Graduate Hardware Engineer

IMC Trading; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

IMC Trading is seeking a Hardware Engineer intern or entry-level candidate in Chicago who will contribute to hardware development within a fast-paced trading environment. The role emphasizes learning through collaboration with mentors and leads, while tackling complex problems and implementing new hardware solutions.

Ideal candidates are pursuing Electrical or Computer Engineering, with proficiency in RTL languages and programming.

Qualifications

• Pursuing a degree in Electrical Engineering or Computer Engineering, graduating 2026–2027.
• Strong analytical skills and a desire to solve complex problems programmatically.
• Available for full-time employment starting February or August 2027.

Responsibilities

• Enhance knowledge of trading, algorithm complexity, system design, and coding.
• Develop hardware designs and tests.
• Drive projects from ideation to production.
• Explore low-latency techniques to implement within the trading system.
• Build relationships across technology and trading teams.

Skills

RTL programming languages

C++ / Python

Education

Electrical/Computer Engineering

Job description

Having the best technology drives our business. As a Hardware Engineer at IMC, you are responsible for spotting new opportunities, solving problems and developing new technologies. Our Hardware development process is innovative, pragmatic and fun, even as complexity grows. You will collaborate with team members and receive support from both a mentor and a lead who will oversee your projects and professional development.

Your Core Responsibilities:

• Enhance your knowledge of trading, algorithm complexity, system design, and coding
• Work within different systems involving a mix of software and cutting-edge hardware technologies
• Develop hardware designs and tests
• Drive projects from ideation to production
• Explore innovative low-latency techniques to implement within our trading system
• Build relationships across our technology and trading teams

Your Skills and Experience:

• Current university student graduating between September 2026 – July 2027 that is pursuing a degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related degree
• Strong analytical skills and a desire to solve complex problems programmatically
• Proficient in SystemVerilog, Verilog, VHDL, or other RTL programming (additional software experience is a plus; C++, Python, or similar)
• Desire to collaborate with non-engineers in a dynamic environment
• Interest in the Financial Markets; previous knowledge is NOT required
• Must be available for full-time employment starting in February or August 2027

You may submit one application per role each year. We strongly encourage you to focus on applying to a single role that best matches your skills and interests. Though you may apply to multiple roles, please note that each application will be evaluated based on the specific criteria established for that particular role. If you have already applied for this position during the current recruitment season and were not selected, you may reapply when the next recruitment season begins in 2027.

The Base Salary range for the role is included below. Base salary is only one component of total compensation; all full-time, permanent positions are eligible for a discretionary bonus and benefits, including paid leave and insurance. Please visit Benefits - US | IMC Trading for more comprehensive information.

About Us

IMC is a research-driven trading firm where quantitative modeling, machine learning, and engineering shape how modern markets are traded. A stabilizing force in markets since 1989, we provide liquidity across trading venues, delivering the best outcome in value and risk management to investors. Using our own technology and capital, we build proprietary systems and algorithms that operate across global markets. Our researchers, traders, and engineers work as a collective, combining rapid experimentation, advanced infrastructure, and real-time feedback to turn insight into execution and execution into advantage.

IMC is an equal opportunity employer. IMC prohibits discrimination of any type and affords equal employment opportunities to applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, national origin, age, disability, military or veteran status, status as a victim of domestic violence, and/or any other categories protected by applicable federal, state or local law. Completion of this section is voluntary and will not affect your opportunity for employment or the terms or conditions of your employment. The data collected from these questions will be stored separately from your individual application and will be kept confidential.