Experienced Software Engineer – AI Tools: High-Paying Opportunity at Hudson River Trading

Are you an experienced software engineer passionate about AI tools? Hudson River Trading (HRT), a leading quantitative trading firm, is hiring for a role in New York City with a competitive salary range of $150,000 to $250,000 per year. This position focuses on leveraging cutting-edge AI technologies in instrument engineering and the broader AI tooling ecosystem. In this comprehensive guide, learn about the job details, skills required, application process, and career implications for aspiring AI software engineers in quant finance.

Introduction

The demand for experienced software engineers specializing in AI tools has surged in the financial sector, particularly at firms like Hudson River Trading (HRT). Posted on September 20, 2025, this job opening highlights HRT’s commitment to innovation in quantitative trading. Located in New York City, NY, the role offers a salary between $150,000 and $250,000 annually, reflecting the high value placed on expertise in AI-driven software development.

Quantitative trading firms like HRT rely on advanced AI tools to process vast datasets, optimize trading strategies, and engineer financial instruments. This introduction breaks down why this Experienced Software Engineer – AI Tools position stands out in the competitive NYC tech job market.

What Makes HRT Unique?

Hudson River Trading is renowned for its technology-centric approach to high-frequency trading. Engineers at HRT work on low-latency systems, machine learning models, and AI tooling ecosystems that power real-time market decisions. The job emphasizes using the newest applied sciences and methods, fostering a collaborative culture that blends technical excellence with team-building activities.

Analysis

Analyzing the Experienced Software Engineer – AI Tools role at HRT reveals a focus on integrating AI into core trading infrastructure. The job description underscores participation in divisions that employ state-of-the-art technologies for instrument engineering—referring to the design and optimization of trading instruments like derivatives and equities—and the wider AI tooling ecosystem.

Core Responsibilities

Engineers will develop and maintain AI tools that enhance trading algorithms. This includes writing high-performance code, experimenting with machine learning frameworks, and contributing to infrastructure that supports ultra-low latency operations. HRT’s environment encourages activities like board games alongside coding, promoting work-life balance and creativity.

Technical Skills Breakdown

Key requirements include proficiency in programming languages such as C++, Python, and Rust, common in quant finance for their speed and reliability. Familiarity with AI tools like TensorFlow, PyTorch, or custom ML pipelines is essential. Experience in distributed systems, data pipelines, and real-time processing aligns with HRT’s tech stack.

The salary range of $150,000-$250,000 positions this role among top-paying AI software engineer jobs in NYC, comparable to levels at firms like Jane Street or Citadel, adjusted for experience levels typically 5-10+ years.

Summary

In summary, the Experienced Software Engineer – AI Tools position at Hudson River Trading offers a salary of $150,000-$250,000 in New York City, emphasizing AI tooling in instrument engineering. Posted on September 20, 2025, it invites seasoned engineers to join a collaborative culture using cutting-edge technologies. This role suits professionals skilled in AI ecosystems, high-performance computing, and quant trading infrastructure.

Key Points

Practical Advice

To land this Experienced Software Engineer – AI Tools role at HRT, follow these actionable steps tailored for AI software engineers in quant trading.

Build a Strong Resume

Highlight 5+ years of experience in software engineering with AI tools. Quantify achievements, e.g., “Optimized ML models reducing latency by 30% in production trading systems.” Include projects involving AI tooling ecosystems like Kubernetes for ML deployment or Apache Kafka for data streaming.

Prepare for Interviews

HRT interviews test coding (LeetCode-style problems in C++/Python), system design (low-latency AI pipelines), and AI concepts (reinforcement learning for trading). Practice probability, algorithms, and finance basics. Resources: “Cracking the Coding Interview” and HRT’s public engineering blog.

Network and Apply

Apply via HRT’s careers page. Network on LinkedIn with HRT engineers; attend quant finance meetups in NYC. Tailor your cover letter to mention passion for AI in instrument engineering.

Skill Development Tips

Upskill in Rust for systems programming or JAX for high-performance ML. Contribute to open-source AI tools relevant to finance, boosting your profile for high-paying roles like this.

Points of Caution

While attractive, the Experienced Software Engineer – AI Tools role at HRT demands caution in several areas.

High Competition and Intensity

HRT receives thousands of applications; only top performers advance. Expect grueling interview processes with multiple rounds, including pair programming and take-home assignments focused on AI tooling.

Work-Life Balance

Quant trading involves on-call duties for 24/7 markets. Despite cultural perks like team board games, the pace is fast—ensure this aligns with your tolerance for high-pressure environments.

Salary Expectations

The $150,000-$250,000 range is base; total compensation may include bonuses up to 100%+. However, NYC’s high cost of living (average rent $4,000/month) erodes gains—budget accordingly.

Comparison

How does the HRT Experienced Software Engineer – AI Tools role stack up against similar positions?

Vs. Other Quant Firms

HRT offers competitive pay with a niche in low-latency AI tools, outperforming big tech in finance-specific expertise but trailing top quant bonuses.

Entry-Level vs. Experienced

Junior roles at HRT start at $100k-$150k, lacking the AI depth; this senior position requires proven track records in production AI systems.

Legal Implications

Employment in the U.S. financial sector, including HRT, falls under standard labor laws with specific regulations for quant trading.

Key Regulations

Roles involve SEC oversight for trading systems; engineers must adhere to data privacy (e.g., GDPR for global trades) and non-disclosure agreements protecting proprietary AI tools. At-will employment in NY allows termination without cause, but anti-discrimination laws (EEOC) apply. Salary transparency is mandated under NY Pay Transparency Law, as seen in this posting.

No H-1B visa sponsorship details are provided—verify during application. Background checks are standard for finance roles handling sensitive market data.

Conclusion

The Experienced Software Engineer – AI Tools position at Hudson River Trading represents a pinnacle opportunity for AI software engineers in quant finance. With a $150,000-$250,000 salary in NYC, focus on AI tooling and instrument engineering, and a vibrant culture, it appeals to those ready for high-stakes innovation. By preparing strategically, you can position yourself for success in this evolving field where AI drives trading edges. Apply now to join HRT’s elite team.

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