Junior Trader – Futures High-Frequency Trading (HFT)

Radley James Limited; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Radley James Limited in San Francisco is seeking a Junior Trader to join our futures HFT desk. You will work with senior traders and quantitative researchers to execute, monitor, and refine automated strategies across global futures markets.

The role offers hands-on learning, real-time risk awareness, and mentorship in a fast-paced environment. A background in finance or math and programming skills will help you contribute immediately.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Economics, Mathematics, Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field.
• 1–2 years of experience in a trading role or relevant internship (preferably in a trading firm or HFT environment).
• Strong interest and understanding of futures markets and trading strategies.
• Proficiency in programming languages such as Python, R, or C++ is a plus.
• Detail-oriented with strong problem-solving skills and ability to thrive under pressure in fast-paced environments.
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills, with ability to collaborate with traders, engineers, and researchers.
• Eagerness to learn and take on increasing levels of responsibility within a high-growth trading environment.

Responsibilities

• Execute and monitor high-frequency trading strategies in real-time across various futures markets.
• Analyze and interpret large datasets to identify market trends, inefficiencies, and potential trading opportunities.
• Work closely with quantitative researchers to refine existing strategies and develop new ones.
• Monitor risk and ensure compliance with internal risk management frameworks and regulatory guidelines.
• Collaborate with software engineers to optimize trading systems and infrastructure for performance and efficiency.
• Respond quickly to market or system irregularities to ensure smooth trading operations.
• Provide feedback on trading strategy performance and identify areas for improvement and optimization.

Skills

Quantitative skills

Analytical thinking

Python

R

C++

Teamwork

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Finance, Economics, Mathematics, Computer Science, Engineering, or related field

Tools

Python

R

C++

Job description

Junior Trader – Futures High-Frequency Trading (HFT)
Location: San Francisco, CA
Type: Full-Time

Are you a highly motivated individual with a passion for trading and a deep interest in financial markets? Do you thrive in fast-paced, data-driven environments? We are a cutting-edge high-frequency trading (HFT) firm specializing in futures, and we are seeking a driven and analytical Junior Trader to join our dynamic team in San Francisco. This is a unique opportunity for someone eager to learn, grow, and make an immediate impact within the world of algorithmic and high-frequency trading.

About the Role:

As a Junior Trader, you will work closely with senior traders and quantitative researchers to execute, monitor, and refine automated trading strategies across global futures markets. You will play a key role in managing real-time trading operations, analyzing market data, and identifying opportunities for optimization. This is a hands-on role that offers a deep learning curve, mentorship from experienced professionals, and exposure to the inner workings of a top-tier HFT firm.

Key Responsibilities:

• Execute and monitor high-frequency trading strategies in real-time across various futures markets.
• Analyze and interpret large datasets to identify market trends, inefficiencies, and potential trading opportunities.
• Work closely with quantitative researchers to refine existing strategies and develop new ones.
• Monitor risk and ensure compliance with internal risk management frameworks and regulatory guidelines.
• Collaborate with software engineers to continuously optimize trading systems and infrastructure for performance and efficiency.
• Quickly respond to any market or system irregularities to ensure smooth trading operations.
• Provide feedback on trading strategy performance, identifying areas for improvement and optimization.

What We’re Looking For:

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Economics, Mathematics, Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field.
• 1-2 years of experience in a trading role or completion of a relevant internship (preferably within a trading firm or HFT environment).
• Strong interest and understanding of futures markets and trading strategies.
• Exceptional quantitative and analytical skills, with the ability to interpret large sets of data quickly and accurately.
• Proficiency in programming languages such as Python, R, or C++ is a plus.
• Detail-oriented, with strong problem-solving skills and the ability to thrive under pressure in fast-paced environments.
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with traders, engineers, and quantitative researchers.
• Eagerness to learn, adapt, and take on increasing levels of responsibility within a high-growth trading environment.

Why Join Us?

• Work in a fast-paced, intellectually stimulating environment where your contributions directly impact the firm’s success.
• Learn from experienced traders and quantitative researchers in one of the most competitive sectors of finance.
• Access to cutting-edge technology and trading infrastructure that enables you to perform at the highest level.
• Competitive salary and bonus structure, with opportunities for career advancement.
• A collaborative, meritocratic work culture that values continuous learning and innovation.

If you’re passionate about financial markets, excited by the opportunity to work in high-frequency trading, and eager to grow your career in a leading futures HFT firm, we want to hear from you!