AC
Software Engineer Intern - C++, Summer 2026
internship•Chicago
About this role
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<p><strong><span data-contrast="auto">About Akuna: </span></strong><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"335559738":240,"335559739":240}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">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.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"335559738":240,"335559739":240}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">Our Founding Partners</span><em> </em><span data-contrast="auto">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.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"335559738":240,"335559739":240}"> </span></p>
<p><strong><span data-contrast="auto">What you’ll do as a Software Engineer Intern on the C++ Team at Akuna:</span></strong><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"335559738":240,"335559739":240}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">We are seeking Software Engineer Interns to join our innovative and growing technology team for our 10-week Akunacademy summer internship program. In this role, you will work alongside our trading and software teams to design and implement elegant solutions to complex and interesting problems. </span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"335559738":240,"335559739":240}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">Software Engineer Interns at Akuna have the opportunity to use cutting-edge technology while working on high performance/low latency systems. We offer a team-based approach to trading and technology, believing that productive integration of the two groups is vital for success in this industry. Akuna loves Software Engineer Interns who are self-starters and have the ability to problem solve and think outside of the box. We value innovation and hard work, and we want you to make an impact at the firm. Whether you are interested in trading infrastructure, algorithms, exchange gateways, performance engineering, hardware or data capture and analysis, or something else, 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. </span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"335559738":240,"335559739":240}"> </span></p>
<p><strong><span data-contrast="auto">The C++ teams </span></strong><span data-contrast="auto">work on applications where C++ is used for computational heavy-lifting and for applications that have timing-critical, low-latency processes such as trading strategies. C++ provides the flexibility and low-level control that our Software Engineers need to get maximum performance out of multi-core, super-scalar processors. No previous experience in finance or trading is required. Training and continuous education is provided for all Engineers to ensure they have the skills and knowledge needed to be successful. </span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"335559738":240,"335559739":240}"> </span></p>
<p><strong><span data-contrast="auto">Qualities that make great candidates:</span></strong><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"335559738":240,"335559739":240}"> </span></p>
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<li><span data-contrast="auto">Pursuing a BS/MS/ PhD in Computer Science, Engineering, Math, Physics or related field</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"335559738":0,"335559739":0}"> </span></li>
<li><span data-contrast="auto">Experience programming in modern C++ </span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"335559738":0,"335559739":0}"> </span></li>
<li><span data-contrast="auto">Experience with several of the following – distributed systems, parallel processing, networking, data structures and algorithms and operating systems</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"335559738":0,"335559739":0}"> </span></li>
<li><span data-contrast="auto">Strong analytic and problem-solving skills</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"335559738":0,"335559739":0}"> </span></li>
<li><span data-contrast="auto">Exposure to scripting and rudimentary data mining and regression analysis, ideally in Python with Pandas and Numpy</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"335559738":0,"335559739":0}"> </span></li>
<li><span data-contrast="auto">Ability to communicate with the trading team, obtain requirements, find solutions and implement them in a clean and concise way</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"335559738":0,"335559739":0}"> </span></li>
<li><span data-contrast="auto">The ability to react quickly and accurately to rapidly changing market conditions, including the ability to quickly and accurately respond to novel and unexpected problems</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"201341983":0,"335551550":1,"335551620":1,"335559737":0,"335559738":0,"335559739":0,"335559740":259}"> </span></li>
<li><span data-contrast="auto">Passion for innovation and building systems from the ground up</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"335559738":0,"335559739":0}"> </span></li>
<li><span data-contrast="auto">Ability to adapt to an ever-changing environment</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"335559738":0,"335559739":0}"> </span></li>
<li><span data-contrast="auto">Self-starter attitude with the ability to work independently</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"335559738":0,"335559739":0}"> </span></li>
<li><span data-contrast="auto">Strong sense of ownership</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"335559738":0,"335559739":0}"> </span></li>
<li><span data-contrast="auto">Must be graduating by August 2027 or prior</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"335559738":0,"335559739":0}"> </span></li>
<li><span data-contrast="auto">GPA of 3.5 or above</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"335559738":0,"335559739":0}"> </span></li>
<li><span data-contrast="auto">Legal authorization to work in the U.S. is required on the first day of employment including F-1 students using CPT, OPT, or STEM</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"335559738":0,"335559739":0}"> </span></li>
</ul>
<p><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"335559685":720,"335559738":0,"335559739":0}"> <span data-contrast="auto"> **Resumes must be submitted in PDF format.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"201341983":0,"335559738":240,"335559739":240,"335559740":240}"> </span></span></p>
<p><strong><span data-contrast="auto">In addition to technical skillsets, Akuna values the unique perspectives people can bring to the table to collaboratively solve complex problems and drive Akuna forward. We want all groups to feel empowered to apply, even if you don’t meet every qualification. We welcome your application and encourage you to take the first steps toward your future with us!</span></strong><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"201341983":0,"335559738":0,"335559739":0,"335559740":279}"> </span></p>
<p><strong><span data-contrast="auto">Please note:</span></strong><span data-contrast="auto"> By submitting an application 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. </span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"335559738":240,"335559739":240}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"335559738":240,"335559739":240}"><em>In accordance with Illinois Equal Pay Act, the minimum annualized base salary starts at $130,000. 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.</em></span></p>
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What you'll do
- As a Software Engineer Intern, you will work with trading and software teams to design and implement solutions to complex problems. You will have the opportunity to work on high performance and low latency systems using cutting-edge technology.
About Akuna Capital
Akuna Capital is an innovative trading firm with a strong focus on cutting-edge technology, data driven decisions and automation. Our core competency is providing liquidity as an options market-maker – meaning we provide 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, and London.
We are the leading options market-maker to successfully enter the industry in recent years with sustainable growth. By providing more liquidity to the markets through rapid innovation, we have the advantage of youth in remaining nimble and agile in an ever-changing competitive landscape.
Akuna has no clients or external investors, we trade only with the company’s capital. We have dozens of employee-shareholders and this number continues to grow.
We are really proud of what we have accomplished since inception, but even more excited for all that lies ahead of us. We are still building, accessing new markets, trading new products, and creating new strategies, giving you the opportunity to be involved in shaping the future of Akuna. Indeed, the great majority of Akuna’s growth profile is ahead of us.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does a Software Engineer Intern - C++, Summer 2026 do at Akuna Capital?
As a Software Engineer Intern - C++, Summer 2026 at Akuna Capital, you will: as a Software Engineer Intern, you will work with trading and software teams to design and implement solutions to complex problems. You will have the opportunity to work on high performance and low latency systems using cutting-edge technology..
Is the Software Engineer Intern - C++, Summer 2026 position at Akuna Capital remote?
The Software Engineer Intern - C++, Summer 2026 position at Akuna Capital is based in Chicago, United States. Contact the company through Clera for specific work arrangement details.
How do I apply for the Software Engineer Intern - C++, Summer 2026 position at Akuna Capital?
You can apply for the Software Engineer Intern - C++, Summer 2026 position at Akuna Capitaldirectly through Clera. Click the "Apply Now" button above to start your application. Clera's AI-powered platform will help match your profile with this opportunity and guide you through the application process.