HFT Research Intern

Do you have what it takes to find alpha in the markets? As an HFT Research Intern you’ll join professionals in both technology and trading/research who dedicate themselves to developing, refining and implementing trading strategies using machine learning. As a Research Intern, you will support our teams by conducting statistical research to create, implement and enhance algorithmic trading strategies. By joining our close-knit and collaborative group, you’ll have the chance to make a direct impact on all aspects of our research and execution process, including seeing your strategies deployed live in the market.

Who we are:

At Optiver, our mission is to constantly improve the market by injecting liquidity, providing accurate pricing, increasing transparency and acting as a stabilizing force no matter the market conditions. With a focus on continuous improvement, we participate in the safeguarding of healthy and efficient markets for everyone who participates. We tackle the toughest problems, challenge the status quo, and always aim for excellence. As one of the largest market making institutions, we are a trusted partner of 70+ exchanges across the globe.

Based in ‘The Domain’ neighborhood, Optiver’s Austin office serves as the firm’s innovation nucleus, with a strong focus on quantitative research, software and hardware engineering initiatives. With tech innovation an integral part of our core business, the booming city proved an ideal backdrop for our heavy investment into machine learning, research infrastructure and big data computing. What’s more, with world-class music, food and art scenes, as well as countless scenic outdoor activities, the quality of life for Austin Optiverians is second to none.

What you’ll do:

Get ready for ten weeks immersed in the fast-paced, dynamic world of market making and high frequency trading! HFT team members are equipped with an extensive pool of proprietary data. With it, they craft state-of-the-art statistical models to forecast future prices and formulate tactics to execute trades optimally in rapidly changing scenarios.  In essence, they construct and uphold the models that propel our trading strategy.

As an HFT Research Intern, you’ll spend the summer learning trading fundamentals and completing projects in quantitative research, data science and financial modeling. You’ll work directly with our code base, helping to optimize every aspect of our trading systems and strategies.

Does the thought of making a direct, immediate impact thrill you? You may have found your next career move.  

Who you are:

• Working toward a bachelors, masters or PhD in a quantitative field (e.g. math, statistics, computer science, physics or a related program)
• Have an expected graduation date between December 2024 and June 2025
• Possess superior analytical, statistical and mathematical skills
• Passionate for utilizing machine learning algorithms and statistical modeling techniques toward solving real-world, complex problems
• Interested in strategic games and/or competitive activities
• Proficient in Python

What you’ll get:

• Highly-competitive internship compensation package
• Optiver-covered flights, living accommodations and commuting stipends (where applicable)
• Various office perks, including breakfast, lunch and snacks
• Social events, clubs and much more!

*We accept one application per role per year. If you have previously applied to this position during this season and have been unsuccessful, you can reapply once the next recruitment season begins in 2024.

At Optiver, we are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. Optiver recruits, employs, trains, compensates and promotes regardless of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, physical or mental disability, or other legally protected characteristics.