Software Engineer Intern (Summer 2027 - Austin)

Optiver; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 30,000 - 50,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive internship compensation

Covered flights and accommodations

Meals and snacks

Regular social events and clubs

Job summary

Optiver, based in Austin, Texas, is seeking a Software Engineer Intern eager to learn and develop real-world applications in a high-performing environment. This role offers hands-on experience with cutting-edge AI technology while working closely with experts in the field.

As an intern, you will tackle real trading problems, collaborate with varied teams, and gain insights into the fast-paced financial markets. Successful candidates are expected to be passionate about coding and continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• Pursuing a degree in Computer Science or Computer Engineering.
• On track to graduate between December 2027 to June 2028.
• Strong understanding of computer science fundamentals.

Responsibilities

• Develop, test, and ship code to production.
• Collaborate with engineers, traders, and business teams.
• Enhance problem-solving skills through real-world challenges.

Skills

C++

Python

Java

Clean code

Problem-solving

Education

Bachelor's, Master's, or PhD in Computer Science or Computer Engineering

Job description

As a Software Engineer Intern, you’ll work side‑by‑side with your mentor and teammates to build real‑world applications that power a global trading firm. Your projects will be scoped based on your team’s real needs — not hypothetical tasks — and your mentor will be fully invested in helping you build high‑quality software that’s designed to last. You’ll contribute to meaningful projects solving trading problems and improving the performance, reliability, and scalability of our systems — and you’ll see your code hit production in real time.

Optiver is building with cutting edge AI technology in the most competitive, data‑rich landscapes in the world: financial markets. That means no two days are the same, and every day brings new, exciting technical challenges to solve.

This opportunity is also available in our Chicago office.

What you’ll do:

• Deep dive into trading fundamentals, from theoretical concepts to financial markets, strategies, AI‑enabled tools and cutting‑edge technology.
• Collaborate closely with best‑in‑class engineers, traders, and business teams to develop, test, and ship your code to production.
• Tackle complex, real‑world problems to enhance your critical thinking and problem‑solving skills.
• Push your limits and accelerate your growth in a fascinating and high‑performing environment.

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.

• The opportunity to work alongside best‑in‑class professionals from over 40 different countries
• A highly‑competitive internship compensation package
• Optiver‑covered flights, living accommodations, and commuting stipends
• Extensive office perks, including breakfast, lunch and snacks, regular social events, clubs, sporting leagues and more

Who you are:

• A student pursuing a bachelor’s, master’s, or PhD in Computer Science or Computer Engineering
• On track to graduate between December 2027 to June 2028, with junior standing or higher
• Passionate for writing clean code, well‑architected systems, and continuous improvement
• Proficient in coding languages such as C++, Python, or Java
• A student with strong engineering instincts and a solid understanding of computer science fundamentals
• Driven by an entrepreneurial mindset and curious about how tech powers the financial industry
• A natural problem‑solver with a sharp, analytical approach to tackling challenges
• A collaborative teammate comfortable working with developers, traders and business teams

Optiver is a leading technology‑ and research‑driven trading firm. Our teams of scientists, engineers, mathematicians, and traders work side by side to develop, test, and scale ideas that shape how we understand and trade global markets. Powered by a global platform built for rapid experimentation and iteration, we combine the scientific rigor of a research institution with the pace of a technology company.

Optiver does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, physical or mental disability, or other legally protected characteristics.

Optiver is supportive of US immigration sponsorship for this role.