US Equity Index Options Trader

DRW; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 250,000 - 300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401k with employer match

Disability insurance

Life and AD&D insurance

Health Savings Account

Flexible Spending Account

Job summary

DRW, a Chicago-based diversified trading firm, seeks a US Equity Index Trader for its US Options Trading team. You will trade US index and equity options, manage risk, and refine strategies in a fast-paced environment.

Ideal candidates have proven index options experience, a strong analytics mindset, and calm under pressure. DRW offers a competitive base salary and a comprehensive benefits package in a data-driven, collaborative setting.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as an Index Options Trader with exposure to US markets or similar equity derivatives.
• Strong track record of trading performance and disciplined risk management.
• Deep understanding of options theory, volatility, and market microstructure.
• Comfortable trading both systematic and discretionary when required.

Responsibilities

• Actively trade US index and equity options, managing positions and risk.
• Analyze market flows, volatility, and microstructure to identify and capture trading opportunities
• Refine pricing, execution, and risk management approaches to improve trading performance
• Conduct post-trade analysis to evaluate decisions, optimize strategies, and drive systematic improvements
• Contribute to the development of tools, monitoring, and processes that enhance trading stability and scalability
• Partner closely with risk management, researchers and developers during live trading and high-pressure situations

Skills

Index Options Trader experience

Strong analytics

Calm under pressure

Strong communicator

Team-based collaboration

Job description

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.

We are seeking a US Equity Index Trader to join our US Options Trading team.

How You Will Make An Impact

• Actively trade US index and equity options, managing positions and risk.
• Analyze market flows, volatility, and microstructure to identify and capture trading opportunities
• Refine pricing, execution, and risk management approaches to improve trading performance
• Conduct post-trade analysis to evaluate decisions, optimize strategies, and drive systematic improvements
• Contribute to the development of tools, monitoring, and processes that enhance trading stability and scalability
• Partner closely with risk management, researchers and developers during live trading and high-pressure situations

You will be right at home if you have

• Proven experience as an Index Options Trader, with exposure to US markets or similar equity derivatives
• Strong track record of trading performance and disciplined risk management
• Deep understanding of options theory, volatility, and market microstructure
• Comfortable trading both systematic and discretionary when required
• Calm under pressure, with the ability to quickly diagnose and act on trading problems
• Strong analytics, detail-oriented, and proactive in identifying improvements
• Strong communicator who thrives in a collaborative, team-based environment
• Passionate about markets, with a continuous drive to learn and improve

The annual base salary range for this position is $250,000 to $300,000 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.

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