Quant Trading Associate (Open Outcry Exchange Floor)

CTC is a cutting-edge proprietary trading firm with a long-term vision and a clear focus on helping the world price and manage risk. Our fun and trusting culture inspires us to solve the industry’s most challenging problems and take calculated risks in a collaborative environment.

We strive to be the most innovative firm in the industry today, tomorrow, and long into the future while upholding ethical excellence. We believe that CTC makes a positive impact on the markets, the lives of our employees, and all the communities to which we belong. Started in 1995 by a team of forward-thinking Traders, we are proud to call ourselves an industry leader that keeps making markets and each other better.

As a QTA, you will work in a high-impact role as a member of the US Indexes team. You will play a vital part in identifying trading opportunities and communicating with traders, brokers, and risk managers throughout the trading day, building trading intuition via real-time interactions with the market. 

What you can 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.  

• Introduction to options pricing, theory, and trading philosophies, in addition to (optional) programming courses 

• One-on-one mentorship from senior members in the firm 

• Exposure to different product areas and responsibilities 

• Opportunities to grow quickly and start making autonomous trading decisions 

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 

• 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 skillset 

• Ability to recognize patterns and leverage historical data to inform real-time decisions. 

• No prior experience in finance is necessary, but a deep curiosity and a hunger to learn is essential 

Key requirements: 

• You are a recent college graduate or expect to graduate with a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree by June 2026. All majors and concentrations welcome. 

• You have a demonstrated record of success (academics, awards, etc.) 

• Ability to work on-site Monday through Friday in our Chicago office; remote work is not available 


• You are willing to relocate to Chicago, IL 

Most teams at CTC, with the exception of Trading, follow a hybrid workplace model, subject to change based on business need.

Our Benefits 

We strongly believe in the well-being of our employees and their families so we offer outstanding benefits to support you both professionally and personally. These benefits include generous medical coverage, paid parental leave, free breakfast and lunch (plus healthy snacks, of course), wellness reimbursement, quarterly recharge days, and a variety of other benefits focused on providing the best employee experience. 

(Disclaimer: interns and contractors are not eligible for benefits at CTC) 

Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

At CTC, we aim to cultivate a workplace that celebrates diversity and each person feels included, engaged and empowered. Where each of us feels we belong. We are committed to having a diverse workforce and are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. CTC does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform crucial job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. 

If you have a disability and believe you need a reasonable accommodation in order to search for a job opening or to apply for a position, please contact us at [email protected]. Note that emails sent to this email account for non-disability related issues, such as following up on an application, will not receive a response.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Information submitted by job applicants may be subject to review and analysis by automated systems, including Artificial Intelligence (AI), as part of the recruitment process. Such systems are utilized to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of our hiring procedures. Applicants are advised that any information provided may be evaluated by AI tools to ensure an equitable and thorough assessment.