Derivatives Trader - Electronic Market Making

Knowhirematch•Chicago, IL

7d•Onsite

About The Position

Why This Is a Great Opportunity 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. Location On-site in Chicago, IL on a fast-paced trading floor, with deep collaboration across trading, research, and technology teams. Note 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. About Our Client 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. Job Description 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.

Requirements

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.
Ability to work on-site full time in the Chicago office.

Nice To Haves

Quantitative analysis skills are a plus; advanced degrees are preferred but not required.

Responsibilities

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.

Benefits

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.
Dental insurance
Paid time off
Retirement plan
Vision insurance