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Software Engineer Intern - Python, Summer 2027

Chicago

Akuna Capital is an innovative trading firm with a strong focus on collaboration, cutting-edge technology, data‑driven solutions, and automation. We specialize in providing liquidity as an options market maker, meaning we are committed to providing competitive quotes that we are willing to both buy and sell. To do this successfully, we design and implement our own low latency technologies, trading strategies, and mathematical models.

Our founding partners first conceptualized Akuna in their hometown of Sydney. They opened the firm’s first office in 2011 in the heart of the derivatives industry and the options capital of the world – Chicago. Today, Akuna is proud to operate from additional offices in Sydney, Shanghai, Singapore, and London.

What you’ll do as a Python Software Engineer Intern at Akuna

We are seeking Python Software Engineer Interns to join our innovative and growing technology team for our 10‑week Akuna Academy internship program. In this role, you will join either our Post‑Trade Technology or Data Engineering teams and work alongside software engineers and traders to design and implement elegant solutions to complex and interesting problems. Each intern takes full ownership of their project, and at the end of the program, has the opportunity to present their work and accomplishments.

Python Software Engineer Interns at Akuna have the opportunity to use cutting‑edge technology while working on high‑performance systems that process and analyze large volumes of trading and market data. We offer a team‑based approach to trading and software engineering, believing that productive integration of the two groups is vital for success in this industry.

Akuna is looking for software engineers who are motivated and willing to reach for creative solutions when faced with novel problems. We value innovation and hard work and want our engineers to make an impact on the firm. Whether you are interested in trading infrastructure, algorithms, exchange gateways, or data capture and analysis, there’s engaging work to be done. If you are excited to jump in and make a difference, Akuna could be the place for you.

Requirements for this role

• ‑ Pursuing a bachelor’s, master’s, or Ph.D. in a technical field (Computer Science/Engineering, Math, Physics, or equivalent)
• ‑ Graduating by August 2028
• ‑ Major GPA of 3.5 or above
• ‑ Legal authorization to work in the U.S. is required on the first day of employment, including F‑1 students using OPT or STEM

Previous experience in finance or trading is not required. Many of our engineers joined Akuna with little-to-no prior knowledge of the markets, and we pride ourselves on our ability to onboard those new to the industry. Training and continuous education are provided for all engineers to ensure they can build the requisite technical and non‑technical skillset for success.

Qualities That Make a Great Python Software Engineer Intern Candidate

• Strong programming skills in Object‑Oriented Python Development
• Demonstrated experience with distributed systems
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills
• Ability to communicate with the trading team, obtain requirements, find solutions, and implement them in a clean and concise way
• Ability to create an easily understood and testable codebase that can change as quickly as market conditions require
• Ability to react quickly and accurately to rapidly changing market conditions, including the ability to quickly and accurately respond and/or solve math and coding problems
• Passion for innovation and building systems from the ground up
• Adaptability in an ever‑changing environment
• Self‑starter attitude with the ability to work independently

In accordance with the Illinois Equal Pay Act, the minimum annualized base salary starts at $145,000. Exact compensation offered may vary based on many factors including, but not limited to, the candidate’s experience, qualifications, and skill set. The minimum base salary herein was determined in good faith by Akuna Capital LLC.

Akuna is an equal opportunity employer, and we believe that innovation begins with inclusion. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type, and afford equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.