Software Engineer (Entry-Level) - Python

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About Akuna:

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.

Our Founding Partners 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, Singapore, and London.

What you’ll do as an Entry-Level Python Software Engineer at Akuna:

Python software engineers at Akuna have the opportunity to join either our Post Trade Technology, Data Engineering, or Crypto teams, working alongside other software engineers and traders to design and implement elegant solutions to complex and interesting problems. You’ll use cutting-edge technology while working on high-performance systems that process and analyze large volumes of trading and market data. We offer a team-based approach to trading and software engineering, believing that productive integration of the two groups is vital for success in this industry.

Akuna is looking for software engineers who are motivated and willing to reach for creative solutions when faced with novel problems. We value innovation and hard work and want our engineers to make an impact on the firm. Whether you are interested in trading infrastructure, algorithms, exchange gateways, or data capture and analysis, there’s engaging work to be done. If you are excited to jump in and make a difference, Akuna could be the place for you.

Requirements for this role:

Pursuing a bachelor’s, master’s, or Ph.D. in a technical field (computer science/engineering, math, physics, or equivalent)

Graduating by August 2027

Major GPA of 3.5 or above

Legal authorization to work in the U.S. is required on the first day of employment including F-1 students using OPT or STEM

Previous experience in finance or trading is not required. Many of our engineers joined Akuna with little-to-no prior knowledge of the markets, and we pride ourselves on our ability to onboard those new to the industry. Training and continuous education are provided for all engineers to ensure they can build the requisite technical and non-technical skillset for success.

Qualities That Make a Great Python Software Engineer Candidate:

Strong programming skills in Object-Oriented Python Development

Demonstrated experience with distributed systems

Strong analytical and problem-solving skills

Ability to communicate with the trading team, obtain requirements, find solutions, and implement them in a clean and concise way

Ability to create an easily understood and testable codebase that can change as quickly as market conditions require

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, is an essential function of the role

Passion for innovation and building systems from the ground up

Adaptability in an ever-changing environment

Self-starter attitude with the ability to work independently

**Resumes must be submitted in PDF format.

In addition to the above technical skills, Akuna values diversity of experience and perspective. We believe that engineers with varied backgrounds and interests allow us to approach problems from unique angles and to uncover innovative, optimal solutions. We want everyone to feel empowered to apply; we welcome your application, and we strongly encourage you to take the first steps in joining us in the future!

By applying to this role, you are indicating this is your top preference and acknowledge you will not be considered for other Quant and/or Tech roles at Akuna this recruiting season. This acknowledgement does not limit applications to Trading roles - in addition to this role, you may apply to any Trader roles of interest.

We are an AI-friendly company and encourage employees to leverage AI in their daily work. However, AI assistance is not permitted during interviews or assessments. Our interview process is designed to evaluate your individual skills and judgment, and the use of AI tools will result in disqualification from the hiring process.

In accordance with the Illinois Equal Pay Act, the minimum annualized 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. The minimum base salary herein was determined in good faith by Akuna Capital LLC.

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What this application asks

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First Name, Last Name, Email, Phone, Resume/CV

What is your legal first name? (Please also ensure that you input your legal first name in the *first name* field above).
Do you have a preferred name, other than the name indicated above? If yes, please indicate that name below.
By submitting this application and answering “yes” below, I acknowledge that this role is my top preference and I will not be considered for other Tech and/or Quant roles at Akuna for this recruiting season. This acknowledgement does not limit applications to Trading roles - in addition to this role, you may apply to any Trader roles of interest. choose one
Please note the expectation for this role is to work in our Chicago office - please confirm this works for you. choose one
Which University do/did you attend? choose one
If you selected 'Other', please list your University: optional
What education level are you currently pursuing? choose one
Graduation Month choose one
Graduation Year choose one
If you are an undergraduate considering a master's degree following graduation, when is your potential master’s graduation date? choose one · optional
What is your GPA? choose one
Have you ever applied to a full time or internship position with Akuna in the past? choose one
Have you applied to this role at Akuna previously? choose one · optional
How did you hear about this job? choose one
If you selected 'Other', please list how you heard about this job: written answer · optional
If you heard about Akuna through an Akuna employee, please list their name: optional
Do you have any offer deadlines that we should be aware of? choose one
If you have upcoming deadlines, please indicate which company and when the deadline is: written answer · optional
Do you have prior experience working at an options market making trading firm? choose one
If you have prior options market making firm experience, please list the firm and position held: written answer · optional
LinkedIn Profile optional
Disclaimer: Akuna Capital is a global company which wants to attract the highest quality talent. We will sponsor any qualified candidate for US work authorization if we are legally able; including, but not limited to, the following work-authorized classifications: TN, E-3, STEM OPT, H-1B, H1B1, and more. In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification document form upon hire. Please respond to the questions below so we may confirm your employment eligibility. Employment with Akuna Capital is subject to verification of an applicant’s identity and eligibility for employment as required by U.S. immigration laws. If hired, are you legally authorized to work for any employer in the United States? choose one
Do you now, or will you in the future, require visa sponsorship to continue working in the United States (e.g. H-1B, TN, E-3)? choose one
If you answered “Yes” above to requiring visa sponsorship now or in the future for work authorization, please respond to the following questions. What is your current immigration status/basis of your current work authorization? choose one
If you have a current work authorization/status, when does it expire? (Please enter N/A if you do not require work authorization.)
If applicable, please list any extension options for your current work authorization status. (Please enter N/A if you do not require work authorization.)
Please provide additional detail about your sponsorship needs, current work authorization status, or eligibility for a work authorization status. (Please enter N/A if you do not require work authorization.)
Do you live in New York or California? choose one · optional
We care about addressing everyone correctly. To help us get it right, please write out how your name is pronounced phonetically to share with the hiring team.
We care about addressing everyone correctly. Add your personal pronouns below to share with the hiring team. choose any
If you selected self-describe, please specify your pronouns. optional
I certify that all information I have provided in order to apply for this position with Akuna is true, complete, and accurate. I understand further that if any information provided by me is found to be false, misleading, or misrepresented in any respect, that will be sufficient cause to eliminate me from further consideration for employment or may result in my immediate termination, whenever it is discovered. choose one
I acknowledge that my resume must be submitted in PDF format to be considered. choose one

Software Engineer (Entry-Level) - Python

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