ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Software Developer Researcher Jobs in Chicago, IL

Optiver

Software Engineer - Research Platform

Chicago, IL · On-site

$200K/yr

... the software platform layered on top. ORP enables Optiver's global research teams to define and ... Collaborate globally with Optiver business teams including traders, researchers, and engineers to ...

Quanta Search

Research Developer (C++)

Chicago, IL · On-site

$50.50 - $68/hr

As a Research Developer, you'll join a dynamic algorithmic Chicago based trading team, addressing ... Develop software solutions for large-scale data acquisition, storage, access, and visualization.

Quanta Search

Research Developer (C++)

Chicago, IL · On-site

$50.50 - $68/hr

As a Research Developer, you'll join a dynamic algorithmic Chicago based trading team, addressing ... Develop software solutions for large-scale data acquisition, storage, access, and visualization.

RBN Chicago

Lead Software Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

Hire, mentor and manage software engineers and interns from the Computer Science department Coordinate development projects across distributed teams Actively engage with our R&D group to explore new ...

RBN

Lead Software Engineer

Chicago, IL

Hire, mentor and manage software engineers and interns from the Computer Science department Coordinate development projects across distributed teams Actively engage with our R&D group to explore new ...

Tachyon Technologies

Java Multiple roles

Chicago, IL

$75 - $85/hr

The Senior Software Developer's role is to design, code, test, and analyze software programs and applications. This includes researching, designing, documenting, and modifying software specifications ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsSoftware Developer Researcher JobsSoftware Developer Researcher Jobs in Chicago, IL

Software Developer Researcher information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$30.9K

$116.5K

$169.5K

How much do software developer researcher jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for software developer researcher in Chicago, IL is $116,511.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $69,000.00 and $158,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Software Developer Researcher vs Software Engineer?

AspectSoftware Developer ResearcherSoftware Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in CS or related field; research experienceBachelor's or Master's in CS or related field; practical development skills
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, academic institutions, R&D departmentsTech companies, startups, software development firms
Employer & Industry UsagePrimarily in research-focused roles within academia or R&D divisionsAcross various industries including tech, finance, healthcare
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding research-focused roles in software developmentPractical software development careers

Software Developer Researchers focus on exploring new algorithms, conducting experiments, and advancing theoretical knowledge in software. In contrast, Software Engineers typically develop, test, and maintain software products for practical use. Both roles require strong programming skills and a background in computer science, but their work environments and objectives differ significantly.

Software Engineer - Research Platform

Optiver

Chicago, IL • On-site

$200K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 17 days ago

Job description

The Optiver Research Platform (ORP) is a vertically integrated platform team that manages both high-performance compute infrastructure and the software platform layered on top. ORP enables Optiver's global research teams to define and execute large-scale computational problems such as simulations and model training through streamlined orchestration of complex workflows. By owning the full stack, from datacenter hardware to distributed research tooling, ORP provides the fastest possible turnaround time for experiments and continually expands Optiver's ability to generate insights from the markets we operate in.
What you'll do:
  • Expand the Optiver Research Platform's capabilities by building features and improving performance across service orchestration, job scheduling, cluster management, big-data processing, and other core services that business teams directly interface with.
  • Build and evolve a fully managed compute & data platform layer for improved scale & reliability in Python & Rust.
  • Explore cutting-edge technologies and integrate them into Optiver's research workflows to enhance performance and allow deriving better insights.
  • Collaborate globally with Optiver business teams including traders, researchers, and engineers to push their understanding of the market to new heights.

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:
  • Experience leading large-scale engineering projects
  • Strong engineering instincts and a deep understanding of computer science fundamentals
  • Experience in distributed systems
  • Expertise in Python is required; experience with C, C++, or Rust is a plus
  • Experience working with GPUs and the CUDA ecosystem is a plus
  • Ability to tackle complex technical problems at the intersection of infrastructure and research enablement
  • Commitment to continuous learning and improvement in a rapidly evolving environment
  • Excellent communication and collaboration skills for working with global researchers and engineers
  • Readiness to set technical direction, promote engineering principles, and do the right thing

Who we are:
Optiver is a global market maker driven by technology. Our mission is to improve the market by injecting liquidity, providing accurate pricing, increasing transparency and stabilizing the market no matter the conditions. With a focus on continuous improvement, we prioritize 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.
Applicants may submit up to three application per calendar year across all open roles.
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

Apply