Software Engineer, Early Career

IMC Trading; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 170,000 - 230,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Discretionary bonus

Paid leave

Insurance

Job summary

IMC Trading is hiring a Software Engineer in Chicago to drive the development of cutting-edge trading algorithms and software. You will spot opportunities, solve problems, and build innovative technologies in a pragmatic, fast-paced setting.

The role requires 1–3 years of post-graduate experience and a degree in Engineering/CS, with strong knowledge of algorithms and data structures. Proficiency in Java or C++ is preferred, and collaboration with traders and researchers is essential.

Qualifications

• 1–3 years of full-time professional work experience post-graduation.
• BA/BSc/MA/MSc in Engineering, Computer Science or related degree.
• Strong knowledge of algorithms and data structures.
• Proficiency in Java or C++ (preferred).
• Interest in financial markets; prior knowledge not required.

Responsibilities

• Build and maintain the trading platform and software stack.
• Advance trading strategies and technology platform.
• Collaborate with Traders, Quant Researchers and Engineers worldwide.
• Develop expertise across the full software development lifecycle.
• Learn new technologies and languages in a dynamic environment.

Skills

Algorithms and data structures

Java or C++

Analytical skills

Non-engineer collaboration

Education

Bachelor's/Master's in Engineering or CS

Job description

Please note: This role requires 1–3 years of full-time, post-graduation work experience. Students and recent grads should apply to our 2027 Graduate Software Engineer role.

Having the best technology drives our business. As a Software Engineer at IMC, you will drive the development of our cutting-edge trading algorithms. You will be responsible for spotting new opportunities, solving problems and developing innovative technologies. Software development here is innovative, pragmatic and fun, even as complexity grows.

Your Core Responsibilities

• Build and maintain our trading platform and software stack
• Bring our trading strategies and technology platform to the next level
• Collaborate with Traders, Quant Researchers and other Engineers both locally and globally
• Develop expertise within the entire software development lifecycle
• Learn new technologies and programming languages in a dynamic environment

Your Skills And Experience

• 1-3 years of full-time professional work experience post-graduation
• BA/BSc/MA/MSc in Engineering, Computer Science or related degree
• Must have strong knowledge of algorithms and data structures
• Proficiency in a programming language is required (Java or C++ preferred)
• Strong analytical skills and interest in solving complex problems programmatically
• Desire to interact and work closely with non-engineers in a dynamic environment
• Interest in the financial markets; previous knowledge is NOT required

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.

Base Salary: $200,000

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.