Junior Derivatives Trader
About the job
- A degree in mathematics, physics, engineering, computer science, or an equivalent qualification is required.
- Passion for the financial markets is required.
- Excellent quantitative, analytical, and problem-solving skills are required.
- An entrepreneurial attitude and keen attention to detail are required.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills are required.
- The ability to make split-second logical decisions in a high-pressure environment is required.
- A competitive drive and maturity to handle considerable responsibility are required.
- The capability to quickly recover from mistakes is required.
- Quantitative and data analysis skills are required.
- Python or R programming experience is required.
- The candidate must be eligible to start a full-time role between January 2027 and August 2027.
- The candidate must have valid, ongoing, unrestricted authorization to work in the United States without employer-sponsored or self-initiated immigration filings.
- Operate the company's proprietary trading system.
- Take full responsibility for day-to-day profit and loss and risk.
- Face the market directly each day and assess the immediate impact of trading decisions.
- Complete a rigorous training program, including several weeks of live trading.
- Join an existing team and continue learning to manage trading strategies successfully.
- Perform and operate under the supervision of a senior trader as responsibilities grow.
About the company
Valkyrie Trading focuses on trading derivatives for institutional clients, hedge funds, and other financial entities. Its work centers on developing and running algorithms that analyze market data to spot tiny price differences and execute a high volume of trades quickly. This high-frequency, data-driven approach aims to generate profits from small edges in fast-moving markets. The company differentiates itself through a lean, Chicago-based team and a culture of close collaboration among traders, quantitative analysts, and software engineers who build and refine technology in-house. Valkyrie’s goal is to grow aggressively by delivering precise, scalable trading strategies that stay ahead of market changes while managing risk with disciplined decision-making.
Company Size
11-50
Company Stage
N/A
Total Funding
N/A
Headquarters
Chicago, Illinois
Founded
2011
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Simplify's Take
What believers are saying
- 2026-09-03 software job pays $140,000 plus discretionary bonus, attracting stronger engineers.
- 2026-08-24 page lists Junior Trader, Software Engineer, Trade Support, and European-hours roles.
- Ongoing hiring in late 2026 signals active capital deployment and continued market-making demand.
What critics are saying
- 2026-08-24 careers page canceled all 2026-2027 internships, shrinking future talent pipeline.
- Open roles stay junior-heavy in 2026, signaling limited bench and succession depth.
- One-office Chicago concentration exposes Valkyrie to a single strategy failure; edge loss kills economics fast.
What makes Valkyrie Trading unique
- Chicago-based prop shop near CME and CBOE, trading derivatives since 2011.
- Owns proprietary trading systems; traders carry full daily PnL and risk responsibility.
- Small, interdisciplinary team pairs C++/C# engineers with traders and quantitative research.
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Benefits
- Health insurance with the choice of plans including PPO, HMO, and HSA options
- Dental insurance
- Vision insurance
- Lunch is provided every day
- Gym membership discount