Senior AI ML Engineer
Chicago, IL - USA
Job Summary
Chicago Trading Company (CTC) is a premier proprietary trading firm specializing in options market making. Our collaborative culture fuels innovation in quantitative research systematic trading strategies and cutting-edge trading technology. For over three decades CTC has provided critical liquidity across derivatives exchanges worldwide - making them fairer more transparent and more efficient.
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.
We are seeking a Senior AI / ML Engineer to help define and build how CTC leverages AI across the firm. You will work closely with executive stakeholders to identify where AI creates real leverage for our engineers quants and traders and then build it. The AI landscape is moving fast and the strategy needs to evolve with it this role carries both the technical and strategic responsibility of figuring out what bets to make and executing on them. This role sits within our Developer Experience organization.
WHAT YOULL DO
Partner with leadership to shape CTCs AI strategy as the space evolves.
Evaluate emerging AI technologies and make informed recommendations on what to adopt what to watch and what to skip.
Build and ship AI capabilities that drive real adoption across engineering quant and trading teams.
Work across the firm to understand workflows identify high-value use cases and build tools that fit how people actually work.
Establish sensible practices for deployment security and governance as the function matures.
WHAT WERE LOOKING FOR
7 years of engineering experience with a strong track record of building and shipping developer tools platforms or internal tooling that achieved broad adoption.
Demonstrated applied experience with LLMs and generative AI; deep curiosity and strong opinions about where this space is heading.
Python proficiency required; C or low-latency systems experience is a strong plus.
Background working in demanding technical environments - proprietary trading hedge funds or similar settings where reliability and developer productivity directly impact the business.
Good judgment about where AI adds value and where it doesnt in a space that moves quickly.
Comfort with ambiguity and working closely with senior leadership.
Strong communication skills across technical and non-technical audiences.
Financial sector experience strongly preferred.
Advanced degree in Computer Science Machine Learning Statistics Engineering or related field is a plus.
Compensation
The salary range for this role is listed below. This role is also eligible for an annual discretionary bonus. The discretionary bonus will be dependent upon the individuals skills experience qualifications and firm performance.
Salary Range
$175000 - $250000 USD
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 time off insurance coverage paid parental leave free breakfast and lunch (plus healthy snacks of course) wellness reimbursement 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 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.
Required Experience:
Senior IC
About Company
Chicago Trading Company (CTC) is a highly analytical, team oriented derivatives trading firm that employs a dynamic, disciplined approach to trading across a variety of products and strategies. We take decisive action to position ourselves at the forefront of the financial markets. ... View more