Experienced Options Trader - SOFR at Akuna Capital
Chicago, ILFull-timeElectronic TradingPosted 22 days ago
Apply with PipelineAbout the Role
<p><strong><span data-contrast="auto">About Akuna:</span></strong><span data-contrast="auto"> </span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"335559738":240,"335559739":240}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">Akuna Capital is an innovative trading firm with a strong focus on collaboration, cutting-edge technology, data driven solutions, and automation. We specialize in providing liquidity as an options market-maker – meaning we are committed to providing competitive quotes that we are willing to both buy and sell. To do this successfully, we design and implement our own low latency technologies, trading strategies, and mathematical models. </span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"335559738":240,"335559739":240}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">Our Founding Partners</span><em><span data-contrast="auto"> </span></em><span data-contrast="auto">first conceptualized Akuna in their hometown of Sydney. They opened the firm’s first office in 2011 in the heart of the derivatives industry and the options capital of the world – Chicago. Today, Akuna is proud to operate from additional offices in Sydney, Shanghai, London and Singapore.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"335559738":240,"335559739":240}"> </span></p>
<p><strong><span data-contrast="none">What you’ll do as a SOFR Options Trader at Akuna:</span></strong><span data-ccp-props="{"335559685":0}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">We are seeking an experienced electronic options trader to join our SOFR desk. This is a mid-to-senior level role with a clear path to full desk ownership for the right candidate. You will be responsible for making markets and managing risk across CME SOFR options while collaborating with our floor team to maximize profitability. </span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"335559738":240,"335559739":240}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">You will work at the intersection of trading, technology, and quantitative research. Akuna’s SOFR desk combines systematic pricing infrastructure with trader judgment – you’ll be expected to manage your positions decisively while actively contributing to the automation and tooling that drives the desk’s edge forward. This is a role for someone who takes genuine ownership, brings intellectual curiosity to every aspect of the business, and thrives in a high-performance, collaborative environment. In this role, you will:</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"335559685":0,"335559738":0,"335559739":120}"> </span></p>
<ul>
<li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="1" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="1" data-aria-level="1"><span data-contrast="auto">Profitably manage a SOFR options portfolio with full responsibility for P&L and dynamic risk management within prescribed limits</span></li>
<li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="1" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="1" data-aria-level="1">Make two-sided markets across the SOFR options complex (SR3, S0, S2), maintaining disciplined risk across the curve</li>
<li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="1" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="1" data-aria-level="1">Develop and refine volatility surface models, term structure analysis, and hedging strategies in close collaboration with our quant and technology teams</li>
<li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="1" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="1" data-aria-level="1">Identify structural opportunities and flow-driven inefficiencies in the short-end rates market and act on them decisively</li>
<li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="1" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="1" data-aria-level="1">Partner with our technology team to evaluate, improve, and expand the automated trading infrastructure underpinning the desk – including contributing directly to strategy logic, parameter optimization, and signal development</li>
<li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="1" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="1" data-aria-level="1">Analyze desk data and market microstructure to continuously improve pricing, execution quality, and risk-adjusted returns</li>
<li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="1" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="1" data-aria-level="1">Contribute to the broader Akuna trading community through cross-desk collaboration, knowledge sharing, and mentorship of junior traders<span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"335559737":0,"335559738":0,"335559739":0}"> </span></li>
</ul>
<p><strong><span data-contrast="none"><span data-ccp-parastyle="heading 2">Qualities That Make Great Candidates:</span></span></strong><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"134245418":true,"134245529":true,"335559685":0,"335559738":280,"335559739":100}"> </span></p>
<ul>
<li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="1" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="8" data-aria-level="1"><span data-contrast="auto">2+ years of experience trading SOFR, Eurodollar, or short-term interest rate options in an electronic market making environment, with clear P&L accountability</span></li>
<li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="1" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="8" data-aria-level="1">Deep understanding of options theory – Greeks, vol surface construction, term structure dynamics, and interest rate curve relationships</li>
<li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="1" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="8" data-aria-level="1">Proven risk management discipline: comfortable managing positions under pressure and across varied market regimes</li>
<li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="1" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="8" data-aria-level="1">Entrepreneurial self-starter who takes initiative and acts decisively, with a strong sense of ownership over their book and their desk’s performance</li>
<li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="1" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="8" data-aria-level="1">Technically engaged: able to analyze data, optimize parameters, and work hands-on with trading systems.</li>
<li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="1" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="8" data-aria-level="1">Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Economics, Statistics, Mathematics, Computer Science, Actuarial Science, or a related quantitative field</li>
<li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="1" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="8" data-aria-level="1">Strong quantitative and analytical instincts, with the ability to react quickly and accurately to rapidly changing market conditions</li>
<li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="1" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="8" data-aria-level="1">Collaborative mindset: able to communicate clearly and efficiently with quant researchers, technologists, and risk managers while fostering productive relationships across the firm</li>
<li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="1" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="8" data-aria-level="1">Detail-oriented and rigorous in approach, with a drive to continuously learn and improve<span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"335559737":0,"335559738":0,"335559739":0}"> </span></li>
<li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="1" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="8" data-aria-level="1">The ability to react quickly and accurately to rapidly changing market conditions, including the ability to quickly and accurately respond and/or solve math and coding problems are essential functions of the role</li>
</ul>
<p><strong><span data-contrast="none"><span data-ccp-parastyle="heading 2">Additional Experience We Value:</span></span></strong><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"134245418":true,"134245529":true,"335559685":0,"335559738":280,"335559739":100}"> </span></p>
<ul>
<li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="1" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="17" data-aria-level="1"><span data-contrast="auto">Specific experience with CME SR3 market microstructure and electronic liquidity provision</span></li>
<li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="1" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="17" data-aria-level="1">Familiarity with swap curve dynamics, OIS, Fed Funds, or broader fixed income context</li>
<li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="1" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="17" data-aria-level="1">Experience building or improving trading tools, pricing models, or automation in Python, C++, or similar</li>
<li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="1" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="17" data-aria-level="1">Track record of mentorship<span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"335559737":0,"335559738":0,"335559739":0}"> </span></li>
</ul>
<p><strong><em>In addition to technical skillsets, Akuna values the unique perspectives people can bring to the table to collaboratively solve complex problems and drive Akuna forward. We want everyone to feel empowered to apply. We welcome your application and encourage you to take the first steps toward your future with us!</em></strong></p>
<p><em>In accordance with Illinois Equal Pay Act, the minimum base salary starts at $145,000. Exact compensation offered may vary based on many factors including, but not limited to, the candidate’s experience, qualifications, and skill set. This role is also eligible for a discretionary performance bonus as part of the total compensation package and includes a comprehensive benefits package that may encompass employer-paid medical, dental, vision, retirement contributions, paid time off, and other benefits. The minimum base salary herein was determined in good faith by Akuna Capital LLC.</em></p>