Quant Trading Internship - Summer 2027

Chicago Trading Company (CTC) is a premier proprietary trading firm specializing in options market making. Our collaborative culture fuels innovation in quantitative research, systematic trading strategies, and cutting-edge trading technology. For over three decades, CTC has provided critical liquidity across derivatives exchanges worldwide—making them fairer, more transparent, and more efficient. We strive to be the most innovative firm in the industry while upholding ethical excellence and making a positive impact on the markets, our employees, and the communities we belong to.

About the role

As a Quant Trading (QT) Intern, you will learn and adapt in an exciting team environment while playing a substantial role in our day-to-day trading and quant-related activities. Your impact is immediate and meaningful. You will join a team for the summer, contributing to project work, identifying trading opportunities, and collaborating with software engineers, quants, traders, and risk managers throughout the trading day. As part of the Summer Associate cohort, you will learn and socialize alongside other QT Interns and Software Engineering (SE) Interns.

What to Expect

The 8-week internship program provides insight into our culture and an in-depth look at our business. You will participate in three classroom learning experiences:

• A week-long Basics of Options class
• A multi-week class on the fundamentals of market making (Mock Trading)
• A multi-week class introducing elements of our quant framework (Quant Curriculum)

You will also attend planned social activities and talks from business leaders to support your professional growth and build your network with CTC employees and fellow interns.

Responsibilities

• Work in an impactful role mirroring that of a full-time Quant Trading Associate (QTA)
• Gain hands-on experience with trading and exposure to our trading technology
• Participate in weekly one-on-one meetings with your manager to track progress and learning
• Receive mentorship from members of our trading and/or quant teams
• Engage in a culture with a strong emphasis on teamwork and collaboration through educational and social activities

Requirements

• Pursuing a Bachelor's or Master's degree (all majors and concentrations welcome)
• Graduating between December 2027 and June 2028
• Demonstrated record of success (academics, awards, etc.)
• Willingness to relocate to Chicago, IL for the summer (full-time placement in Chicago)
• Ability to participate in the full duration of the 8-week program from mid-June to early August 2027

Skills

• Competitive drive and strong motivation, especially in a collaborative team environment
• Desire to work alongside traders, quants, developers, and other experts to further CTC’s goal of providing world-class liquidity to financial markets
• Passion for solving complex problems
• Intellectual curiosity and a willingness to challenge the status quo
• Ability to communicate sophisticated ideas effectively, both written and verbally
• Strong quantitative and analytical abilities
• Basic programming skills or a willingness to learn Python
• No prior finance experience necessary, but a deep curiosity and hunger to learn about finance and trading is essential

Benefits

• Competitive pay, including a monthly salary of $14,500 plus a signing bonus
• Free housing with fellow interns in downtown Chicago
• Free breakfast, lunch, and snacks

Why Intern at CTC?

• Be part of a fast-growing, industry-leading global trading company
• Work in an environment that actively explores and applies emerging technologies—including AI—to enhance trading, engineering, and research workflows
• Opportunity to work with and learn from leaders in the industry
• Excellent support system to ensure your learning and development