We are seeking analytically minded Quantitative Systematic Traders who excel at integrating quantitative research and trading expertise. In this role, you’ll develop and implement innovative electronic trading strategies, continuously analyze real-time market data and collaborate closely with technologists and other strategists.
The life cycle of a quant project begins with an idea that can come from anywhere—whether it’s you, a colleague or a casual discussion in the office. You’ll use mathematical tools, statistics and programming to research these ideas, identify potential trading signals and test them through back-testing environments. If proven successful, you’ll work hand-in-hand with technologists to implement the strategies and monitor their performance in real time. This continuous cycle of idea generation, research and execution makes the role both intellectually stimulating and dynamic.
At SIG, we foster a collaborative, non-hierarchical environment where employees from all levels can contribute meaningfully and grow. Our comprehensive educational program combines classroom learning, simulated practice and real-world experience to ensure you’re well-prepared for success.
We value innovation and the ability to communicate complex ideas effectively, making logical reasoning and programming skills in Python or C++ essential for this role. Beyond competitive remuneration and bonuses, SIG offers a range of benefits, including private healthcare, wellness initiatives and visa sponsorship, along with a vibrant workplace culture that emphasizes ongoing learning, teamwork and personal development.
Responsibilities
The life cycle of a quant project starts with an idea:
- This idea can originate from anyone—whether it’s you, your mentor or even a casual conversation with someone in the cafeteria.
- As a Quantitative Systematic Trader, your role is to dive deep into this idea, utilizing tools from mathematics, statistics and programming to explore market data.
- Your research may reveal new patterns that can be transformed into a trading signal.
- To gauge the signal’s potential, you’ll test it using back-testing methods and critically analyze its performance.
- If the signal demonstrates promising, profitable results, you’ll collaborate closely with technologists to implement it into production.
- After embedding the signal into our electronic trading systems, you’ll continue to monitor its real-time performance in the market.
- As the strategy evolves, you’ll gather feedback from researchers, strategists and traders to refine ideas and develop new projects, thus starting the life cycle again.
We provide a structured orientation program that helps bridge the gap between academic knowledge and practical industry application. This includes an introduction to options pricing, exposure to proprietary datasets and opportunities to practice advanced data analysis techniques. Post-orientation, our trading floor offers continuous opportunities for learning and development through discussions and collaborations.
Qualifications We’re Looking For
- PhD in a quantitative discipline such as Mathematics, Physics, Statistics, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Operations Research or Economics.
- Strong analytical problem-solving skills.
- Excellent logical reasoning abilities.
- Outstanding communication skills, enabling both clear understanding of others and making yourself understood.
- Experience in coding, particularly for processing and analyzing large datasets using Python.
- Familiarity with C++ or other low-level programming languages is an advantage.
- Demonstrated interest in strategic games or competitive activities.
- Ability to thrive in a high-paced, dynamic environment.
What’s In It for You
- Our highly respected educational program incorporates classroom theory, hands-on simulated learning and an immersive experience at our Philadelphia office. This program sets graduates up for long-term success in the industry.
- Our non-hierarchical work culture allows employees at every level to make a significant impact. We are not your typical trading firm—the environment here is casual and collaborative, with an emphasis on ongoing learning and personal development.
- Competitive salary packages, attractive bonuses and additional leave benefits.
- Access to private healthcare, gym allowances and wellness programs.
- Fully stocked kitchen offering daily breakfast and lunch.
- Regular social, sporting and community events to foster a balanced work-life environment.
- Visa sponsorship and relocation support are available when necessary.
Equal Opportunity Statement
We are committed to diversity and encourage candidates from all backgrounds to apply. We are also open to accommodating requests for reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process to ensure you can best demonstrate your skills. For any questions, feel free to contact us at [email address provided.
About SIG
SIG is a global quantitative trading firm, created by a group of friends who shared a passion for game theory and probabilistic thinking. This intellectual foundation is embedded in our culture, where our employees are driven problem solvers across our key areas—Trading, Technology and Quantitative Research. With offices across the globe, our teams collaborate to make data-driven decisions, united by the collective goal of achieving successful outcomes.
What We Do
We specialize in trading nearly all listed financial instruments and asset classes, with a primary focus on derivatives trading. Through both market making and market taking, we facilitate millions of transactions daily, ensuring liquidity and competitive pricing for buyers and sellers. While we have a broad market presence, our trading desks are highly specialized, allowing our teams to gain a deep understanding of the specific drivers behind each asset class.
Key Points and Expansion for Paraphrasing:
- Interdisciplinary Collaboration and Teamwork:
- The job emphasizes the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration, where quantitative research, technology and trading meet.
- Traders constantly interact with other teams to refine strategies and ideas and the working culture promotes knowledge sharing.
- Quant Project Lifecycle:
- The lifecycle of a quant project is dynamic, starting from an idea, progressing through research and testing and culminating in real-time market application. Each stage requires critical thinking, data analysis and programming skills.
- The cycle is repetitive and allows continuous evolution of strategies as new ideas emerge, making it a highly engaging and iterative process.
- Educational Opportunities:
- New hires benefit from an in-depth orientation program that bridges the gap between academic learning and practical application in trading. This program introduces recruits to fundamental industry concepts and provides access to proprietary datasets.
- The emphasis on continued learning on the trading floor ensures that employees are always in a position to refine their skills and stay updated on market trends.
- Qualifications:
- The ideal candidate must have a PhD in a quantitative field, such as Mathematics or Computer Science, among others.
- Along with strong analytical and problem-solving skills, candidates should have experience in coding, particularly in Python and should also be familiar with low-level languages like C++.
- The firm values logical reasoning and strong communication skills, as the ability to communicate complex ideas clearly is essential.
- An interest in competitive activities, such as strategic games, is an asset, reflecting the firm’s commitment to probabilistic and game-theory-based thinking.
- Benefits:
- SIG offers competitive compensation, bonuses, healthcare and various allowances such as for gyms and wellness.
- The work environment is designed to be supportive and collaborative, with regular social events and community involvement.
- Relocation and visa sponsorship support are available for international hires, reinforcing the company’s commitment to attracting the best talent globally.
- Company Overview:
- SIG’s founding principles are rooted in game theory and this approach has shaped the company culture.
- Employees are encouraged to be collaborative problem-solvers who make data-driven decisions, focusing on trading efficiency and profitability.
- SIG has a strong global presence and operates across various financial markets with specialized teams focusing on different asset classes.
- Interview Process:
- The recruitment process is thorough, beginning with online assessments, followed by several interview stages, including technical interviews. The process ensures that candidates are well-matched for both trading and quantitative research roles.
- Commitment to Diversity:
- SIG promotes a diverse and inclusive work environment and is open to accommodating any reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process to ensure candidates can perform at their best.
- Trading Specialization:
- SIG is deeply involved in derivatives trading and provides liquidity in financial markets globally. The firm’s trading desks are highly specialized, allowing them to develop deep insights into each market they participate in.
In summary, the role of a Quantitative Systematic Trader at SIG requires a balance of technical skills, strategic thinking and collaboration. With a comprehensive training program and a strong focus on interdisciplinary learning, the position offers a dynamic and rewarding career path. SIG’s commitment to fostering an inclusive culture and offering competitive benefits ensures that employees can thrive in a supportive, innovative and challenging environment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the recruitment process for this role?
The process includes an initial application, followed by online assessments, a recruiter interview, a technical interview and final round interviews before receiving a job offer.
What programming languages should I be proficient in for this role?
Python is essential for data analysis and processing large datasets. Experience with C++ or other low-level programming languages is also beneficial.
Does SIG provide training for new hires?
Yes, SIG offers a comprehensive orientation program that bridges the gap between academic learning and real-world trading. The training includes classroom theory, hands-on simulations and exposure to proprietary data sets.
Is visa sponsorship and relocation support available?
Yes, SIG offers visa sponsorship and relocation packages for qualified international candidates.
What type of projects will I work on as a Quantitative Systematic Trader?
You’ll work on quant projects that involve generating and testing new trading signals, analyzing their performance and collaborating with teams across trading and technology to implement these signals in real-time trading strategies.
What is the work environment like at SIG?
The work culture at SIG is casual, collaborative and non-hierarchical. Employees of all levels are encouraged to contribute ideas and collaborate across disciplines like trading, quantitative research and technology.
What benefits does SIG offer?
In addition to competitive remuneration and bonuses, SIG offers private healthcare, gym allowances, wellness initiatives and access to a fully stocked kitchen for daily meals. The firm also organizes social, sporting and community events.
What career development opportunities are available at SIG?
SIG places a strong emphasis on continuous learning and development. Beyond the initial training program, you’ll have opportunities to engage with experienced professionals, participate in discussions on the trading floor and evolve your trading strategies as part of a dynamic, growth-oriented environment.