Entry Level Java Developer Jobs in Arlington Heights, IL

Graduate Developer Program Chicago 2027

Maven Securities is a leading proprietary trading firm that leverages sophisticated technology and quantitative analysis to trade in global financial markets. We specialize in options and derivatives market making, where your skills can be directly applied to have a real impact.

At Maven, we believe exceptional careers are built deliberately. Our graduate program is designed for a small number of high-potential individuals each year, combining comprehensive training, real responsibility, and long-term development. We don't hire large classes with the expectation that only a few will succeed, we invest in every individual who joins the team.

Program details:

• Location: Chicago (based in London for training period)
• Program start date: 6th September 2027
• Application deadline: Rolling basis
• Total compensation: $140k-$170k 

You'll begin with a structured 10-week training program in London, designed to prepare you for a career in software development. This initial phase focuses on building the technical foundations and professional skills needed for the role, as well as forming crucial working relationships with your UK counterparts - both on the Graduate Program and more senior stakeholders. 

Following training, you'll return to Chicago and roll onto two 14-week rotations, where you'll continue to learn through hands-on experience. Maven offers a few days of leave to support this transition, as well as travel, accommodation and relocation support. 

What you will be doing:

• Build and optimize systems used in real-time trading
• Work on performance-critical infrastructure
• Collaborate directly with Developers and Traders
• Contribute to production systems early in your career

How and what you will learn:

• Progress through a structured onboarding program with clear learning milestones
• Build your foundation through theory and exercise-led training, led by Maven's Head of Technology Training & Graduates
• Our technical syllabus covers the fundamentals and beyond of Maven's main programming languages of C++, C# and Python, as well as TypeScript and React
• We will teach you how to use and master Maven's in-house tools and systems. Maven utilizes the latest technology in order to meet and exceed our demanding business challenges. We believe in using the right tool for the right job with a strong focus on engineering rigor
• Attend regular check-ins with the Technology and Emerging Talent teams

Who you are:

Key criteria:

• A final-year undergraduate or master's student
• A genuine interest in software development and a curiosity to learn
• Familiarity with one or more programming languages
• A willingness to adopt and utilise emerging AI technologies

We're looking for someone who is:

• An entrepreneurial thinker with the ability to generate ideas, take initiative and drive innovation
• A critical problem solver and decision maker who can analyze situations, think clearly and make effective decisions
• An agile learner who is able to quickly acquire knowledge, take on feedback, adapt and apply insights across different contexts
• Able to synthesize information, resolve conflicting inputs, see the bigger picture, and translate complex information into actionable recommendations
• Collaborative and influential, able to build trust, work effectively with others and positively impact the team
• Results-focused and accountable, taking ownership and delivering outcomes reliably

Why Maven?:

• Dedicated In-House Trainers: Gain the tools to succeed in a rapidly evolving market, where AI is integral to our strategy and daily operations. Our tailored curriculums are led by in-house experts and cover both technical and professional skills, as well as guidance on how to adopt AI best practices
• Accelerate Your Career: Every permanent colleague receives a dedicated learning and development budget, full access to our online learning platform, and frequent training sessions led by our Maven experts
• Proven Pathways: Benefit from our structured pipeline programs that set you up for long-term success. Around a quarter of Maven's workforce joined through an Emerging Talent Program, with many staying from Spring Week through the Graduate Program and beyond
• Supported to Succeed: We are committed to fostering an inclusive workplace where everyone can perform at your best. We offer recruitment support where needed, and employee resource groups that help build community across the firm
• Grow with Guidance: Enjoy regular feedback, structured review points, and informal off-desk chats. Everyone in our Emerging Talent Programs is also paired with a Maven buddy for practical advice and day-to-day support
• Make a Real Impact, Fast: Graduates are embedded directly into our tech teams, contributing to critical projects from day one. In fact, a recent graduate successfully rewrote a decade-old C# trading application in C++ to ensure it meets our demanding needs for the next ten years

Please note:

• We accept one application per candidate, per recruitment cycle
• Visa sponsorship is available for selected roles, please see our FAQ page for details

Maven is an equal opportunity employer. We encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds, and do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability status, or any other basis protected by applicable law. 

Benefits at Maven:

As a graduate joining Maven, you'll be eligible for a range of benefits, including:

• 25 days of PTO plus US national holidays, which we expect you to take
• Private medical and dental cover, eye care support, life assurance, 401k or Roth retirement plans, and an Employee Assistance Program
• Consideration for a discretionary annual bonus
• An annual learning and development budget, alongside wider training and development opportunities
• Wellness benefits, including free use of the building gym and access to ClassPass
• Frequent social events, from welcome dinners and summer parties to company sports leagues and boat tours!
• Daily breakfast in the office and a lunch allowance, plus snacks and drinks throughout the day
• Enhanced family-friendly policies, including maternity, paternity, adoption, fertility and partner's leave
• Work in a forward-thinking environment where AI is integral to our strategy and daily operations