Senior Index Options Trader

Tower Research Capital; New York (NY); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous paid time off

Financial wellness tools

Hybrid working opportunities

Free daily meals

Wellness reimbursement

Company-sponsored sports teams

Volunteer opportunities

Social events throughout the year

Workshops for continuous learning

Job summary

A leading quantitative trading firm is seeking an experienced Index Options Trader in New York. You will manage a portfolio of listed options products, collaborate with traders to optimize strategies, and work with developers on system improvements. ideal candidates have over 3 years of market-making experience, expertise in volatility pricing, and programming skills in Python or C++. The anticipated annual base salary is $120,000–180,000 with bonuses available.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience on a high volume share index options market‑making desk.
• Expertise in capturing opportunities from volatility pricing.
• Deep understanding of risks in managing a large index options portfolio.

Responsibilities

• Manage a portfolio of listed options products.
• Collaborate with other traders to optimize strategies.
• Work with developers to improve systems and execution.

Skills

Experience on a high volume share index options market‑making desk

Capturing opportunities from volatility pricing

Managing a large index options portfolio

Optimizing automated trading systems

Knowledge of exchange protocols

Ability to work in a fast‑paced environment

Programming experience in Python and/or C++

Attention to detail

Job description

Tower Research Capital is a leading quantitative trading firm founded in 1998. Tower has built its business on a high-performance platform and independent trading teams. We have a 25+ year track record of innovation and a reputation for discovering unique market opportunities.

Tower is home to some of the world’s best systematic trading and engineering talent. We empower portfolio managers to build their teams and strategies independently while providing the economies of scale that come from a large, global organization.

Engineers thrive at Tower while developing electronic trading infrastructure at a world class level. Our engineers solve challenging problems in the realms of low-latency programming, FPGA technology, hardware acceleration and machine learning. Our ongoing investment in top engineering talent and technology ensures our platform remains unmatched in terms of functionality, scalability and performance.

At Tower, every employee plays a role in our success. Our Business Support teams are essential to building and maintaining the platform that powers everything we do — combining market access, data, compute, and research infrastructure with risk management, compliance, and a full suite of business services. Our Business Support teams enable our trading and engineering teams to perform at their best.

At Tower, employees will find a stimulating, results-oriented environment where highly intelligent and motivated colleagues inspire each other to reach their greatest potential.

Tower seeks an experienced Index Options Trader.

Responsibilities

• Managing a portfolio of listed options products
• Collaborating with other traders and quantitative researchers to optimize existing strategies
• Working with developers to improve systems, latency, and execution
• Identifying and monetizing new trading opportunities
• Mentoring junior traders and/or quantitative researchers

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience on a high volume share index options market‑making desk
• Expertise in capturing opportunities from both short-term and long-term dislocations in volatility pricing
• Deep understanding of the risks involved in managing a large index options portfolio
• Experience in operating, optimizing, and iteratively improving distributed automated trading systems
• Knowledge of various exchange protocols to achieve best execution
• Ability to work in a fast‑paced, high‑pressure environment
• Passion and drive to take a leading role in a growing options business
• Relevant programming experience, preferably in Python and/or C++
• Excellent attention to detail

Anticipated New York annual base salary range $120,000‑180,000, plus eligible for discretionary bonus.

Benefits

Tower’s headquarters are in the historic Equitable Building, right in the heart of NYC’s Financial District and our impact is global, with over a dozen offices around the world.

At Tower, we believe work should be both challenging and enjoyable. That is why we foster a culture where smart, driven people thrive – without the egos. Our open concept workplace, casual dress code, and well‑stocked kitchens reflect the value we place on a friendly, collaborative environment where everyone is respected, and great ideas win.

• Generous paid time off policies
• Savings plans and other financial wellness tools available in each region
• Hybrid working opportunities
• Free breakfast, lunch, and snacks daily
• In‑office wellness experiences and reimbursement for select wellness expenses (e.g., gym, personal training and more)
• Company‑sponsored sports teams and fitness events (JPM Corporate Challenge, Cycle for Survival, Wall Street Rides FAR and more)
• Volunteer opportunities and charitable giving
• Social events, happy hours, treats, and celebrations throughout the year
• Workshops and continuous learning opportunities

At Tower, you’ll find a collaborative and welcoming culture, a diverse team and a workplace that values both performance and enjoyment. No unnecessary hierarchy. No ego. Just great people doing great work – together.

Tower Research Capital is an equal opportunity employer.