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Sterling Trading Tech

Engaged employer

Toxic management leads to high turnover and chaos - Sr. Software Engineer Sterling Trading Tech Employee Review

1.0
May 12, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Currently nothing to mention now. No pros.

Cons

When the company was sold to a hedge fund back in 2021, the nightmare began. There has been constant micromanagement and pressure from people whose knowledge is not relevant to the job itself. Contributions are measured only through Jira tickets. Customers decide how the software should look, even when certain requirements are not technically feasible. The business is out of control - they are trying to develop trading software without essential knowledge of either the company’s system or trading itself. Because of that, the company is struggling to find new customers. Many technical people and engineers have stepped down and left the company over the last few months because management is rude and unwilling to accept any kind of criticism. If they hire new employees, those people cannot contribute effectively because there is no one left who can properly explain how the system works. The experienced employees whose knowledge was essential are no longer with the company. Management, which lacks technical understanding, immediately fires people if they oppose decisions or try to suggest a better solution. When employees try to explain why a particular approach is not good in the long term, they are ignored or fired. Management simply does not listen.

Explore other reviews about Sterling Trading Tech

5.0
May 20, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Great place to work at, good culture and people. Management listens to you and you feel valued

Cons

Nothing significant that I can think of

3.0
Aug 5, 2014
Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Learn a lot about modern financial markets, electronic trading. Almost every aspect of financial trading. Work is stressful sometimes but colleagues are really helpful to make you feel like you are not alone. People are nice here, while over the other end who you are dealing with (clients) can cause you headache. Top notch IT infrastructures. Good work life balance. People are chill. There was year end party that I think it was fun and generous.

Cons

Definitely not a place for everyone. Clients are tough to handle since they are very demanding. Generally a man culture environment with full of 'inside' jokes that could be inappropriate ^^ but that's also one of the fun parts of Sterling, and somehow reflects unique Chicago culture. Big con is the salary I'd say below industry par. Part of the reason is the low trading activities in recent years making it tough for companies like Sterling to generate profits.

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