Quantitative Trader / Researcher – Delta One Desk | Chicago

Our client is a fast-growing proprietary trading firm based in Chicago, specialising in high-frequency, systematic options market-making. They have built a strong technology foundation with proprietary low-latency execution systems developed entirely in-house, and are now looking to expand into a new area of the business.

The Opportunity

This is a rare chance to build something from scratch. The firm is establishing a Delta One futures trading desk and wants an experienced quant trader or researcher to lead that build. You will have real P&L responsibility early, direct access to the founding team, and the freedom to shape both the strategy and the infrastructure around it.

In the near term the focus will be on systematic intraday futures strategies — primarily supporting the existing options business through smarter delta hedging, improved execution, and better real-time risk management. As the desk matures, the mandate opens up into fully independent alpha generation across a broader set of CME products and eventually other asset classes.

What the Role Involves

1. Designing and deploying short-horizon systematic futures strategies, taking them from initial research through to live trading
2. Building predictive signals using a wide range of market data sources across CME futures products
3. Working closely with the options market-making team on hedging workflows, valuation and execution
4. Playing an active role in improving execution quality as the firm develops its low-latency and FPGA capabilities

What They're Looking For

1. At least 3 years' experience trading or researching systematically on a futures, equities, or HFT desk with a delta one focus
2. Solid grasp of futures microstructure, short-horizon strategies, and hedging/risk management in a live trading environment
3. Strong hands-on skills in C++ and Python
4. Quantitative degree — Mathematics, Computer Science, Physics, Engineering or similar

Particularly Relevant Background

1. Experience on CME products
2. Prior exposure to options trading or market-making environments
3. Having built or helped build a desk or systematic framework from the ground up

What's on Offer

1. Competitive base salary and discretionary bonus
2. Full health, dental, and vision coverage — 100% firm-paid
3. 401(k) with 4% match
4. Unlimited PTO
5. Commuter benefits and daily lunch on the firm
6. A small, high-calibre team where your work has immediate and visible impact