Junior Quantitative Developer & Strategist

Akuna Capital is a leading proprietary trading firm specializing in options market making.

We provide our employees with endless opportunities for individual growth and ownership.

Chicago

Akuna Capital is an innovative trading firm with a strong focus on collaboration, cutting‑edge technology, data‑driven solutions and automation. We specialise in providing liquidity as an options market‑maker – meaning we are committed to providing competitive quotes that we are willing to both buy and sell. To do this successfully we design and implement our own low latency technologies, trading strategies and mathematical models.

Our Founding Partners first conceptualised Akuna in their hometown of Sydney. They opened the firm’s first office in 2011 in the heart of the derivatives industry and the options capital of the world – Chicago. Today, Akuna is proud to operate from additional offices in Sydney, Shanghai, London and Singapore.

What you’ll do as a Junior Quantitative Developer & Junior Quantitative Strategist at Akuna:

Akuna’s Quant team creates trading strategies scientifically by combining its quantitative expertise with sophisticated understanding of derivatives and financial markets. The team is looking to add both Junior Quant Developers and Junior Quant Strategists who will make a direct and measurable impact on our trading decisions and performance.

We are searching for creative thinkers with strong programming backgrounds who can convert ideas into trading solutions, tighten our innovation cycle through rapid prototyping of performant production code and have the desire to develop a deep understanding of financial markets. No prior experience with financial markets is required.

In these roles you will:

• Design and develop production code of trading strategies: pricing models, execution logic and performance optimisation along with researchers, traders and system engineers.
• Analyse and incorporate market signals into our trading systems.
• Advance existing codebase and propose new solutions and improvements.

Qualities that make great candidates:

• Bachelors, masters, or PhD degree in a technical field – Engineering, Computer Science, Math, Physics (or related subject) must be completed upon employment
• Strong Python programming background
• Experience in object‑oriented programming
• Exposure to linear algebra and introductory statistics
• Desire and ability to learn the intricacies of financial markets
• Must be graduating August 2026 or prior
• GPA of 3.5 or above
• Legal authorization to work in the U.S. is required on the first day of employment including F‑1 students using OPT or STEM

Additional qualities that make great candidates:

• Experience with generic and/or parallel programming
• Deeper understanding of any of the following fields:
  Linear Algebra, Numerical Methods, Statistics, Optimization, Signal Processing, Computer Architecture, Machine Learning, Heterogeneous/High Performance computing
• The ability to react quickly and accurately to rapidly changing market conditions, including the ability to quickly and accurately respond and/or solve math and coding problems are essential functions of the role
• Exposure to financial markets and trading

Resumes must be submitted in PDF format.

In addition to technical skillsets, Akuna values the unique perspectives people can bring to the table to collaboratively solve complex problems and drive Akuna forward. We want everyone to feel empowered to apply. We welcome your application and encourage you to take the first steps toward your future with us!

Please note:

By submitting an application to this role, you are indicating this is your top preference and acknowledge you will not be considered for other Quant and/or Tech roles at Akuna this recruiting season. This acknowledgement does not limit applications to Trading roles - in addition to this role, you may apply to any Trader roles of interest.

In accordance with Illinois Equal Pay Act, the minimum base salary starts at $130,000. Exact compensation offered may vary based on many factors including, but not limited to, the candidate’s experience, qualifications, and skill set. This role is also eligible for a discretionary performance bonus as part of the total compensation package and includes a comprehensive benefits package that may encompass employer‑paid medical, dental, vision, retirement contributions, paid time off, and other benefits.

The minimum base salary herein was determined in good faith by Akuna Capital LLC.

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