Quantitative Researcher – Algorithmic Trading

Orion Placement; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 147,000 - 198,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Medical & dental coverage

Catered lunch

Casual dress code

Job summary

Orion Placement seeks a senior quantitative researcher to advance automated trading systems in Chicago. You will develop models, optimize execution, and work closely with traders and engineers to implement end-to-end strategies.

The role emphasizes Python proficiency, C++ familiarity, and hands-on analysis within a collaborative, fast-paced environment. On-site in Chicago with relocation assistance and strong benefits.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of full-time quantitative research or trading experience.
• Ability to write clean, organized Python code; C++ is a plus.
• Degree in mathematics, physics, engineering, computer science, or related field.

Responsibilities

• Apply quantitative methods to financial modeling and algorithm development.
• Collaborate with traders and developers to improve trading infrastructure.
• Design, test, and deploy automated trading strategies and risk management logic.
• Back-test using large data sets and conduct performance analyses.
• Explain market developments and model behavior to stakeholders.

Skills

Quantitative research

Python

C++

Data analysis

Trading experience

Latency optimization

Education

Quantitative degree (math/physics/engineering/CS)

Tools

MySQL

Job description

Pay

$155,000.00 – $190,000.00 per year

Why This Is a Great Opportunity

• Work on cutting-edge quantitative research that directly powers automated trading in highly competitive global markets.
• Partner closely with traders, software engineers, and fellow quants to design, test, and deploy strategies end-to-end.
• Choose a focus aligned with your strengths: alpha modeling or execution/microstructure optimization.
• Senior-level path for candidates with 3+ years of relevant experience and a strong track record.
• Competitive base salary plus meaningful performance bonuses, relocation support, and strong benefits in a top-tier trading hub.

Location

• On-site in Chicago, IL in a highly collaborative trading environment, with potential hybrid flexibility after an initial ramp-up period. Relocation to Chicago is supported.

Note

• You must have at least 2 years of full-time quantitative research, trading, or high-performance technology experience, strong Python skills, and be able to work on-site in Chicago. Fully remote is not an option.

About Our Client

Our client is a Chicago-based proprietary trading firm that builds high-performance automated trading systems for global derivatives markets. Founded in 2011, they compete daily in some of the most complex and fast-moving markets in the world. The team values curiosity, innovation, and collaboration over bureaucracy and politics, and they are constantly iterating on models and systems to stay ahead of an ever-changing market landscape.

Job Description

• Apply advanced quantitative methods to solve problems in financial modeling, algorithm development, and system optimization.
• Collaborate with traders and developers to improve a complex, evolving algorithmic trading infrastructure.
• Design and implement tools for traders, explore new trading ideas, and refine existing strategies.
• Build, test, and maintain automated trading algorithms and risk management logic from scratch.
• Analyze and optimize system performance, including latency, stability, and execution quality.
• Conduct historical research and back-tests using large data sets and database tools.
• Communicate market developments, model behavior, and research insights to traders and other stakeholders.
• For modeling-focused work: design automated market-making and risk management algorithms, and build statistically driven position-taking strategies.
• For execution-focused work: perform post-trade analysis, investigate system behavior, optimize algorithm parameters, study market microstructure, and drive execution system improvements.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of full-time, professional experience in a quantitative research, trading, or high-performance technology role, ideally at an algorithmic trading firm or similar environment.
• Degree in mathematics, physics, engineering, computer science, or a closely related quantitative field.
• Ability to write and maintain clean, organized, object-oriented Python code; C++ experience is a plus.
• Proven experience in at least one of the following: options and volatility modeling, statistical analysis on large data sets, or diagnosing and optimizing algorithm logic in latency-sensitive or high-throughput distributed systems.
• Expertise working with MySQL or similar databases for historical research and back-testing.
• Passion for innovation and solving open-ended, data-rich problems.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain complex technical ideas clearly.
• Collaborative attitude with a competitive drive and comfort with metrics-based performance evaluation.
• Practical, production-focused mindset with a track record of delivering impactful solutions.
• Ability to work on-site in the Chicago office on a full-time basis.

Why Youll Love Working Here

• Competitive base salary in the 155,000 to 190,000 range, plus annual discretionary performance bonus.
• Top-tier medical and dental coverage, along with additional benefits.
• Relocation assistance package if you are moving to Chicago.
• Generous vacation policy and ongoing training and continuing education opportunities.
• Catered lunch, snacks, and beverages provided daily.
• Regular group outings, company events, and a casual dress environment.
• High-impact, low-politics culture that rewards curiosity, continuous improvement, and measurable results.

JPC-517

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits

• Dental insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance