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Trading Strategy Developer Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

EXPERIENCED TRADER

Chicago, IL · On-site

$135K - $185K/yr

... trading strategies Location * Work location is generally flexible and subject to approval Education * Bachelor's degree in a technical area such as electrical engineering or computer science ...

EXPERIENCED TRADER

Chicago, IL · On-site

$135K - $185K/yr

... trading strategies Location * Work location is generally flexible and subject to approval Education * Bachelor's degree in a technical area such as electrical engineering or computer science ...

EXPERIENCED TRADER

Chicago, IL · On-site +1

$135K - $185K/yr

... trading strategies Location * Work location is generally flexible and subject to approval Education * Bachelor's degree in a technical area such as electrical engineering or computer science ...

Senior Corporate Bonds Trader

Chicago, IL

$83K - $105K/yr

The ideal candidate will have proven success and discipline in their trading strategies, a niche ... Bachelor's, Master's, or Doctorate in Financial Engineering, Statistics, Math, Computer Science or ...

Your role is to develop and execute trading strategies in multiple US congestion markets, develop ... University degree in Mathematics, Economics, (Electrical) Engineering or related field * Experience ...

Short-term Congestion Trader

Chicago, IL · On-site

$125K - $175K/yr

Your role is to develop and execute trading strategies in multiple US congestion markets, develop ... University degree in Mathematics, Economics, (Electrical) Engineering or related field * Experience ...

Showing results 41-60

Trading Strategy Developer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$57.2K

$128.4K

$224.1K

How much do trading strategy developer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for trading strategy developer in Chicago, IL is $128,417.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $92,700.00 and $162,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a trading strategy developer do?

A Trading Strategy Developer designs, tests, and implements algorithms or systems that facilitate automated trading in financial markets. They analyze market data, identify trading opportunities, and use programming languages to create models that can execute trades based on predefined rules. Their work involves backtesting strategies to ensure efficiency and robustness before deploying them in live markets, and they often collaborate with quantitative analysts and other finance professionals to optimize trading performance.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a trading strategy developer?

To thrive as a Trading Strategy Developer, you need a solid background in quantitative analysis, financial markets, and programming—often supported by a degree in math, finance, computer science, or engineering. Expertise with programming languages such as Python, C++, and platforms like MATLAB, as well as familiarity with trading systems and backtesting frameworks, is typically required. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and the ability to communicate complex ideas effectively set top performers apart. These abilities are crucial for designing robust, profitable strategies that perform reliably in dynamic and competitive trading environments.

What is the difference between Trading Strategy Developer vs Quantitative Analyst?

AspectTrading Strategy DeveloperQuantitative Analyst
CredentialsTypically requires degrees in finance, computer science, or mathematics; certifications like CFA or CQF are commonSimilar credentials; often holds advanced degrees in finance, mathematics, or statistics; CFA is also common
Work EnvironmentWorks in trading firms, hedge funds, or financial institutions focusing on developing and implementing trading algorithmsWorks in finance, investment banks, or asset management firms analyzing data to inform investment decisions
Primary FocusDesigning, testing, and optimizing trading strategies and algorithmsAnalyzing financial data, modeling markets, and developing quantitative models for investment strategies

While both roles require strong quantitative skills and similar educational backgrounds, Trading Strategy Developers focus on creating and deploying trading algorithms, whereas Quantitative Analysts primarily analyze data and develop models to support investment decisions. Their work environments often overlap, but their core responsibilities differ in application and focus.

What are some common challenges faced by trading strategy developers when implementing new algorithms in live markets?

Trading Strategy Developers often encounter challenges such as managing slippage, latency, and unexpected market conditions when deploying new algorithms. Backtested strategies may not always perform as expected in live environments due to differences in data quality, execution speed, and market microstructure. Close collaboration with quantitative researchers, software engineers, and risk managers is essential to monitor performance, make real-time adjustments, and ensure compliance with trading regulations. Addressing these challenges proactively is key to maintaining robust, profitable strategies.
What are popular job titles related to Trading Strategy Developer jobs in Chicago, IL? For Trading Strategy Developer jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Trading Strategy Developer jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Trading Strategy Developer jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Trading Strategy Developer jobs? Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Trading Strategy Developer job openings:
Infographic showing various Trading Strategy Developer job openings in Chicago, IL as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 4% Internship, 86% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 69% In-person, 8% Hybrid, and 23% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $128,417 per year, or $61.7 per hour.

EXPERIENCED TRADER

XR Trading LLC

Chicago, IL • On-site

$135K - $185K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 17 days ago


Job description

Job Type
Full-time
Description
XR Trading is a proprietary trading firm with employees in the Netherlands, Singapore, UK and US. XR participates in a wide variety of marketplaces including global futures, equities, commodities, options, fixed income, and cryptocurrencies. Our culture emphasizes teamwork and focuses on continuous integration and test-driven development.
We embrace opportunistic hiring by welcoming exceptional talent even when a specific role may not be open. If you are highly skilled, motivated, and eager to contribute, we encourage applicants to apply so we can explore potential opportunities within XR Trading.
Job Function & Responsibilities
  • We are seeking a talented and self-motivated Experienced Trader to join our growing trading team
  • The ideal candidate is willing to develop new trading strategies utilizing our proprietary software, as well as customize our current trading strategies

Location
  • Work location is generally flexible and subject to approval

Education
  • Bachelor's degree in a technical area such as electrical engineering or computer science

Preferred Experience & Skills
  • Preference to those with the ability to do light programming work using multi-dimensional arrays, nested loops, complex conditionals and simple file I/O
  • Preference to those who are fluent in C++ and/or Python
  • Strong mathematical aptitude
  • Values teamwork and is capable of thinking independently
  • Can communicate effectively while under pressure
  • Can adapt to changing situations with ease
  • 5+ years working experience of high volume trading
  • Has demonstrated the ability to use sound judgment while trading
  • Proven ability to develop new, profitable trading strategies

Please note: only individuals whose qualifications match our current needs will be contacted for further screening and/or interviews. XR Trading does not hire candidates who are currently on a student visa or who now or in the future will require XR to sponsor them for employment visa. Thank you for your interest in XR Trading!
Below is the expected base salary range for this position. This position is also eligible for an annual discretionary bonus as additional compensation as well as company benefits listed below.
Base Salary Range
  • $135,000 - $185,000 USD

XR's Company Benefits Package
100% Employer-Paid
  • Medical Coverage
  • Dental Coverage
  • Health Savings Account
  • $50,000 Life Insurance Policy
  • Short-term Disability Insurance
  • Long-term Disability Insurance
  • Employee Assistance Program

Flexible Spending Accounts
  • Dental
  • Vision

401(k) Retirement Savings Plan
  • XR matches 50 cents to every dollar employee contributes

Pre-tax Transit Benefits
  • $50 stipend for each month
  • Annual reimbursement for bike sharing programs

Paid Time Off
  • Generous Annual Vacation and Sick Time
  • Maternity, Paternity and Adoptive Parent Leave

Continued Education
  • Tuition Reimbursement for relevant Undergraduate and Graduate School
  • 100% reimbursement for successful completion of qualifying Certificate Programs, CFA Exams, and Single Courses

Anniversary Program
  • 5 Years of Employment: 2 additional PTO days and a long-weekend trip for two to a local resort of your choice
  • 10 & 20 Years of Employment: 6-Week Paid Sabbatical
  • 15 Years of Employment: 3 additional PTO days and a long-weekend trip for two to a global destination of your choice

Other XR Perks
  • Option to Work Fully Remote
  • Regularly Scheduled Company Sponsored Lunch
  • Access to Building Gym
  • Regular Corporate Events
  • Book Club
  • XR Super Week

XR Trading logo

About XR Trading

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Securities, commodity contracts, and financial investments

Company size

1 - 10 Employees

Headquarters location

Chicago, IL, US

Year founded

2002