Quantitative Researcher – HFT Futures/Equities
Optiver · New York, United States
- On site
- Full-time
- $200,000 / year
- New York, United States
Job highlights
- Develop and improve automated HFT trading strategies.
- Conduct research on alpha, signals, and features.
- Collaborate with peers on complex financial problems.
- Optimize research workflows for efficiency.
- Shape business direction through strategic discussions.
About the role
Quantitative Researcher – HFT Futures/Equities
Optiver is seeking Quantitative Researchers to join our High-Frequency Trading (HFT) Team, where we run fully automated trading strategies powered by Machine Learning. As part of this high-impact, collaborative team, you’ll play a key role in developing, improving, and executing trading strategies, directly shaping our research and execution pipeline.
What you'll do:
- Conduct alpha, signal, and feature research, developing models to enhance predictions and improve trading algorithms
- Collaborate with peers to review research, solve complex problems, and refine trading strategies
- Optimize research workflows to increase efficiency and effectiveness
- Contribute to strategic discussions, helping shape the future direction of the business
What you'll get:
You’ll join a culture of collaboration and excellence, surrounded by curious thinkers and creative problem-solvers. Motivated by a passion for continuous improvement, you’ll thrive in a supportive, high-performing environment alongside talented colleagues, collectively tackling some of the toughest challenges in the financial markets.
In addition, you’ll receive:
- The opportunity to work alongside best-in-class professionals from over 40 different countries
- A highly competitive compensation package
- Global profit-sharing pool and performance-based bonus structure
- 401(k) match up to 50%
- Comprehensive health, mental, dental, vision, disability, and life coverage
- 25 paid vacation days alongside market holidays
- Extensive office perks, including breakfast, lunch and snacks, regular social events, clubs, sporting leagues and more
Who you are:
- 2+ years of quantitative research experience on a successful futures/equities trading team
- Proven track record of developing profitable trading strategies, with strong analytical and mathematical skills
- Experience in computationally intensive research
- BS, MS, and/or PhD in a quantitative or technical field
- Proficiency in programming languages (C++, C, Python, Java)
- A highly collaborative team player, valuing diverse perspectives and building strong partnerships
- A self-starter who takes initiative, sets ambitious goals, and proactively identifies opportunities for impact
Who we are:
At Optiver, our mission is to improve the market by injecting liquidity, providing accurate pricing, increasing transparency and stabilising the market no matter the conditions. With a focus on continuous improvement, we prioritise safeguarding the health and efficiency of the markets for all participants. As one of the largest market making institutions, we are a respected partner on 100+ exchanges across the globe.
Our differences are our edge. Optiver does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, physical or mental disability, or other legally protected characteristics.
Below is the expected base salary for this position. This is a good-faith estimate of the base pay scale for this position and offers will ultimately be determined based on experience, education, skill set, and performance in the interview process. This position will also be eligible for a discretionary bonus (if determined by Optiver) and Optiver’s benefits package with the benefits listed above.
Base Salary Range
$200,000—$200,000 USD
Key skills/competency:
- Quantitative Researcher
- HFT
- Futures Trading
- Equities Trading
- Machine Learning
- Algorithmic Trading
- Python
- C++
- Mathematical Modeling
- Financial Markets
Skills & topics
- Quantitative Researcher
- HFT
- Futures Trading
- Equities Trading
- Machine Learning
- Algorithmic Trading
- Python
- C++
- Quantitative Analysis
- Financial Markets
- Trading Strategies
- Data Science
- Research Scientist
- High-Frequency Trading
How to get hired
- Tailor your resume: Highlight quantitative research experience, profitable strategy development, and programming skills (C++, Python).
- Showcase technical skills: Emphasize your BS/MS/PhD in a quantitative field and experience with computationally intensive research.
- Demonstrate collaboration: Provide examples of teamwork and your ability to build strong partnerships.
- Highlight initiative: Detail your self-starter mentality, goal setting, and proactive problem-solving in past roles.
- Prepare for technical interviews: Be ready to discuss your research, models, and coding proficiency in C++ and Python.
Technical preparation
Behavioral questions
Frequently asked questions
- What is the base salary for a Quantitative Researcher at Optiver?
- The expected base salary for a Quantitative Researcher at Optiver is $200,000 USD. This is a good-faith estimate and the final offer will depend on your experience, education, skills, and interview performance. The role is also eligible for a discretionary bonus and Optiver's comprehensive benefits package.
- What are the key responsibilities of a Quantitative Researcher at Optiver?
- As a Quantitative Researcher at Optiver, you will conduct alpha, signal, and feature research, develop predictive models, collaborate with peers to refine trading strategies, optimize research workflows, and contribute to strategic business discussions within the High-Frequency Trading (HFT) team.
- What qualifications are needed for the Quantitative Researcher position at Optiver?
- Optiver requires 2+ years of quantitative research experience on a futures/equities trading team, a proven track record of developing profitable trading strategies, strong analytical and mathematical skills, a BS/MS/PhD in a quantitative field, and proficiency in programming languages like C++, C, Python, or Java. A collaborative and self-starting attitude is also essential.
- What programming languages are most important for this Quantitative Researcher role?
- Proficiency in programming languages such as C++, C, Python, and Java is required for the Quantitative Researcher role at Optiver. C++ and Python are particularly important for computationally intensive research and developing trading algorithms in an HFT environment.
- Does Optiver offer remote work for Quantitative Researchers?
- The job description does not explicitly state whether the Quantitative Researcher position is remote, hybrid, or on-site. However, given the collaborative nature of the HFT team and the mention of office perks, it is likely an on-site or hybrid role. Further clarification would be needed.
- What kind of compensation and benefits can I expect as a Quantitative Researcher at Optiver?
- Quantitative Researchers at Optiver receive a highly competitive compensation package including a base salary of $200,000, a global profit-sharing pool, performance-based bonuses, a 401(k) match up to 50%, and comprehensive health, mental, dental, vision, disability, and life coverage. You also get 25 paid vacation days and numerous office perks.
- How does Optiver use Machine Learning in its trading strategies?