Software Engineer Intern

Job Description

About Optiver

Optiver is a leading global market-making institution with a mission to improve financial markets. They achieve this by injecting liquidity, providing accurate pricing, increasing transparency, and stabilizing markets, regardless of conditions. With a strong focus on continuous improvement, Optiver safeguards the health and efficiency of markets for all participants. They operate as a respected partner on over 100 exchanges globally and are recognized as one of the largest market-making institutions. Optiver values diversity, recognizing that differences are their edge, and fosters a culture of collaboration and excellence, driven by curious thinkers and creative problem-solvers. They operate in a fast-paced, competitive environment, constantly tackling new, exciting technical challenges.

Job Description: Software Engineer Intern

This Software Engineer Intern position offers a unique opportunity to work within a global trading firm, building real-world applications that impact global financial markets. The internship is designed to provide a hands-on experience mirroring that of a full-time engineer in a high-performing, fast-paced environment.

Role Overview:

As a Software Engineer Intern, you will work closely with a dedicated mentor and a team to develop high-quality, lasting software solutions. Your projects will be based on the team’s actual needs, not hypothetical tasks, allowing you to contribute meaningfully to solving trading problems, and improving the performance, reliability, and scalability of Optiver’s systems. You will have the opportunity to see your code deployed to production in real-time. The role demands fast thinkers with a critical mindset and a drive to solve tough problems, pushing the limits of performance, efficiency, and real-world impact. This opportunity is also available in Optiver’s Austin office.

Key Responsibilities and Learning Opportunities (“What you’ll do”):

• Deep Dive into Trading: Gain a comprehensive understanding of trading fundamentals, including theoretical concepts, financial markets, strategies, and cutting-edge technology.
• Collaborative Development: Work closely with best-in-class engineers, traders, and business teams to develop, test, and ship your code to production.
• Complex Problem Solving: Tackle intricate, real-world challenges to enhance your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
• Accelerated Growth: Push your personal and professional limits in a fascinating and high-performing environment, fostering rapid acceleration of your skills.

Benefits and Perks (“What you’ll get”):

• Collaborative Culture: Join a culture of collaboration and excellence, surrounded by curious thinkers and creative problem-solvers, all striving for continuous improvement.
• Diverse Team: Work alongside professionals from over 40 different countries.
• Highly-Competitive Compensation: Receive a highly-competitive internship compensation package.
• Travel and Living Support: Optiver covers flights, living accommodations, and commuting stipends.
• Extensive Office Perks: Enjoy daily breakfast, lunch, and snacks, regular social events, clubs, sporting leagues, and more.

Candidate Qualifications (“Who you are”):

• Education: Currently pursuing a bachelor’s, master’s, or PhD in Computer Science or Computer Engineering.
• Graduation Timeline: On track to graduate between December 2026 to June 2027, with junior standing or higher.
• Coding Passion: Passionate about writing clean code, designing well-architected systems, and committed to continuous improvement.
• Language Proficiency: Proficient in coding languages such as C++, Python, or Java.
• Engineering Instincts: Possess strong engineering instincts and a solid understanding of computer science fundamentals.
• Entrepreneurial Mindset: Driven by an entrepreneurial mindset and curious about the intersection of technology and the financial industry.
• Analytical Problem-Solver: A natural problem-solver with a sharp, analytical approach to tackling challenges.
• Team Player: A collaborative teammate comfortable working effectively with developers, traders, and business teams.

Compensation:

The expected compensation for this position, comprising base pay and potential sign-on bonus, is estimated to be in the $60,000—$70,000 USD range. Actual offers will be determined based on factors such as experience, education, skill set, and interview performance. This position is also eligible for the comprehensive benefits listed above.

Application Notes:

• Optiver accepts one application per role per year. If you have previously applied unsuccessfully during the current season, you may reapply once the next recruitment season begins in 2026.