FutureFocus Tech 2026

Optiver; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 72,000 - 88,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Daily meals

Covered accommodation and travel expenses

Networking opportunities with industry leaders

Job summary

A leading trading firm is offering a five-day immersive FutureFocus Technology Program in Chicago for undergraduate students pursuing degrees in Computer Science or Computer Engineering. Participants will gain hands-on experience in designing high-performance trading systems, receive mentorship from Optiver's technology team, and enjoy an opportunity to apply for a Software Engineering Internship for Summer 2027. The program includes covered accommodation and travel expenses, daily meals, and insights into the fast-paced world of trading technology.

Qualifications

• Must be pursuing a degree in Computer Science or Computer Engineering.
• On-track to graduate between December 2027 and June 2028.
• Curious and analytical thinker.

Responsibilities

• Design, optimize, and scale high-performance trading systems.
• Build trading system applications in technology labs.
• Engage and learn from Optiver’s technology education team.

Skills

Coding skills

Problem-solving skills

Analytical thinking

Education

Undergraduate degree in Computer Science or Computer Engineering

Job description

Curious how your engineering skills could power real-world impact in global markets? Step into the world of high-performance technology and algorithmic trading through Optiver’s FutureFocus Technology Program. This immersive, five-day program gives you a front‑row seat to the systems and minds driving one of the most advanced trading firms in the world — and a fast‑track opportunity toward a Software Engineering Internship (Summer 2027).

FutureFocus is a selective educational experience for students graduating between Winter 2027 and Spring 2028, designed to uncover how world‑class engineers build and optimize the systems that move global markets. Across five action-packed days, you’ll get hands‑on experience, technical mentorship, and a behind-the-scenes view of Optiver’s technology‑driven edge.

What you’ll do

• See firsthand how Optiver engineers design, optimize, and scale high‑performance trading systems that process millions of data points per second.
• Apply your coding and problem‑solving skills to build trading system applications in technology labs.
• Learn from Optiver’s dedicated technology education team, who will provide tailored guidance and support throughout the week.
• Engage with Optiver engineers and leaders through Q&A panels and networking opportunities to help you build meaningful connections within the industry.

What you’ll get

You’ll join a culture of collaboration and excellence, where you’ll be 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 peers, learning about the toughest problems in the financial markets.

• A taste of Optiver’s company culture and our perks and benefits firsthand, including daily breakfast, lunch, coffee, smoothies, and more.
• A comfortable stay with fully‑covered accommodation and travel expenses, allowing you to focus on making the most of the program.
• A deeper understanding of the industry and the confidence needed to excel in a high‑performance environment.

Who you are

• Undergraduate student pursuing a degree in Computer Science or Computer Engineering.
• On‑track to graduate between December 2027 and June 2028.
• Available to attend the program in Chicago Sunday, March 22 – Friday night, March 27.
• Curious and analytical thinker who asks ‘why’ before accepting ‘what’.
• Motivated to explore how technology powers modern markets.

Apply Now

Does this sound like the future you’re looking for? Submit your resume to apply.

Once you submit your application, eligible candidates will receive an online assessment to complete. Those who pass the assessment will proceed to the next phase of the process. Following your participation in this program, you may choose to move forward with the application process for Optiver’s internship program. Below is the expected base salary for an internship position in our Trading or Tech departments. This is a good‑faith estimate of the base pay scale and sign‑on bonus for this position and offers will ultimately be determined based on experience, education, skill set, and performance in the interview process. Internship positions in our Trading and Tech departments are also be eligible for benefits including Optiver‑covered flights, living accommodations and commuting stipends (where applicable); and office perks, including daily breakfast and lunch, social events and clubs.

Internship Base Salary Range $80,000—$80,000 USD