1

Algorithmic Trader Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Systematic Equity Options Trader

Chicago, IL ยท On-site +1

$170K - $250K/yr

Must have a strong understanding of the market microstructure and execution algorithms * Excellent ... Experience trading equity options or volatility products systematically * Knowledge of order book ...

Learn proprietary methodologies and trading systems that support an established low-latency, algorithmic trading business * Improve and extend the core trading platform, enhance existing trades, and ...

Software Developer (Chicago)

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$150K - $250K/yr

Learn proprietary methodologies and trading systems that support an established low-latency, algorithmic trading business * Improve and extend the core trading platform, enhance existing trades, and ...

Learn proprietary methodologies and trading systems that support an established low-latency, algorithmic trading business * Improve and extend the core trading platform, enhance existing trades, and ...

Designing and implementing high-quality software solutions used for algorithmic trading, exchange connectivity, and research * Exploring and working with industry-leading software and hardware

Senior Software Developer

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$56.25 - $74.25/hr

Designing and implementing high quality software solutions used for algorithmic trading, exchange connectivity, and research * Exploring and working with industry leading hardware and software

Systematic Equity Options Trader

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$170K - $250K/yr

Must have a strong understanding of the market microstructure and execution algorithms * Excellent ... Experience trading equity options or volatility products systematically * Knowledge of order book ...

Senior Software Developer

Chicago, IL

$56.25 - $74.25/hr

Designing and implementing high quality software solutions used for algorithmic trading, exchange connectivity, and research * Exploring and working with industry leading hardware and software

Experienced FX/Forex Trader

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$72K - $120K/yr

Proficiency with trading platforms, execution algorithms, and market data analysis tools * Openness to feedback and willingness to adapt your trading style with changes in market conditions * Strong ...

Experienced FX/Forex Trader

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$72K - $120K/yr

Proficiency with trading platforms, execution algorithms, and market data analysis tools * Openness to feedback and willingness to adapt your trading style with changes in market conditions * Strong ...

Showing results 41-60

Algorithmic Trader information

See Illinois salary details

$38.3K

$93.8K

$261.2K

How much do algorithmic trader jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for algorithmic trader in Illinois is $93,776.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $54,700.00 and $102,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How do you become an algorithmic trader?

To become an algorithmic trader, you typically need a strong background in mathematics, programming, and finance, often holding a degree in a related field such as computer science, engineering, or finance. Developing skills in programming languages like Python or C++, understanding trading strategies, and gaining experience with trading platforms and data analysis are essential. Many algorithmic traders also pursue certifications or advanced degrees to enhance their knowledge and credibility.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an algorithmic trader?

To thrive as an Algorithmic Trader, you need a strong background in mathematics, statistics, programming (often Python, C++, or R), and a solid understanding of financial markets, usually supported by a relevant degree. Familiarity with trading platforms, backtesting frameworks, and data analysis tools, plus certifications like CFA or FRM, are commonly required. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and the ability to work under pressure are vital soft skills for success in this fast-paced environment. These skills enable traders to develop effective, automated strategies that capitalize on market opportunities while managing risk efficiently.

What are some typical challenges faced by algorithmic traders in their day-to-day work?

Algorithmic traders often encounter challenges such as maintaining and updating trading algorithms to adapt to rapidly changing market conditions, ensuring low-latency execution, and managing the risks associated with automated trading. Collaborating closely with quantitative analysts, software engineers, and risk managers is essential to refine strategies and troubleshoot technical issues. Staying compliant with regulatory requirements and monitoring for unexpected market behaviors or system errors are also important aspects of the role.

What is an algorithmic trader?

An algorithmic trader is a financial professional who uses computer algorithms to automate trading strategies in financial markets. These traders develop, test, and implement mathematical models that analyze market data and execute trades at speeds and frequencies impossible for humans. Algorithmic traders work in environments such as investment banks, hedge funds, and proprietary trading firms, and their goal is often to maximize returns while managing risk. They typically need strong skills in programming, quantitative analysis, and finance.

What is the difference between Algorithmic Trader vs Quantitative Analyst?

AspectAlgorithmic TraderQuantitative Analyst
Required CredentialsDegree in finance, computer science, or related field; programming skillsDegree in mathematics, statistics, or finance; strong analytical skills
Work EnvironmentTrading firms, hedge funds, financial institutions; fast-pacedFinancial institutions, research firms; analytical and research-focused
Employer & Industry UsageUsed primarily in trading and investment firmsUsed in asset management, hedge funds, and investment banks

While both roles require strong quantitative skills and programming knowledge, Algorithmic Traders focus on developing and executing trading algorithms in real-time markets, whereas Quantitative Analysts primarily develop models and strategies for investment decision-making. The roles often overlap but differ mainly in their focus on trading execution versus model development.

What are the most commonly searched types of Algorithmic Trader jobs in Illinois? The most popular types of Algorithmic Trader jobs in Illinois are:
What job categories do people searching Algorithmic Trader jobs in Illinois look for? The top searched job categories for Algorithmic Trader jobs in Illinois are:
What cities in Illinois are hiring for Algorithmic Trader jobs? Cities in Illinois with the most Algorithmic Trader job openings:
Infographic showing various Algorithmic Trader job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 87% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 81% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 17% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $93,776 per year, or $45.1 per hour.

Site Reliability Engineer - Algorithmic Trading

DRW

Chicago, IL โ€ข On-site

$58.75 - $78/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 24 days ago


Job description

Job Summary:
DRW is a diversified trading firm that combines sophisticated technology with exceptional talent to operate in global markets. The Site Reliability Engineer will be responsible for ensuring the smooth operation of production trading systems and enhancing automation to support trading, testing, and research environments.
Responsibilities:
โ€ข Work with software engineers and traders to provide 24/7 first line support of our trading, testing, and research environment.
โ€ข Proactively monitor and identify issues before they impact trading. Define and automate observability around application SLAs and build anomaly detectors that surface problems early.
โ€ข Oversee and maintain our test trading environment. Keep the environment running smoothly and pursue automation of routine interventions required to maintain a stable test platform for development.
โ€ข Standardize CI/CD and operational processes across development teams to reduce friction and speed up delivery. Improve deployment scripts and release verification processes.
โ€ข Perform stress tests and verify SLAs under load. Work with application and devops engineers to design and improve support for this type of testing.
โ€ข Work closely with traders, engineers, system administrators, data centers, networking, and other shared services.
Qualifications:
Required:
โ€ข Bachelor's degree in computer science or equivalent practical background.
โ€ข 3-10+ years of hands-on software development or SRE Experience
โ€ข Demonstrated experience with observability tools โ€“ logging, metrics and tracing
โ€ข Hands on development experience in scripting languages like Bash, Python, or Ruby
โ€ข An automation-first approach to problem solving โ€“ you understand that manual processes donโ€™t scale, and your instinct is to eliminate them before they become a bottleneck.
โ€ข Demonstrated knowledge of network communications including comprehensive understanding of the Linux TCP-IP stack, use of multicast networking, and network protocol interactions.
โ€ข Solid diagnostic capabilities from the application layer through the network and low-level hardware.
โ€ข Experience with network capture and time synchronization.
โ€ข High level of ownership and accountability, reliability, and strong follow through.
โ€ข Positive AI mentality and experience with AI agents to accelerate SRE tasks.
Company:
DRW is a diversified trading firm that combines technology, research, and risk management to capture trading and investment opportunities. Founded in 1992, the company is headquartered in Chicago, USA, with a team of 1001-5000 employees. The company is currently Late Stage.