Quantitative Trader/Researcher – Systematic Options Trading

Optiver Holding BV; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 180,000 - 300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) match up to 50%

Comprehensive health coverage

Global profit-sharing pool

Extensive office perks

Life coverage

Office perks & social events

Job summary

A leading trading firm located in Chicago is seeking a Quantitative Researcher/Trader to enhance its Systematic Options Trading Team. Candidates will design trading strategies and leverage data analytics, programming skills, and collaborative approaches to improve market performance. The ideal applicant has a BS, MS, or PhD in a quantitative field, alongside 3+ years of relevant index options experience. A competitive compensation package and extensive benefits are offered in a supportive culture of excellence.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of index options experience focused on systematic trading.
• Strong analytical and mathematical skills, applying them to trading.
• Proficient in programming, particularly Python or C++.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop systematic trading strategies to optimize market reactions.
• Utilize machine learning and modeling techniques for data insights.

Skills

Index options experience

Analytical skills

Mathematical skills

Programming proficiency (Python, C++)

Collaboration skills

Education

BS, MS, or PhD in a quantitative or technical field

Job description

Optiver is expanding its Systematic Options Trading Team and seeking exceptional Quantitative Researchers and Traders to drive its next phase of growth. You’ll join a team at the forefront of designing and optimizing our automated systems that work autonomously or alongside our operational options traders. With significant resources, cutting‑edge infrastructure, and a collaborative environment, you’ll help shape the direction of our trading systems and execution models.

What you’ll do

• Design, develop, and refine systematic trading strategies to optimize market reactions, order placement, and execution in order to maximize trading performance
• Utilize modelling, machine learning, and other techniques to gather insights from data in this pursuit

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
• Extensive office perks, including breakfast, lunch and snacks, regular social events, clubs, sporting leagues and more

Who you are

• 3+ years of index options experience focused on systematic trading
• BS, MS, or PhD in a quantitative or technical field
• Strong analytical and mathematical skills, with a track record of applying them to trading problems
• Proficient in programming (Python, C++, or similar)
• Collaborative team player with experience working across departments and partnering closely with development
• A self‑starter who identifies opportunities to make an 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, colour, 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.