
About Optiver
Empowering markets through technology and expertise
Key Highlights
- Founded in 1986, with over 1,000 employees
- Headquartered in Amsterdam, Noord-Holland, Netherlands
- Specializes in options, ETFs, and futures trading
- Global presence with offices in Chicago, Sydney, and Shanghai
Optiver is a leading proprietary trading firm and market maker based in Amsterdam, specializing in exchange-listed financial instruments such as options, ETFs, and futures. Founded in 1986, Optiver operates globally with over 1,000 employees and is known for its advanced trading technology and quant...
🎁 Benefits
Optiver offers competitive salaries, performance-based bonuses, and equity options. Employees enjoy a generous PTO policy, flexible working arrangemen...
🌟 Culture
Optiver fosters a culture of collaboration and innovation, emphasizing data-driven decision-making and a strong focus on technology. The firm values t...
Overview
Optiver is hiring a Senior Quantitative Researcher to develop and refine alpha-driven strategies for fully automated options trading. You'll leverage your programming and data analysis skills in a collaborative environment in Chicago. This position requires 4-5+ years of quantitative research experience.
Job Description
Who you are
You have 4-5+ years of quantitative research experience, focused on alpha generation in equity or index options — you've developed and implemented strategies that drive trading performance and profitability. Your educational background includes a BS, MS, and/or PhD in a quantitative or technical field, equipping you with the analytical skills necessary for this role.
You are a strong individual contributor who thrives in a fast-paced, high-ownership environment — your ability to think differently and challenge assumptions allows you to identify unique trading opportunities. You possess strong programming and data analysis skills, particularly in Python and C++, which you have used to research and implement novel signals, models, and execution techniques.
You are excited to be an early-stage team member, helping to build and scale a world-class systematic volatility trading effort — your collaborative spirit and communication skills enable you to work effectively alongside best-in-class professionals from diverse backgrounds.
Desirable
Experience with automated trading systems or financial modeling would be a plus, as would familiarity with machine learning techniques applied to trading strategies. A passion for financial markets and a keen interest in options trading will help you excel in this role.
What you'll do
As a Senior Quantitative Researcher at Optiver, you will play a key role in shaping the future of the Systematic Volatility Trading team — your primary responsibility will be to develop and refine alpha-driven strategies for fully automated options trading. You will research and implement novel signals, models, and execution techniques to optimize trading performance, ensuring that the strategies you create are both innovative and effective.
You will collaborate closely with other team members to define the direction of the trading strategy, leveraging cutting-edge research to drive performance and profitability. Your insights and contributions will directly impact the success of the team and the firm as a whole.
In addition to your research responsibilities, you will also participate in discussions about market trends and trading opportunities, providing your expertise to help guide the team's strategic decisions. You will be expected to stay up-to-date with the latest developments in quantitative finance and trading technologies, continuously seeking ways to enhance your skills and knowledge.
What we offer
Optiver provides a highly competitive compensation package, including a global profit-sharing pool and performance-based bonus structure — you will also benefit from a 401(k) match up to 50% and comprehensive health, mental, dental, vision, disability, and life coverage. With 25 paid vacation days alongside market holidays, you will have ample time to recharge.
Our office culture is vibrant and inclusive, featuring extensive perks such as breakfast, lunch, and snacks, as well as regular social events, clubs, and sporting leagues. You will have the opportunity to work alongside talented professionals from over 40 different countries, fostering a collaborative and innovative environment.
Join us at Optiver and be part of a team that is shaping the future of trading — we encourage you to apply even if your experience doesn't match every requirement, as we value diverse perspectives and backgrounds.
Interested in this role?
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