About the role#
This Software Engineer Co-Op role runs from January to April 2027 in our Chicago office. You will work alongside mentors and teammates to build real-world applications for a global trading firm. Your projects address actual team needs, and you will see your code move to production in real time. We provide US immigration sponsorship for this position.
What you'll do#
- Learn trading fundamentals, including financial markets, strategies, and AI-enabled tools.
- Collaborate with engineers, traders, and business teams to develop, test, and ship code.
- Solve complex problems to improve system performance, reliability, and scalability.
- Gain experience as a full-time engineer by working on projects with real-world impact.
What you'll need#
- Current enrollment in a bachelor's, master's, or PhD program in Computer Science or Computer Engineering.
- Graduation date between December 2027 and June 2028, with junior standing or higher.
- Proficiency in C++, Python, or Java.
- Strong engineering instincts and a solid grasp of computer science fundamentals.
- An analytical approach to problem-solving and an interest in how technology powers financial markets.
- Ability to work well in a team alongside developers and traders.
Location & details#
- Location: Chicago, Illinois.
- Term: Winter 2027 (January - April).
- Modality: On-site.
- Compensation: This is a paid position with a base salary range of $70,000 to $85,000 USD.
- Benefits: We provide covered flights, living accommodations, commuting stipends, and daily office perks like meals and social events.
About Optiver
Optiver is a global electronic market maker founded in 1986. The firm provides liquidity for listed derivatives, cash equities, ETFs, bonds, and foreign currencies. It operates from offices in cities including Amsterdam, Chicago, Sydney, and Singapore. The company employs between 1,001 and 5,000 people.
How to get in at Optiver
Applying early to Optiver gives you a distinct advantage before the candidate pool becomes crowded. Intern Insider sends an instant alert the moment a role matching your target is published, helping you submit your application among the first. This timing ensures your profile is reviewed while recruiters have more capacity to consider new applicants. You can improve your response rate by reaching out to the recruiters behind these roles directly. Intern Insider surfaces the specific contacts for Optiver positions, allowing you to ask relevant questions or request a referral. Connecting with the right person often provides more clarity on the role than a standard application submission.
