Associate Engineer

About Chicago Trading Company

Chicago Trading Company (CTC) is a premier proprietary trading firm specializing in options market making. Our collaborative culture fuels innovation in quantitative research, systematic trading strategies, and cutting‑edge trading technology. For over three decades CTC has provided critical liquidity across derivatives exchanges worldwide, making markets fairer, more transparent, and more efficient.

We are looking for talented and motivated software engineers to join our engineering teams in designing, coding, and testing sophisticated trading tools and risk applications. These distributed real‑time systems will require a deep understanding of computer science concepts, strong software development skills and methodology, and effective communication and collaboration abilities. Software development cycles at CTC are short and releases of proprietary software are frequent.

In this fast‑paced and dynamic team environment, our engineers quickly see the results of their effort and the impact it has on our businesses. Engineers will also have exposure to trading through our combined trading and technology curriculum, which includes a shadow on one of our trading desks.

• Apply understanding of data structures, algorithms, and multi‑threading concepts to real‑world problems.
• Be curious about options trading, pricing, and risk management. No prior knowledge or experience in finance is needed.
• Be highly motivated, humble, and collaborative.
• Thrive in a team‑based environment filled with driven people that value a healthy work‑life balance.
• Communicate ideas, both written and verbal, that showcase analytical skills.
• Seek constructive feedback to grow your capabilities.

• Strong foundation in an object‑oriented programming language gained through coursework, internships, or entry‑level positions (C++ preferred).
• Completed or pursuing a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or a similar field.
• A proven record of success (academics, awards, etc.).
• Willing to relocate to Chicago, IL or New York, NY.

• A place in a fast‑growing, industry‑leading global technology company.
• Excellent growth potential.
• Opportunity to work with and learn from forward‑thinking leaders in our industry.
• Collaborative team environment that rewards contributions, innovative thinking, and solution‑orientation.
• Competitive pay and comprehensive benefits package including free breakfast and lunch, healthy snacks, onsite biometric testing, and fitness center membership.

Salary Range: $175,000—$175,000 USD. Eligible for an annual discretionary bonus, dependent upon the individual's skills, experience, qualifications, and firm performance.

At CTC, we aim to cultivate a workplace that celebrates diversity and each person feels included, engaged and empowered. We are proud to be an equal‑opportunity employer and do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability status, or any other protected class. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform crucial job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment.

If you have a disability and need reasonable accommodation, please contact us at

Information submitted by job applicants may be subject to review and analysis by automated systems, including Artificial Intelligence (AI), as part of the recruitment process. Such systems are utilized to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of our hiring procedures.