Derivatives Trader – Electronic Market Making

Pay: $ - $ per year

• Own real PnL and risk on live derivatives books at a high-performance proprietary trading firm.
• Run and refine electronic market-making strategies in some of the world’s most competitive markets.
• Work side‑by‑side with other experienced traders, quants, and technologists in a tight‑knit, collaborative team.
• Direct impact on strategy design, risk, and long‑term edge—not just “button clicking.”
• Competitive base salary, strong upside through performance bonuses, and relocation support to Chicago.

• On‑site in Chicago, IL on a fast‑paced trading floor, with deep collaboration across trading, research, and technology teams.

• You must have at least 2 years of derivatives trading experience with direct PnL and risk responsibility, plus 2+ years operating electronic market‑making software, and be willing to work on‑site in Chicago.

Our client is a Chicago-based proprietary trading firm focused on building high-performance automated trading systems for global derivatives markets. Founded in 2011, they compete every day in complex, fast-moving markets and believe the financial markets are the ultimate arena for curious, driven, and innovative people. They value low bureaucracy, deep collaboration, and a relentless drive to learn, improve, and win together.

• Own, maintain, and grow revenue streams for one or more derivatives products on the trading desk.
• Take full responsibility for risk and PnL, making critical, time-sensitive trading decisions in real time.
• Operate and refine electronic market‑making software, ensuring strategies perform robustly across market regimes.
• Collaborate closely with team leads, other traders, quants, and risk managers to improve trading systems and operations.
• Identify and implement systemic improvements to trading strategies, tools, and workflows to maintain competitiveness.
• Monitor positions, market conditions, and risk exposures throughout the trading day and adjust as needed.
• Provide feedback on model behavior, execution quality, and system performance to research and technology teams.
• Contribute to idea generation around new products, strategies, and markets aligned with the firm’s risk framework.

• 2+ years of derivatives trading experience with direct ownership of PnL and risk.
• 2+ years of experience operating electronic market‑making software in exchange-traded derivatives.
• Strong ability to assess and manage risk in a derivatives portfolio across products and market conditions.
• Deep interest in financial markets and a genuine passion for trading.
• Strong math and numerical aptitude, comfortable with quantitative concepts.
• Relentless desire to improve and refine strategies, processes, and personal performance.
• Entrepreneurial mindset with a tenacious, proactive approach to problem solving.
• Keen attention to detail and a willingness to dig into complex issues.
• Quantitative analysis skills are a plus; advanced degrees are preferred but not required.
• Ability to work on‑site full time in the Chicago office.

• Competitive base salary with meaningful performance-based bonus potential.
• Top‑tier medical and dental coverage, along with other core benefits.
• Relocation assistance package available for candidates moving to Chicago.
• Generous vacation policy plus ongoing training and continuing education opportunities.
• Daily catered lunch, snacks, and beverages provided.
• Regular group outings, company events, and a casual dress environment.
• High-trust, low-politics culture where strong performance and smart risk-taking are rewarded.