Systematic Options Trader

Wolverine Trading; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free breakfast and lunch

On-site gym membership

Frequent company outings

Professional development resources

Job summary

A leading trading firm in Chicago is looking for an experienced quantitative trader/researcher. You'll research options pricing signals and influence trading algorithm development, drawing on at least 5 years of relevant experience. Strong communication skills and an understanding of market microstructure are essential. The role offers a competitive salary and a variety of benefits, including paid time off, comprehensive health coverage, and opportunities for professional development.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in quantitative trading or research.
• Deep knowledge of market microstructure.
• Strong background in statistics or linear algebra.

Responsibilities

• Influence the development of trading algorithms.
• Research options pricing signals and improve profitability.

Skills

Experience with large datasets

Knowledge of options pricing

Strong communication skills

Experience with C++

Job description

Description

Wolverine has an opportunity for an experienced quantitative trader/researcher to join a growing options market‑making desk within a well‑established firm. The ideal candidate has a passion for defining exchange‑facing market‑making algorithms and/or identifying options pricing volatility signals. You have experience defining research priorities and deriving actionable insights from large datasets within the exchange‑listed options space, leveraging your deep knowledge of market microstructure.

Department: Trading

Location: Chicago, IL

What You’ll Do

• Grow firm profitability by influencing the development of trading algorithms and researching options pricing signals.
• Define microstructure research initiatives and shape research infrastructure.

What We’re Looking For

• 5+ years of experience conducting or guiding research on large sets of exchange market data and/or options pricing datasets.
• Proven track record of driving improvements on a systematic market‑making desk or semi‑systematic volatility trading desk—preferably at a top‑tier market‑making firm.
• Exposure to and a deep understanding of low‑latency market‑making technology, including how insights gleaned from research projects are integrated into a production trading system.
• Deep knowledge of exchange infrastructure and microstructure.
• Strong communication skills and experience collaborating with software and hardware engineers to see your research through to production.
• Strong background in statistics and/or linear algebra is a plus.
• Experience with C++ or a similar programming language is a plus.

Why Join Us

Our flat organizational structure promotes teamwork across the Firm and offers easy access to senior staff. While we work exceptionally well as a team in the office, our bonds are further strengthened through company events, activities and giving back. Volleyball, soccer, hockey, 5K runs, picnic, parties, and trivia nights provide friendly competition and build better relationships. By getting out of our usual environment and doing out‑of‑the‑ordinary things together, we foster creativity and broaden our imaginations to accomplish new challenges.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary & bonus opportunity
• Generous paid time off and flexible scheduling
• 100% coverage of medical, dental, vision, life, and disability benefits for single coverage
• Generous Paid Parental Leave
• Retirement Plans: 401K and Roth 401K
• Profit sharing plan
• Long‑ and short‑term disability

Additional Perks

• Free breakfast and lunch from our in‑house kitchen with rotating menus (including snacks!)
• On‑site gym with a subsidized membership
• Frequent company outings
• Opportunity to give back to organizations that help individuals in need in the Chicagoland area

Professional Development

• In‑house education team – classes and resources are offered for continuous learning opportunities
• Mentorship Program through your first six months of employment

The base compensation range for this role is approximately $150,000 - $200,000 contingent on experience. Wolverine Tradings's total compensation model includes base salary and an annual discretionary bonus.