Exchanges often use (relatively) esoteric hardware + real-time OSes, such as the Tandem NonStop series. Experience with such a platform + domain knowledge about

Exchanges often use (relatively) esoteric hardware + real-time OSes, such as the Tandem NonStop series. Experience with such a platform + domain knowledge about the finance industry is a rare combination, so I find it plausible that a couple of core expert programmers on the stock exchange's system get compensated quite well. High six figures + 80% bonus == seven figure, I guess?