Java Software Engineer
Paragon Alpha - Hedge Fund Talent BusinessAbout the role
Java Engineer | Hedge Fund | up to $250k
You know your way around Java. You enjoy getting into the weeds of how systems work. You've probably spent more time thinking about concurrency than is socially acceptable.
But somehow, you're still on the outside looking in when it comes to hedge funds. This could be your way in.
I'm working with a leading investment firm in Chicago looking for an exceptional Java engineer to join its technology team.
They're open to outstanding junior developers from outside finance, so if you've got the engineering ability but not the hedge fund experience, don't count yourself out.
You'll be joining a highly technical environment where performance matters, engineering standards are high and your work has a direct impact on the business. It's an opportunity to take the skills you've developed so far and apply them in a completely new setting.
What you'll bring
A seriously strong Java background and excellent coding fundamentals
A solid understanding of multithreading, concurrency and distributed systems
A genuine interest in performance, scalability and how complex systems work
The ability to tackle technical problems independently and collaborate with experienced engineers
Familiarity with AI-assisted development tools
Previous finance experience? Not essential for the right junior engineer.
Why consider it?
A genuine opportunity to break into the hedge fund industry
The chance to apply your Java skills in a high-performance environment
Exposure to how technology supports real investment decisions
The opportunity to learn from experienced engineers and develop your career in a new direction
If you're the person your mates come to when their code breaks, or you've been quietly building a ridiculous level of Java knowledge and wondering where to take it next, this is worth exploring.
You don't need to know the difference between a market maker and a market taker just yet. That's the bit you can learn.
If you're a seriously strong Java developer in Chicago looking to break into finance, let's chat!
Drop me a message or email joshwa@pargaonalpha.com for more details or a confidential conversation.
Responsibilities
- Join a highly technical environment where performance matters
- Apply Java skills in a high-performance environment
- Collaborate with experienced engineers
- Tackle technical problems independently
Qualifications
- Strong Java background and excellent coding fundamentals
- Understanding of multithreading, concurrency, and distributed systems
- Interest in performance and scalability
- Familiarity with AI-assisted development tools
Benefits
- Opportunity to break into the hedge fund industry
- Exposure to technology supporting investment decisions
- Opportunity to learn from experienced engineers
Skills mentioned
About Paragon Alpha - Hedge Fund Talent Business
Paragon Alpha is an award-winning global hedge fund search firm partnering with many of the world’s leading investment platforms to deliver senior talent across systematic and discretionary strategies, spanning Equities Long/Short, Macro, Commodities, Volatility, Quantitative, and Technology. Recognized as the Best UK & Global Hedge Fund Recruiter 2025/26, we advise hedge fund founders, CIOs, and Portfolio Managers on some of the industry’s most critical investment and leadership hires. With more than 30 years of market experience, our team has played a key role in the build-out and scaling of several leading hedge funds globally through the placement of senior trading, research, quantitative, and front-office technology professionals. 2025 Delivery Highlights • 34+ senior trader placements • 56+ front-office technology hires • ~$28bn in capital allocated to teams we supported • $465m+ in negotiated sign-on and guaranteed compensation Active across the UK, USA, EMEA, UAE, and APAC markets. We operate with discretion, precision, and an institutional-grade understanding of what it takes to build and scale a world-class investment platform.