Principal Software Engineer / Architect

RESPONSIBILITIES:
Kforce has a client in Jersey City, NJ that is seeking a Principal Software Engineer/Architect to play a key role in the design and development of a next-generation global electronic trading platform. This is a highly visible hands-on role for someone who thrives in low-latency environments and is passionate about building scalable, high-performance systems that support algorithmic trading, smart order routing (SOR), and real-time market data processing.

Summary:
The Principal Software Engineer/Architect will play a critical role in defining the architecture and technical direction of a modern algorithmic trading platform, translating complex business requirements into robust, production-grade services, and partnering closely with trading, product, and infrastructure teams to deliver resilient, low-latency solutions.

Key Responsibilities:
* Architect, design and develop a high-throughput, enterprise-grade algorithmic trading platform.
* Define the architecture and core components of an Algo Platform, including strategy orchestration, order lifecycle management, market connectivity, and execution analytics
* Design and implement execution algorithms (e.g., TWAP, VWAP, and other participation or liquidity-seeking strategies) with a focus on performance, determinism, and extensibility
* Development of distributed, event-driven systems using Java and high-performance messaging technologies
* Design and optimize Smart Order Routing (SOR) logic across multiple trading venues
* Leverage cloud technologies (AWS) to build scalable, secure, and fault-tolerant platform components where appropriate
* Establish and promote engineering best practices for performance optimization, reliability, observability, and code quality
* Provide technical mentorship across engineering teams

REQUIREMENTS:
* 10+ years of software engineering experience with a strong focus on low-latency or high-performance systems
* Proven expertise building electronic trading or algorithmic execution platforms
* Deep proficiency in Java and concurrent programming, with strong API and distributed systems design experience
* Knowledge of execution algorithms, including TWAP, VWAP, or similar strategies
* Knowledge of Smart Order Routing (SOR), market structure, and order execution workflows
* Experience with microservices architecture and cloud-based deployments (AWS preferred)

The pay range is the lowest to highest compensation we reasonably in good faith believe we would pay at posting for this role. We may ultimately pay more or less than this range. Employee pay is based on factors like relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, seniority, location, performance, union contract and business needs. This range may be modified in the future.

We offer comprehensive benefits including medical/dental/vision insurance, HSA, FSA, 401(k), and life, disability & ADD insurance to eligible employees. Salaried personnel receive paid time off. Hourly employees are not eligible for paid time off unless required by law. Hourly employees on a Service Contract Act project are eligible for paid sick leave.

Note: Pay is not considered compensation until it is earned, vested and determinable. The amount and availability of any compensation remains in Kforce's sole discretion unless and until paid and may be modified in its discretion consistent with the law.

This job is not eligible for bonuses, incentives or commissions.

Kforce is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran status, or disability status.

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