Options Trader

Chicago Trading Company (CTC) is a premier proprietary trading firm specializing in options market making.  Our collaborative culture fuels innovation in quantitative research, systematic trading strategies, and cutting-edge trading technology.  For over three decades CTC has provided critical liquidity across derivatives exchanges worldwide - making them fairer, more transparent, and more efficient.

We strive to be the most innovative firm in the industry today, tomorrow, and long into the future while upholding ethical excellence. We believe that CTC makes a positive impact on the markets, the lives of our employees, and all the communities to which we belong. Started in 1995 by a team of forward-thinking Traders, we are proud to call ourselves an industry leader that keeps making markets and each other better.

We are seeking an Options Market Making Trader to further expand our coverage during Asian market hours. The trading shift runs from 4 pm - 1 am CT, with expectation to spend flexible time outside of trading on cross-shift training and strategy improvements. The role operates Sunday through Thursday with optionality for remote and/or on-site work.  

The successful candidate will begin with a training program spanning different shifts (schedule will be tailored to candidate, but potential to spend time with Chicago, Asian, and European shifts) and products including S&P, Metals, Nasdaq, Russell, and Vix options. During this training period, you will master proprietary execution, fitting, portfolio management, and post-trade analysis tools while developing a comprehensive understanding of CTC’s options trading strategies.  

WHAT YOU'LL DO

• Maintain trading schedule from 4 pm to 1 am CT (with flexible time outside of trading hours for cross-shift training and strategy improvements) 
• Ensure daily production system readiness 
• Execute trading (majority electronic, some broker call around) and portfolio management  
• Perform real-time recalibration of system controls to dynamically match the trading environment 
• Effectively bridge the handoff between shifts by communicating relevant risk information, trading flows, and system issues 
• Contribute to execution improvements and strategic projects during non-trading hours 

WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR

• Minimum 2 years of options market making trading experience 
• Minimum 1 year of market making portfolio management experience  
• Interested in building longer term stability in our Asian hours operation 
• Strong operational skillset to partner with technologists on prevention and quick resolution of system issues/outages 
• Strong judgement to make trading and portfolio management decisions under pressure and with more independence given more limited shift support 
• Ability to distill influx of information to prioritize and address the most important thing at any given moment 
• Proactive communicator and self-starter who can effectively coordinate between shifts and take initiative to ensure continuous personal development 

NICE TO HAVE

• Experience in S&P, Metals, Nasdaq, Russell, or Vix options market making trading 
• Basic proficiency in Python programming 

Compensation

The salary range for this role is listed below. This role is also eligible for an annual discretionary bonus. The discretionary bonus will be dependent upon the individual’s skills, experience, qualifications, and firm performance. 

Salary Range$225,000—$250,000 USD

Most teams at CTC, with the exception of Trading, follow a hybrid workplace model, subject to change based on business need.

Our Benefits 

We strongly believe in the well-being of our employees and their families so we offer outstanding benefits to support you both professionally and personally. These benefits include generous time off, insurance coverage, paid parental leave, free breakfast and lunch (plus healthy snacks, of course), wellness reimbursement, and a variety of other benefits focused on providing the best employee experience. 

(Disclaimer: interns and contractors are not eligible for benefits at CTC) 

Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

At CTC, we aim to cultivate a workplace that celebrates diversity and each person feels included, engaged and empowered. Where each of us feels we belong. We are committed to having a diverse workforce and are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. CTC does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform crucial job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. 

If you have a disability and believe you need a reasonable accommodation in order to search for a job opening or to apply for a position, please contact us at info@chicagotrading.com. Note that emails sent to this email account for non-disability related issues, such as following up on an application, will not receive a response.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Information submitted by job applicants may be subject to review and analysis by automated systems, including Artificial Intelligence (AI), as part of the recruitment process. Such systems are utilized to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of our hiring procedures. Applicants are advised that any information provided may be evaluated by AI tools to ensure an equitable and thorough assessment.