Software Engineer, Intern (Summer 2027)

Aquatic Capital Management; Illinois; On-site; USD 27,552 - 41,328; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Wellness programs

Casual dress

Snacks

Lunch

Game room

Team and company events

Job summary

Aquatic Capital Management, based in Illinois, is hiring a Software Engineering Intern to join a fast-moving team in building distributed systems for research and trading. The role requires an active student pursuing a degree in relevant scientific disciplines, solid skills in Python and/or C++, and a strong understanding of algorithms and systems. Benefits include fully paid medical, dental, and vision insurance, generous PTO, and an open learning environment.

Qualifications

• Active student with expected graduation between Fall 2027 and Spring 2028.
• Solid programming skills in Python and/or C++.
• Strong understanding of algorithms and systems.

Responsibilities

• Build high-performance, distributed systems for research and trading.
• Work with engineers and quants to design tools and improve reliability.

Skills

Python

C++

Algorithms understanding

Systems knowledge

Education

BS, MS, or PhD in mathematics, statistics, machine learning, physics, computer science

Job description

Aquatic was founded with a shared passion for tackling some of the most complex challenges in one of the world’s most competitive arenas—global financial markets. From the very beginning, we have been driven by a deep commitment to applying cutting-edge scientific research and technological innovation to deliver unparalleled performance. Our journey is one of continuous growth and exploration, marked by a spirit of curiosity and relentless drive for excellence.

As a Software Engineering Intern at Aquatic, you will join a fast-moving team building high-performance, distributed systems that power our research and trading infrastructure. You’ll work closely with experienced engineers and quants to design tools, improve system reliability, and optimize our platform for low-latency, high-throughput data processing. This is a hands‑on, impactful role—your work will directly influence live systems and research workflows.

Requirements

• Active student pursuing a BS, MS, or PhD in mathematics, statistics, machine learning, physics, computer science, or other scientific disciplines with an expected graduation date between Fall 2027 and Spring 2028.
• Solid programming skills in Python and/or C++.
• Strong understanding of algorithms, systems, and computer architecture.
• Curiosity about how things work, and a desire to build systems that do things better.
• Ability to thrive in a collaborative, fast-paced environment.
• Learn software design and testing techniques, such as Refactoring and Test Driven Development.

Candidate Qualities

• Strong bias for action.
• Driven by accountability and internal urgency.
• Desire to independently seek best solutions.
• Preference for working in a team that focuses on delivering results aligned with Research goals.
• Comfortable providing and receiving actionable feedback in a collaborative team setting.
• Motivated by an ambitious environment and driven colleagues.

Benefits

• Benefits: For full-time employees, fully paid medical, dental, and vision for employees and dependents, competitive 401k plan, employer-paid life & disability insurance.
• Perks: Wellness programs, casual dress, snacks, lunch, game room, team and company events.
• Development: Open environment to maximize learning and knowledge sharing.
• Time: Generous PTO, paid holidays, competitive paid caregiver leaves.

Aquatic Capital

This role represents a unique opportunity to join a quantitative investment manager in its early stage of growth. The firm’s culture will be shaped by collaboration, meritocracy, ambition, and calm determination.

Aquatic is a proud equal opportunity workplace. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or any other applicable legally protected characteristics.