Quant Trading Associate - Options Theory Intensive

Are you excited about collaborating in a dynamic trading environment that thrives on teamwork and innovation?

Chicago Trading Company (CTC) invites you to apply to our exclusive 5-day Introduction to Options Theory Program — an immersive educational experience designed to fast-track your path to becoming a Quant Trading Associate. 

What’s included: 

• 4 days of hands-on learning from seasoned trading professionals in CTC’s Chicago headquarters.
• 1 assessment day where top performers can earn a final round interview for the QTA role, job description below.
• All expenses covered, including travel to Chicago, meals, and hotel accommodation.  

Key requirements: 

• Able to attend the full Options Theory Intensive from January 5, 2026 – January 9, 2026. Plan to arrive the evening of January 4th.
• Pursuing a bachelor’s or master’s degree. All majors and concentrations welcome.
• You will graduate between June 2024-June 2026
• You have a demonstrated record of success (academics, awards, etc.) 

This program is tailored for driven individuals eager to excel in a fast-paced, intellectually challenging environment. Ready to jumpstart your career? Apply now and seize this unique opportunity. 

Quant Trading Associate Job Description  

The Role 

The Quant Trading Associate (QTA) role is our entry-level position within our Trading and Quant organization and gives you broad exposure to the whole business as you work towards graduating from the Associate Program and assuming a role on a team as a Quantitative Trader. 

As a QTA, you will work in a high-impact role as a member of a trading team. You will play a vital part in identifying trading opportunities and communicating with traders, risk managers, software engineers, and quants throughout the trading day. You will learn all aspects of the trading operation and work towards a role that generates trading revenue for the team. In addition to the trading and quantitative side of the business, you will have exposure to technology through our combined trading and technology curriculum. 

We encourage competitiveness and collaboration in equal measure and strive to better each other to win as one team. 

What to Expect  

Due to the dynamic nature of this business, we cultivate an environment of continuous learning and growth through an in-house education department. Through formal classroom work, mock trading, and real-time practical exposure, you will gain a holistic introduction to the derivatives market while sharpening your quantitative skillset. You can expect: 

• An introduction to options pricing, theory, trading philosophies, and programming courses
• Exposure to different product areas and responsibilities
• One-on-one mentorship from senior members in the firm
• Opportunities to grow quickly and start making autonomous trading decisions
• Participation in data-driven research for the purpose of alpha generation 

What it takes for you to be successful: 

• You have a competitive drive and are a highly motivated individual that only gets stronger as part of a collaborative team
• An aspiration to collaborate with traders, quants, developers, and other experts to further CTC's goal of providing world class liquidity to financial markets
• You love solving complex problems
• You're intellectually curious and like to challenge the status quo
• You can effectively communicate sophisticated ideas both written and verbally
• Strong quantitative and analytical abilities
• Basic programming skills or a willingness to learn Python
• No prior experience in finance is necessary, but a deep curiosity and a hunger to learn is essential 

Why should you consider a career at CTC? 

• Be part of a fast-growing, industry-leading global trading company
• Opportunity to work with and learn from forward-thinking leaders in our industry
• Experience innovation, teamwork, and fun while working in an intellectually stimulating environment
• Join an ambitious, collaborative workplace where there is no limit to what you can learn and what you will be able to contribute
• Excellent growth potential
• Competitive pay and comprehensive benefits package including free breakfast and lunch (and healthy snacks of course!) as well as a fitness center membership 

Chicago Trading Company (CTC) is a proprietary trading firm founded in 1995.

Back then we did all our business on Chicago's noisy exchanges. Today our teams work primarily in our own space -- a former trading floor that's now a busy hive of collaboration where our traders, quants, technologists and operations teams work together to solve the toughest problems our markets have to offer. We hold each other to the highest standards - in our effort, our ingenuity, and our integrity.

CTC’s internship program gives you insight into our culture and an inward look into what our business is all about. During the 10-week internship, you will participate in three classroom learning experiences including: a week-long Basics of Options class, a multi-week class on the fundamentals of market making (Mock Trading), and a multi-week class that introduces elements of our quant infrastructure (Quant Curriculum). You will also attend planned social activities and talks from various business leaders to propel your professional growth, and build not only your network with our employees, but also with fellow interns.  Click here to see a tour of our Chicago office!