Software Developer (FPGA/Systems)

Eagle Seven • Chicago, IL

5d

About The Position

Eagle Seven is seeking a highly skilled Software Developer to join our Hardware Engineering team. This role sits at the intersection of hardware and software, acting as a critical link between custom FPGA-based systems and our internal trading platform. You will design and build ultra-low-latency solutions, including high-performance APIs, kernel drivers, and diagnostic tooling, to support and enhance automated trading capabilities. The successful candidate will be a self-starter, have strong sense of ownership and be driven to provide technical and intellectual solutions to business problems.

Requirements

• 5-7+ years of relevant experience
• Expert level proficiency in C++ 14/17 for systems programming; strong Python skills for automation and tooling
• Advanced understanding of TCP/IP, UDP, Ethernet protocols, and the OSI model within low-latency systems
• Strong knowledge of PCIe protocols and DMA engine architecture
• Deep understanding of the Linux kernel, including driver development, kernel internals, interrupt handling, and kernel-bypass techniques
• Experience with low-level system design concepts such as cache coherency, NUMA architectures, and memory-mapped I/O
• Familiarity with SystemVerilog or Verilog, including the ability to read and interpret RTL
• Experience with network capture and analysis tools (e.g., Wireshark, Corvil) and hardware debugging tools
• Exposure to FPGA development toolchains such as Xilinx Vivado or Intel Quartus
• Ability to work in a collaborative environment
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Nice To Haves

• Experience in an HFT or proprietary trading environment preferred

Responsibilities

• Designing, developing, and maintaining high-performance APIs in C++ to integrate FPGA hardware with internal trading systems
• Developing and optimizing Linux kernel drivers with a focus on PCIe communication, DMA transfers, interrupt handling, and memory management to achieve ultra low-latency
• Partnering with FPGA engineers to support unit testing, lab bring-up, and validation of SystemVerilog/Verilog designs using software-driven test frameworks
• Building and maintaining diagnostic tools and automation utilities in Python and C++ for FPGA configuration, monitoring, deployment, and troubleshooting
• Conduct in-depth analysis of trading system performance using host logs, packet captures (PCAPs), and custom telemetry data to identify bottlenecks and optimize throughput and latency
• Implementing, tuning, and optimizing TCP/UDP/IP stacks and Ethernet-based communication for high frequency trading (HFT) environments

Benefits

• Medical PPO and HMO coverage through BlueCross BlueShield
• Health Savings Account (with enrollment into a High Deductible Health Plan)
• Dental coverage through Guardian
• Vision coverage through VSP
• 401k Retirement Savings Plan with Employer Match
• Company Paid Life Insurance
• Company Paid Disability Insurance
• Paid Time Off
• Flexible Spending Account
• Pre-tax Transit Benefits
• Complimentary Lunch and Beverages
• Discretionary performance bonus

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: No Education Listed