Quantitative Trader Intern (Summer 2025 - Chicago)

As our Quantitative Trader Intern, you’ll spend your summer in the heart of Optiver’s dynamic trading floor. Under the guidance and support of industry experts, you’ll engage in simulated trading sessions that replicate real market conditions and work on projects that directly impact financial markets.

By the end of the 10-week internship, you’ll be equipped with the skills and knowledge required to succeed as a Quantitative Trader at a top global trading firm.

What you’ll do:

Requiring quick thinking, a critical mindset and bold action, our internship is as close as you can get to real trading experience. Led by our in-house education team that consists of ex-traders and engineers, the comprehensive training program offers you the opportunity to:

• Deep dive into trading fundamentals, from theoretical concepts to financial markets, strategies and cutting-edge technology.
• Develop your trading skills and strategies in a realistic, simulated trading environment that closely replicates live markets.
• Learn directly from an experienced trader, gaining exposure to various trading desks and experience the financial markets first-hand.
• 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, where you’ll be 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, working collectively to tackle the toughest problems in the financial markets.

In addition, you’ll receive:

• A highly-competitive internship compensation package
• Optiver-covered flights, living accommodations and commuting stipends (where applicable)
• Office perks, including fully paid commuting expenses, daily breakfast and lunch, social events and clubs

Who you are:

• Working toward a bachelor’s, master’s or PhD in a STEM field
• Sophomore or higher standing with a graduation date of December 2025 to June 2027
• Holds superior quantitative and logical reasoning skills
• Interested in strategic games and/or competitive activities
• Experienced in programming or scripting in Python a plus 

Diversity statement

Optiver is committed to diversity and inclusion.

For answers to some of our most frequently asked questions, refer to our Campus FAQs.

*We accept one application per role per year. If you have previously applied to this position during this season and have been unsuccessful, you can reapply once the next recruitment season begins in 2025.

At Optiver, we are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. Optiver recruits, employs, trains, compensates and promotes regardless of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, physical or mental disability, or other legally protected characteristics.