Okay, I've searched for R&D Software Engineer roles specializing in C++ in Chicago, IL, full-time positions focusing on low-latency systems and performance optimization within the financial services industry. I have found 27 positions for you.

Sure. Here's the analysis:

Job Analysis:

This role as an R&D Software Engineer (C++) at a leading high frequency trading (HFT) firm focuses on the design and development of ultra-low-latency software systems that directly impact trading performance—a critical edge in the competitive financial markets. The core responsibility is to write highly optimized, modern C++ code (leveraging the latest standards like C++17/20) that performs reliably under the most demanding real-time conditions. Collaboration is fundamental: the engineer must work closely with hardware teams (who develop FPGAs, NICs, and ASICs) and trading teams to tune and architect software that can squeeze out nanoseconds in transaction speed, which can translate into millions of dollars. The role demands deep technical expertise not only in software development but also in systems-level understanding, performance profiling, and hardware-software co-design. Candidates should anticipate frequent problem-solving scenarios related to latency bottlenecks, concurrency, and hardware interface optimization. Success in this role means reliably delivering software that meets stringent performance SLAs, innovating next-gen trading architectures, and enabling the trading desks to capitalize on market opportunities with minimal delay. Given the need for hands-on autonomy and cross-team coordination, the candidate will also need strong communication and judgment skills to navigate ambiguity, prioritize optimizations, and influence design trade-offs in a fast-paced and high-stakes environment.

Company Analysis:

Engtal operates primarily as a specialized recruitment firm focusing on placing top engineering, construction, trading, and finance talent within industry-leading organizations. Though the immediate role is at a high frequency trading firm, understanding Engtal's position helps candidates recognize the broader ecosystem they’re entering—one where talent matchmaking is strategic and quality-oriented. Engtal’s award-winning culture highlights a commitment to innovation, diversity, and long-term relationship-building rather than transactional hiring, which might translate to a recruitment process focused on fit and career growth. The company clearly values empowerment and inclusion, exemplified through initiatives like HerSuccess and Diversify The Future, indicating a supportive and mission-driven ethos. This environment is likely fast-paced, with a startup energy given the repeated accolades as a top startup and fastest growing firm in Chicago. For a candidate, this means not only technical excellence but also alignment with values of continuous improvement, diversity, and collaboration. The role itself, embedded within a high frequency trading firm’s core technology team, likely offers significant visibility and influence, with opportunities to interface with leadership and impact trading outcomes directly. This role is strategically critical, aimed at innovation and maintaining competitive advantage in a highly specialized and technology-driven market.

Absolutely. Here are some mock interview questions that could come up:

• Behavioral: Tell me about a time when you had to optimize software performance under tight constraints. What was your approach and outcome?
• Behavioral: Describe an experience where you worked closely with hardware engineers to solve a complex problem. How did you ensure effective collaboration?
• Behavioral: Can you share a situation where you faced ambiguity or incomplete information in a project? How did you manage to deliver results?
• Behavioral: How do you prioritize tasks when multiple critical issues impact system latency and reliability?
• Technical: Explain your experience with modern C++ (C++17/20). What are your favorite features, and how have you applied them in low-latency systems?
• Technical: How would you approach profiling and reducing latency in a trading system interacting with custom FPGA hardware?
• Technical: Describe your knowledge of networking concepts and real-time systems as they pertain to high frequency trading.
• Technical: What methodologies or tools do you use to ensure your codebases maintain high performance and reliability in production environments?
• Situational: Imagine you identify a critical bottleneck in software performance that delays trade execution by microseconds. How would you diagnose and address this?
• Situational: Suppose the hardware team updates a NIC on a tight timeline, but compatibility issues arise with your software. How do you manage the situation?
• Situational: If you uncover a recurring intermittent latency spike, but the cause is not clear cut, what steps do you take to isolate and solve the problem?
• Company Fit: What attracts you to working within the high frequency trading space, and how do you see this role aligning with your career goals?
• Company Fit: Engtal emphasizes diversity and empowerment initiatives such as HerSuccess and Diversify The Future. How do these values resonate with your working style or career aspirations?
• Company Fit: How would you approach building long-term relationships within the core technology team and cross-functional partners given the high-pressure environment?
• Questions for Interviewer: Can you describe the typical collaboration flow between the R&D software engineers and the hardware teams?
• Questions for Interviewer: What are the key performance metrics or milestones a new engineer in this role should aim to achieve in the first 6 months?
• Questions for Interviewer: How does the company support ongoing learning and innovation related to emerging hardware-software technologies in trading?