Founding Engineer
MLabs · New York City · $200,000–$300,000 (stated in the posting)
Location: New York, United States (Hybrid)
Hybrid | Full-time
Compensation: $200K - $300K
Our client, a high-growth fintech venture backed by leading industry accelerators, is developing a next-generation institutional trading venue for foreign exchange (FX) hedging. To drive this technical vision forward, our client is seeking a Founding Engineer with co-founder-level ownership to architect and build core financial infrastructure.
This role offers up to 5% equity and is designed for an ambitious, highly skilled engineer who thrives in an intense startup environment, works at an exceptional speed using modern AI-native development workflows, and is based in, or willing to relocate to New York City.
Key Responsibilities:
- Architect, build, and optimize high-performance, low-latency core trading and clearing infrastructure using Rust.
- Take end-to-end ownership of the technical roadmap, working closely with the executive leadership team to shape system architecture and execution strategy.
- Leverage AI-native development practices and agentic orchestration (running parallel AI agents) to maximize engineering velocity and output.
- Design and implement risk management, margin, netting, or settlement engines suitable for institutional-grade financial instruments.
- Maintain rigorous standards for protocol security, system reliability, and low-level code performance.
Requirements
Expert Rust Fluency: Deep, hands-on experience in Rust is strictly required.- Core Financial / Trading Infrastructure Background: Demonstrated experience building derivatives, margin/netting systems, high-frequency trading (HFT) venues, clearing engines, or protocol security architectures.
- Entrepreneurial Ownership: Prior experience as a founder, CTO, or founding engineer (or fewer than 5 years of professional experience with exceptional output).
- AI-Native Workflow: Proficiency in high-velocity shipping using agentic AI orchestration (managing parallel AI agents to accelerate development).
- Domain Expertise: Highly valuable exposure to one or more of the following:
- DeFi protocols
- High-Frequency Trading (HFT) systems
- Kernel development
- Compilers
- Operating systems
- Physics engines
- Work Ethic & Location: Ability and willingness to work full-time on-site in New York City (or relocate immediately) and thrive in a 6+ day/week startup culture.
Benefits
- Competitive base salary accompanied by significant equity (up to 5%).
- Co-founder-level technical ownership and direct influence over company strategy.
- Opportunity to build foundational financial infrastructure alongside experienced industry leaders from major software vendors and high-volume protocols.
- Rapidly moving, high-growth environment supported by top-tier accelerators.
Interview Process:
- Initial Founder / CEO Interview: Introduction, technical background review, and alignment on vision.
- Deep-Dive Founder / CEO Interview: Technical evaluation, architecture discussion, and startup culture fit.
- Final Interview: Final alignment with the leadership team and offer discussion.
Due to the high volume of applications we anticipate, we regret that we are unable to provide individual feedback to all candidates. If you do not hear back from us within 4 weeks of your application, please assume that you have not been successful on this occasion. We genuinely appreciate your interest and wish you the best in your job search.
Commitment to Equality and Accessibility:
At MLabs, we are committed to offer equal opportunities to all candidates. We ensure no discrimination, accessible job adverts, and providing information in accessible formats. Our goal is to foster a diverse, inclusive workplace with equal opportunities for all. If you need any reasonable adjustments during any part of the hiring process or you would like to see the job-advert in an accessible format please let us know at the earliest opportunity by emailing human-resources@mlabs.city.
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