Software Engineer, Early Career

IMC

Chicago, IL

On-siteCareer-pivot friendly

Who this role is best for

Best suited to recent graduates with a technical background working in financial markets.

Best fit for

Recent graduates with a strong foundation in algorithms and a desire to work in financial markets
— “1-3 years of full-time professional work experience post-graduation”
Candidates who thrive in collaborative environments with traders and researchers
— “Collaborate with Traders, Quant Researchers and other Engineers both locally and globally”
Individuals who are adaptable and eager to learn new programming languages and technologies
— “Learn new technologies and programming languages in a dynamic environment”

Things to consider

The salary is high, but the role may demand a strong work ethic and long hours due to the trading environment
— “Base Salary: $200,000”

How to stand out

Highlight experience with algorithmic development and real-time systems in your resume and interviews
— “drive the development of our cutting-edge trading algorithms”
Emphasize your ability to work with non-engineers and translate business needs into technical solutions
— “Desire to interact and work closely with non-engineers in a dynamic environment”
Showcase your analytical problem-solving skills with specific examples from your academic or professional work
— “Strong analytical skills and interest in solving complex problems programmatically”

Pace · Fast PacedCollaboration · HighAutonomy · MediumDecision Impact · Individual

Derived from job-description analysis by Serendipath's career intelligence engine.

What success looks like

developing innovative trading technologies
maintaining high software standards

Typical background

1-3 years of professional software development experiencedegree in engineering or computer science

Skills & requirements

Required

Software DevelopmentTrading AlgorithmsCollaborationProblem-solvingProgramming Languages

Preferred

Machine LearningFinancial Markets

Stack & domain

JavaC++AlgorithmsData StructuresAnalytical SkillsInterest In Financial MarketsTrading AlgorithmsFinancial Markets

About the role

Original posting from IMC via Greenhouse

Please note: This role requires 1–3 years of full-time, post-graduation work experience. Students and recent grads should apply to our 2027 Graduate Software Engineer role.
Having the best technology drives our business. As a Software Engineer at IMC, you will drive the development of our cutting-edge trading algorithms. You will be responsible for spotting new opportunities, solving problems and developing innovative technologies. Software development here is innovative, pragmatic and fun, even as complexity grows.
Your Core Responsibilities:
Build and maintain our trading platform and software stack
Bring our trading strategies and technology platform to the next level
Collaborate with Traders, Quant Researchers and other Engineers both locally and globally
Develop expertise within the entire software development lifecycle
Learn new technologies and programming languages in a dynamic environment
Your Skills and Experience:
1-3 years of full-time professional work experience post-graduation
BA/BSc/MA/MSc in Engineering, Computer Science or related degree
Must have strong knowledge of algorithms and data structures
Proficiency in a programming language is required (Java or C++ preferred)
Strong analytical skills and interest in solving complex problems programmatically
Desire to interact and work closely with non-engineers in a dynamic environment
Interest in the financial markets; previous knowledge is NOT required
The Base Salary range for the role is included below. Base salary is only one component of total compensation; all full-time, permanent positions are eligible for a discretionary bonus and benefits, including paid leave and insurance. Please visit Benefits - US | IMC Trading for more comprehensive information.
Base Salary: $200,000
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About Us
IMC is a research-driven trading firm where quantitative modeling, machine learning, and engineering shape how modern markets are traded. A stabilizing force in markets since 1989, we provide liquidity across trading venues, delivering the best outcome in value and risk management to investors. Using our own technology and capital, we build proprietary systems and algorithms that operate across global markets. Our researchers, traders, and engineers work as a collective, combining rapid experimentation, advanced infrastructure, and real-time feedback to turn insight into execution and execution into advantage.

Source: IMC careers (Greenhouse)