeping the entire platform running smoothly.

Key Responsibilities

• Rapid Prototyping: Design and implement MVPs and proof-of-concept solutions for new trading algorithms and features, prioritizing speed-to-market and iterative feedback.
• Production Investigation: Lead deep-dive investigations into complex production issues and performance anomalies, building custom diagnostic harnesses to pinpoint root causes.
• Tool & Framework Engineering: Develop internal tools, performance benchmarking frameworks, reproduction environments, and Real Time dashboards to optimize operational infrastructure.
• Cross-Functional Communication: Translate highly technical root-cause findings into clear summaries and diagrams for non-technical stakeholders (Product, QA, Sales).
• Mentorship & Standards: Provide technical guidance and code reviews for mid-level engineers, establishing robust engineering standards for fast-paced development.

What We Are Looking For

• C++ Expertise: 10+ years of professional development experience with C+ or later , building performant, scalable applications in critical production environments.
• Networking & Systems: 6+ years of hands-on experience with networking fundamentals (TCP, UDP, multicast ), messaging systems, and algorithmic problem-solving.
• Linux Deep-Dive: 6+ years working on Linux systems with strong system-level debugging skills using tools like gdb, strace, perf, or flame graphs .
• Pragmatic Mindset: A professional who embraces ambiguity, ships incremental 70% solutions quickly over chasing perfectionism, and thrives under time pressure.
• Modern Workflows: Strong proficiency with Git, SQL, Kanban workflows, and a high level of comfort utilizing AI-powered development tools (LLMs, coding assistants) to boost productivity.

Desirable Skills (Bonus Points)

• Strong Python development skills for automation scripts and diagnostic tools.
• Shell Scripting (Bash) and basic knowledge of Docker/containerization.
• Capital Markets Knowledge: Experience with exchange technology, FIX protocols, market data formats, or trading workflows.
• Familiarity with time-series or version-controlled databases (eg, QuestDB, Dolt).

What's in it for You?

You will join an ambitious, diverse team operating a culture built on trust, collaboration, and positive disruption. Our client operates a flexible 2-day-in-office hybrid model in London, offering an environment where production incidents are treated as learning opportunities and out-of-the-box thinking is genuinely celebrated.

Location: London (Hybrid - minimum 2 days in office)

Employment Type: Full-time, Permanent

Salary: £110/120k + Bonus + Benefits

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