2022-23 Quantitative Trading Internship (Nov 2022)

From derivative theory training to trading fundamentals, you will have countless opportunities where you can grow and develop yourself, both professionally and personally. The goal is that by the end of the internship if you are successful, you’ll be fully equipped to join the Optiver team as a Graduate Quantitative Trader.

Ready to test your limits? Don’t miss out on this exciting opportunity to kickstart your career at a leading global trading firm.

Who we are

Optiver is a tech-driven trading firm and leading global market maker. For over 35 years, Optiver has been improving financial markets around the world, making them more transparent and efficient for all participants. With a focus on cutting-edge engineering, data science and research, we actively trade on 50+ exchanges, where we’re trusted to always provide accurate buy and sell pricing – no matter the market conditions. 

Optiver’s Sydney office is one of the primary players within Asian markets, trading a range of products. As an active participant in the Hong Kong, Korea, Singapore, Taiwan, and Japan exchanges, we act as Optiver’s APAC head office.

What you'll do

Over the 10 weeks, you will be immersed in a highly interactive derivative theory training course that covers extensive trading principles and concepts and is led by our Head of Trader Education.

Once you’ve got the basics covered, you’ll be able to put your knowledge into practice and start trading in our simulated trading environment, which is a live copy of the financial market! To deepen your understanding of trading, you’ll also be working alongside other Traders, Researchers and Software Engineer Interns to develop your own trading algorithm.

By the end of the program, you’ll have a solid theoretical and practical understanding of life as a Quantitative Trader. You’ll be mentored by our Head of Trader Education who will support your growth and provide valuable feedback. You’ll also learn and apply Python programming skills, which are highly sought after in the market. And if you’ve excelled during the internship program, you will receive an offer to return and join the team as a Graduate Quantitative Trader.

Who you are

You’re a lateral thinker who is quick to apply your brand of maths to understand quantitative problems. You have an interest in a variety of activities that could be classed as quantitatively challenging, fast-paced, high performing or analytically rigorous. You’re also a strong believer in the power of collaborative problem-solving. You may already be passionate about trading, or it may have only recently piqued your interest.

While our Traders all share a passion for creative quantitative problem solving, they work in three main areas with different focuses. After the training program, you can select the role that appeals to you the most, and we will work together with you in the recruitment process to ensure that the area is most suitable for you.  

• Options Market Maker

As an Options Trader, during market hours, you will be constantly making quick, yet sharp, trading decisions based on a multitude of factors. You love puzzles, predictions and problem-solving. And you’re always hungry to learn. You’re driven to understand the why, but you’re also comfortable making decisions under uncertainty. You have a real passion for quantitative problems and a flair for numbers. Outside of market hours, you will work on projects that will further set you up for success during trading hours.

Check out Will’s 'Graduate Stories' feature to learn more.

• Delta 1 Trader

As a D1 Trader, you will be piloting our auto traders. You have a love for statistical analysis and deriving insights from big data sets. You enjoy microanalysis and applying those insights to the bigger picture. You will collaborate with researchers and developers on live trading strategies using our cutting-edge statistical and machine learning algorithms. And you possess a determined spirit that drives you to never settle for 'good enough.  

Check out Jason’s ‘Graduate Stories’ feature to learn more.

• Wholesale Trader

As a Wholesale trader, you will be making quick trading decisions as well as communicating and working closely with third parties. Building rapport comes naturally to you, and you enjoy developing strong relationships with your colleagues and entities outside of Optiver. You have amazing communication skills and can remain focused under pressure. You’re passionate about quantitative problems and have a flair for numbers. You have an inherent drive to work in a fast-paced, yet sometimes uncertain, environment.

What you'll get

• AUD 175,000 salary package, pro-rata
• Participation in our renowned training program, alongside diverse and intelligent peers in a rewarding environment
• Training, mentorship and personal development opportunities
• Daily breakfast, lunch and an in-house barista
• Regular social events
• Accommodation for the entirety of the internship, and flights where necessary.

As an intentionally flat organisation, we believe that great ideas and impact can come from everyone. We are passionate about empowering individuals and creating diverse teams that thrive. Every person at Optiver should feel included, valued and respected because we believe our best work is done together.

Our commitment to diversity and inclusion is hardwired through every stage of our hiring process. We encourage applications from candidates from any and all backgrounds, and we welcome requests for reasonable adjustments during the process to ensure that you can best demonstrate your abilities.

Eligibility

• A penultimate or pre-penultimate university student
• An Australian or New Zealand Citizen, Australian Permanent Resident or able to provide evidence of full working rights

Does this sound like the future you’re looking for? Take up the challenge and apply today!

If you have any questions regarding this opportunity, please contact us at careers@optiver.com.au.