What You’ll Do:

At Valkyrie, Quantitative Researchers are expected to apply their quantitative skill set to solve challenging problems in financial modeling, algorithm development, and system optimizations. In this role, you will have an opportunity to work with traders and software developers in a highly collaborative environment to improve Valkyrie’s complex, ever-evolving algorithmic infrastructure. Specific responsibilities can range from building tools for traders to exploring new trading ideas, to writing algorithms from scratch, to automating and refining existing strategies, to analyzing and optimizing system performance. You will also inform traders about the market developments, tools, and models that drive Valkyrie’s trading activities.

Quantitative Researchers here focus on one of two areas: modeling or execution. Modeling Quantitative Researchers are expected to design automated market-making and risk management algorithms, and to build statistically driven position taking strategies. Execution Quantitative Researchers are expected to perform post-trade analysis, system behavior investigations, algo parameter optimizations, market microstructure studies, and other execution system optimizations.

This role is for experienced applicants. Those with 3+ years of relevant experience will be considered for a Senior-level role.

What You’ll Need:

2+ years of full-time, professional experience in quantitative research, trading, or technology role—ideally in an algorithmic trading firm or a similar high-performance environment
Degree in mathematics, physics, engineering, computer science or equivalent
Ability to write and maintain a repository of clean, organized, object-oriented Python code; C++ experience is a plus
Proven experience in Options and volatility modeling, or statistical analysis on large data sets OR Diagnosing and optimizing algo logic in latency-sensitive or high-throughput distributed systems
Expertise working with MySQL or similar databases in conducting historical research and back-testing
Passion for innovation and solving open-ended, data-rich problems
Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to explain complex, technical ideas clearly
Collaborative attitude with a competitive drive and comfort with metrics-based performance evaluation
Practical mindset with a focus on delivering impactful, production-grade solutions

What You’ll Get:

Competitive salaries and performance bonuses
Top-tier medical and dental coverage
Relocation assistance packages
Generous vacation policy
Training opportunities and continuing education
Catered lunch, snacks, and beverages
Group outings and company parties
Casual dress environment

Salary range

$155,000 - $190,000 a year
This position is also eligible for an annual discretionary bonus.

Our Vision

Valkyrie’s vision is to be an organization where curious, driven, and innovative people are able to compete and win in the world’s most competitive landscape – the financial markets. Daily competition in the financial markets provides the ideal arena to push ourselves further as we are ever striving to grow, improve, and win. We recognize that there are extraordinary opportunities to be had every day, and by exploring, collaborating, and building, we can accomplish remarkable results together.

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

Valkyrie Trading

Quantitative Researcher

About the job