Associate Software Engineer Jobs in Elgin, IL (NOW HIRING)

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.
Are you excited to play an important role in building next generation trading infrastructure and applications? Do you thrive in an innovative environment? If so, we encourage you to consider CTC!
The Role
We are looking for talented and motivated software engineers to join our engineering teams in designing, coding, and testing sophisticated trading tools and risk applications. These distributed real-time systems will require you to have a deep understanding of computer science concepts, strong software development skills and methodology, and effective communication and collaboration abilities. Software development cycles at CTC are short and releases of proprietary software are frequent. In this fast-paced and dynamic team environment, our engineers quickly see the results of their effort, and the impact it has on our businesses. Engineers will also have exposure to trading through our combined trading and technology curriculum which includes a shadow on one of our trading desks.
What it takes for you to be successful

• You can apply understanding of data structures, algorithms, and multi-threading concepts to real-world problems
• You are curious about options trading, pricing and risk management. No prior knowledge or experience in finance is needed
• You are a highly motivated, humble, and collaborative team member
• Ability to thrive in a team-based environment filled with driven people who want to compete and win together
• Ability to effectively communicate ideas both written and verbally that showcase your analytical skills

What We're Looking For

• You are pursuing a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering or a similar technical field with Java, C++, or Python experience
• Strong foundation in an object oriented programming language gained through coursework or internships
• You will graduate between December 2026-June 2027
• You have a demonstrated record of success (academics, awards, etc.)
• Willing to relocate to Chicago, IL or New York, NY (most positions will be based in Chicago with a limited few in New York)

Why should you consider a career at CTC?

• Be part of a fast-growing, industry-leading global trading company
• Work in an environment that actively explores and applies emerging technologies - including AI - to enhance trading, engineering, and research workflows
• Opportunity to work with and learn from forward-thinking leaders in our industry
• Collaborative team environment that rewards contributions, innovative thinking, and solution-orientation
• Excellent growth potential
• Competitive pay and comprehensive benefits package including free breakfast and lunch (and healthy snacks of course!) as well as a fitness center membership

Please note: You are allowed to submit one application per position (i.e. Associate Engineer and Quant Trading Associate) during the recruiting cycle. We recommend focusing on applying for the role that aligns most closely with your skills and interests. While you can apply for more than one role, please keep in mind that each application will be assessed according to the specific requirements set for that role. The Chicago and New York job posts are the same job. Please do not apply to both. Pick one and select your location preferences in the application.
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
$200,000-$200,000 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 medical coverage, paid parental leave, free breakfast and lunch (plus healthy snacks, of course), wellness reimbursement, quarterly recharge days, 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.