Derivatives Trader – Electronic Market Making
IDj-9445
Job TypeDirect Hire
Remote TypeOn-Site
Compensation$150000 - $185000 / yr
Pay: $150,000.00 - $185,000.00 per year
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.
Qualifications
- 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.
Why You’ll Love Working Here
- 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.
JPC-516
#LI-SK3
Job Type: Full-time
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Paid time off
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
