Are you a seasoned Linux kernel developer ready to apply your expertise at one of the world’s top quantitative trading firms? This is a rare opportunity to work on cutting-edge low-latency infrastructure at a firm with a 25+ year track record of innovation, where your kernel-level work will directly power high-performance trading systems.

ABOUT OUR CLIENT

Our client is a leading quantitative trading firm founded in the late 1990s, built on a high-performance platform and independent trading teams. Home to some of the world’s best systematic trading and engineering talent, they empower portfolio managers to build their teams and strategies independently while benefiting from the economies of scale of a large, global organization. Their ongoing investment in top engineering talent ensures their platform remains unmatched in functionality, scalability, and performance.

WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS ROLE

• Work at one of the world's most respected quantitative trading firms, with a 25+ year legacy of engineering excellence.
• Solve genuinely hard problems in kernel development, low-latency systems, and hardware-level optimization.
• Collaborate with brilliant engineers in a stimulating, results-oriented environment without the ego.
• Enjoy a culture that values curiosity, accountability, and continuous learning.
• Thrive in a hybrid work environment with outstanding perks and a team that invests in your growth.

WHAT YOU’LL DO

• Develop, patch, and maintain Linux kernel components in a high-performance trading environment.
• Debug and optimize kernel subsystems to meet strict latency and throughput requirements.
• Own device driver development and other low-level system engineering initiatives.
• Contribute to kernel upstream processes and manage the release cycle for internal builds.
• Collaborate with trading and infrastructure teams to understand performance requirements and deliver solutions.
• Lead RPM packaging and manage Linux distribution environments (RedHat, Rocky, Alma, Fedora).

WHAT YOU BRING

• Significant, hands-on professional experience in C programming.
• Deep knowledge of the Linux kernel and kernel subsystems, with a proven track record in kernel development.
• Experience with kernel patching, debugging, and performance optimization.
• Strong understanding of Linux kernel upstream processes and the release cycle.
• Expertise in device drivers and low-level system engineering.
• Proficiency with scripting languages such as Shell, Python, or Perl.
• Solid experience with Git and RPM packaging.
• Preferred: experience with RedHat, Rocky, AlmaLinux, or Fedora.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, curiosity, flexibility, and accountability.
• Eligibility to work in the US for any employer (sponsorship is not available).

BONUS POINTS IF YOU HAVE

• Experience or interest in financial services, capital markets, or algorithmic trading.
• Background from a SaaS product development environment at Red Hat, Canonical, Google, Amazon, or similar.
• Interests and skills that extend beyond kernel development, demonstrating technical breadth.

COMPENSATION AND PERKS

• Competitive base salary commensurate with experience.
• Generous paid time off policies.
• Savings plans and financial wellness tools.
• Hybrid working opportunities.
• Free breakfast, lunch, and snacks daily.
• In-office wellness experiences and reimbursement for select wellness expenses (gym, personal training, and more).
• Company-sponsored sports teams and fitness events (JPM Corporate Challenge, Cycle for Survival, Wall Street Rides FAR, and more).
• Volunteer opportunities and charitable giving.
• Social events, happy hours, and celebrations throughout the year.
• Workshops and continuous learning opportunities.

ABOUT CATCH TALENT

Catch Talent is a high-touch recruiting agency that delivers end-to-end talent acquisition solutions to growing technology, digital media, and professional services companies. Headquartered in Charleston, SC, Catch brings decades of technical recruiting expertise to local and national clients and offers a full range of flexible solutions, including direct placement hiring, recruitment process outsourcing, contract, and contract-to-hire models. Catch specializes in the entire talent attraction lifecycle by sourcing and recruiting qualified candidates who are interview-ready, culturally aligned, and ready to make an immediate impact. Learn more at catchtalent.com.

Catch Talent provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.