Software Engineer - Prediction Markets (Python)

DRW; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 150,000 - 225,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Discretionary annual bonus

Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) with employer match

Job summary

A leading trading firm in Chicago is seeking a Software Engineer focused on Prediction Markets to build scalable systems from prototype to production. In this role, you will collaborate closely with quantitative researchers to implement trading strategies, develop infrastructure for market opportunities, and manage both real-time data and trading signals. Ideal candidates have at least 2 years of Python experience and exceptional problem-solving skills. The salary range is $150,000 to $225,000, complemented by a comprehensive benefits package.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 2+ years' experience in Python and multiple programming languages.
• Experience in building trade capture or position management systems.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills for clear communication.

Responsibilities

• Grow research tooling and infrastructure to support the business.
• Create infrastructure for capturing market opportunities.
• Take ownership of products from prototype to production.

Skills

Python

Real-time data processing

Interpersonal communication

Problem-solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or related field

Tools

Linux

Job description

Software Engineer - Prediction Markets (Python)

Chicago

DRW is a diversified trading firm with over 3 decades of experience bringing sophisticated technology and exceptional people together to operate in markets around the world. We value autonomy and the ability to quickly pivot to capture opportunities, so we operate using our own capital and trading at our own risk.

Headquartered in Chicago with offices throughout the U.S., Canada, Europe, and Asia, we trade a variety of asset classes including Fixed Income, ETFs, Equities, FX, Commodities and Energy across all major global markets. We have also leveraged our expertise and technology to expand into three non-traditional strategies: real estate, venture capital and cryptoassets.

We operate with respect, curiosity and open minds. The people who thrive here share our belief that it’s not just what we do that matters—it's how we do it. DRW is a place of high expectations, integrity, innovation and a willingness to challenge consensus.

About the Team

DRW's Prediction Markets Desk is a new trading desk building trading across prediction market venues. The desk is looking for engineers who want to own critical systems in a fast-moving, high-autonomy environment. We embed deeply with quantitative researchers and traders to turn pricing models, risk frameworks, and trade lifecycle requirements into scalable, reliable production systems.

About the Role

Software Engineers on the Prediction Markets Desk will build systems that take the desk from idea to production trading, including real-time pricing input pipelines, middle office, cross-venue reconciliation, and risk.

• Build phase: You will be directly embedded with the desk lead and quantitative researchers, navigating ambiguity in requirements, making trade-offs, and delivering systems that the desk depends on to know what it owns, what it paid, and whether its books are clean.
• Harden and extend: As the desk matures, you will extract reusable patterns, improve reliability, and scale infrastructure to support new venues and market categories.

In this role you will:

• Grow research tooling and infrastructure to support the business
• Implement trading signals and strategies
• Create infrastructure that allows the desk to efficiently capture market opportunity
• Take full ownership of the products you create, from prototype to stable production
• Work with both greenfield and legacy systems, primarily in Python
• Provide on-call support as needed

Qualifications

• A minimum of 2+ years' experience in Python, with the ability to work comfortably across multiple programming languages
• A track record of working directly with end customers, scoping and delivering production systems in fast-moving and ambiguous environments
• Experience building trade capture, position management, middle-office, or reconciliation systems
• Familiarity with real-time data processing and multi-venue environments
• Familiarity interacting with on-chain data
• Understanding of trading operations (order lifecycle, break resolution, audit trails, PnL calculation)
• Ability to dive deep into complex problems, develop intuitive understandings, spot risks early, and minimize complexity
• Exceptional interpersonal skills — you communicate clearly with traders, researchers, and other engineers, fostering a collaborative, supportive working environment
• Experience in the financial markets, crypto, or prediction markets is a plus
• Experience with linux-based, concurrent, high-throughput software systems
• Have a Bachelors or advanced degree in Computer Science, Mathematics, Statistics, Physics, Engineering, or equivalent work experience

The annual base salary range for this position is $150,000 to $225,000 depending on the candidate’s experience, qualifications, and relevant skill set. The position is also eligible for an annual discretionary bonus. In addition, DRW offers a comprehensive suite of employee benefits including group medical, pharmacy, dental and vision insurance, 401k (with discretionary employer match), short and long-term disability, life and AD&D insurance, health savings accounts, and flexible spending accounts.

EEO Statement

As set forth in DRW’s Equal Employment Opportunity policy,we do not discriminate on the basis of any protected group status under any applicable law.