Quantitative Researcher – HFT Futures/Equities
Chicago
Optiver is seeking Quantitative Researchers to join our High-Frequency Trading (HFT) Team, where we run fully automated trading strategies powered by Machine Learning. As part of this high-impact, collaborative team, you’ll play a key role in developing, improving, and executing trading strategies, directly shaping our research and execution pipeline.
What you’ll do:
- Conduct alpha, signal, and feature research, developing models to enhance predictions and improve trading algorithms
- Collaborate with peers to review research, solve complex problems, and refine trading strategies
- Optimize research workflows to increase efficiency and effectiveness
- Contribute to strategic discussions, helping shape the future direction of the business
What you’ll get:
You’ll join a culture of collaboration and excellence, surrounded by curious thinkers and creative problem-solvers. Motivated by a passion for continuous improvement, you’ll thrive in a supportive, high-performing environment alongside talented colleagues, collectively tackling some of the toughest challenges in the financial markets.
In addition, you’ll receive:
- The opportunity to work alongside best-in-class professionals from over 40 different countries
- A highly competitive compensation package
- Global profit-sharing pool and performance-based bonus structure
- 401(k) match up to 50%
- Comprehensive health, mental, dental, vision, disability, and life coverage
- 25 paid vacation days alongside market holidays
- Extensive office perks, including breakfast, lunch and snacks, regular social events, clubs, sporting leagues and more
Who you are:
- 2+ years of quantitative research experience on a successful futures/equities trading team
- Proven track record of developing profitable trading strategies, with strong analytical and mathematical skills
- Experience in computationally intensive research
- BS, MS, and/or PhD in a quantitative or technical field
- Proficiency in programming languages (C++, C, Python, Java)
- A highly collaborative team player, valuing diverse perspectives and building strong partnerships
- A self-starter who takes initiative, sets ambitious goals, and proactively identifies opportunities for impact
Who we are:
At Optiver, our mission is to improve the market by injecting liquidity, providing accurate pricing, increasing transparency and stabilising the market no matter the conditions. With a focus on continuous improvement, we prioritise safeguarding the health and efficiency of the markets for all participants. As one of the largest market making institutions, we are a respected partner on 100+ exchanges across the globe.
Our differences are our edge. Optiver does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, physical or mental disability, or other legally protected characteristics.
Below is the expected base salary for this position. This is a good-faith estimate of the base pay scale for this position and offers will ultimately be determined based on experience, education, skill set, and performance in the interview process. This position will also be eligible for a discretionary bonus (if determined by Optiver) and Optiver’s benefits package with the benefits listed above.