Full-Time

Quantitative Researcher

Valkyrie Trading

Valkyrie Trading

11-50 employees

Quantitative derivatives trading using algorithms

Compensation Overview

$155k - $190k/yr

+ Discretionary Bonus + Relocation Assistance

Chicago, IL, USA

In Person

Category
Quantitative Finance (2)
,
Required Skills
Python
MySQL
C/C++
Data Analysis
Requirements
  • 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
Responsibilities
  • Apply quantitative skills to solve problems in financial modeling, algorithm development, and system optimizations
  • Work with traders and software developers in a highly collaborative environment to improve Valkyrie’s algorithmic infrastructure
  • Build tools for traders
  • Explore new trading ideas
  • Write algorithms from scratch
  • Automate and refine existing strategies
  • Analyze and optimize system performance
  • Inform traders about market developments, tools, and models driving Valkyrie’s trading activities
  • Focus on either modeling or execution within the role, designing automated market-making and risk management algorithms and building statistically driven position taking strategies (Modeling) or performing post-trade analysis, system behavior investigations, algorithm parameter optimizations, market microstructure studies, and other execution system optimizations (Execution)
Desired Qualifications
  • 3+ years of relevant experience for a Senior-level role

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

Your Connections

People at Valkyrie Trading who can refer or advise you

Simplify Jobs

Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

  • Retail derivatives volume surges 40% in Q1 2026, expanding Valkyrie's market.
  • Chicago's low living costs aid quant talent acquisition versus New York.
  • Cloud infrastructure adoption post-2024 cuts capex, boosting competitiveness.

What critics are saying

  • CFTC fines Valkyrie millions for spoofing in 6-12 months.
  • Jump Trading captures 25% more arbitrages, slashing Valkyrie's revenue.
  • Citadel poaches Valkyrie's quants, undercuts spreads by 15bps.

What makes Valkyrie Trading unique

  • Valkyrie Trading builds proprietary high-performance automated trading systems for derivatives.
  • Chicago headquarters enables lean operations and quant talent recruitment since 2011.
  • Collaborative culture integrates traders, quants, and engineers for algorithm innovation.

Help us improve and share your feedback! Did you find this helpful?

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