Systematic Equity Options Trader

Old Mission; Illinois; On-site; USD 170,000 - 250,000; Full time

Job summary

Old Mission, a global quantitative trading firm, seeks a highly skilled quantitative trader/researcher to design and implement systematic trading strategies for equity options and volatility products. You will build models, validate ideas, and collaborate with researchers to translate insights into production trading systems.

You will monitor risk, optimize execution, and work with tech teams to maintain low-latency infrastructure; a strong background in Python or C++ and a PhD/advanced degree

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in quantitative field; advanced degree preferred.
• 4+ years of systematic options trading or quantitative research.
• Strong understanding of options pricing, Greeks, and volatility.
• Proficiency in Python or C++.
• Experience with statistics, ML, and quantitative modeling.
• Knowledge of market microstructure and execution algorithms.
• Analytical and problem-solving skills; able to work in fast-paced team.
• Experience trading equity options or volatility products is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement systematic trading strategies for equity options, including single-name options, index options, and volatility products.
• Build and maintain quantitative models for options pricing, volatility forecasting, and risk management.
• Monitor and optimize existing strategies, identifying opportunities for enhancement and improvement.
• Collaborate with quantitative researchers to translate research insights into production trading strategies.
• Manage portfolio risk through systematic hedging and position management.
• Analyze market microstructure and develop strategies to optimize execution quality.
• Work with technology teams to build robust, scalable trading infrastructure.
• Conduct post-trade analysis to evaluate strategy performance and identify areas for improvement.

Skills

Quant trading experience

Options pricing & Greeks

Statistical analysis

Machine learning

Quant modeling

Market microstructure

Execution algorithms

Analytical thinking

Problem-solving

Team collaboration

Equity options trading

Volatility trading

Order book dynamics

High-frequency concepts

Real-time data processing

Low-latency systems

Profitability track record

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mathematics, Statistics, Computer Science, Physics, Engineering, or related quantitative field

Tools

Python

C++

Job description

Old Mission is a global proprietary trading firm that leverages state-of-the-art technology and research to identify and execute profitable trading strategies across multiple asset classes around the world. Our offices in Chicago, New York, and London are all composed of naturally-curious individuals who thrive in a team environment and constantly strive for improvement.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement systematic trading strategies for equity options, including single-name options, index options, and volatility products

• Build and maintain quantitative models for options pricing, volatility forecasting, and risk management

• Monitor and optimize existing strategies, identifying opportunities for enhancement and improvement

• Collaborate with quantitative researchers to translate research insights into production trading strategies

• Manage portfolio risk through systematic hedging and position management

• Analyze market microstructure and develop strategies to optimize execution quality

• Work with technology teams to build robust, scalable trading infrastructure

• Conduct post-trade analysis to evaluate strategy performance and identify areas for improvement

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mathematics, Statistics, Computer Science, Physics, Engineering, or related quantitative field; advanced degree preferred

• 4+ years of experience in systematic options trading, quantitative trading, or quantitative research

• Strong understanding of options pricing theory, Greeks, and volatility dynamics

• Proficiency in Python or C++ is a prerequisite

• Experience with statistical analysis, machine learning, and quantitative modeling techniques

• Must have a strong understanding of the market microstructure and execution algorithms

• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills

• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, collaborative environment

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience trading equity options or volatility products systematically

• Knowledge of order book dynamics and high-frequency trading concepts

• Familiarity with real-time data processing and low-latency systems

• Track record of developing profitable quantitative trading strategies

Base Salary Range

$170,000 - $250,000 - Salaries are based on numerous factors such as skills, experience, and education. Our compensation package also includes a discretionary bonus and a comprehensive benefits program for full-time employees.

Old Mission is not accepting unsolicited resumes from any staffing/search firms. All resumes submitted by staffing/search firms to any employee at Old Mission via-email, the Internet or directly without a valid signed search agreement will be deemed the sole property of Old Mission, and no fee will be paid in the event the candidate is hired by Old Mission.