Associate Engineer 2026
About The Position
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 them fairer, more transparent, and more efficient. We strive to be the most innovative firm in the industry today, tomorrow, and long into the future while upholding ethical excellence. We believe that CTC makes a positive impact on the markets, the lives of our employees, and all the communities to which we belong. Started in 1995 by a team of forward-thinking Traders, we are proud to call ourselves an industry leader that keeps making markets and each other better. Are you excited to play an important role in building next generation trading infrastructure and applications? Do you thrive in an innovative environment? If so, we encourage you to consider CTC! The Role: 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 you to have 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.
Requirements
- Strong foundation in an object-oriented programming language (C++ preferred) gained through coursework, internships, or entry-level positions.
- 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.).
- Willingness to relocate to Chicago, IL or New York, NY.
- Understanding of data structures, algorithms, and multi-threading concepts.
- Curiosity about options trading, pricing and risk management (no prior knowledge or experience in finance is needed).
- Highly motivated, humble, and collaborative.
- Ability to thrive in a team-based environment.
- Effective communication skills, both written and verbal, showcasing analytical skills.
- Seeking constructive feedback to grow capabilities.
Responsibilities
- Designing, coding, and testing sophisticated trading tools and risk applications.
- Working with distributed real-time systems.
- Participating in short software development cycles with frequent releases of proprietary software.
- Gaining exposure to trading through a combined trading and technology curriculum, including shadowing a trading desk.
Benefits
- 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
- Comprehensive benefits package
- Free breakfast and lunch
- Healthy snacks
- Onsite biometric testing
- Fitness center membership
- Generous time off
- Insurance coverage
- Paid parental leave
- Wellness reimbursement
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
