Junior Quant Trader

Junior Quant Trader 

Location: Chicago, IL. This is a full-time, in-office role. Candidates must be local to Chicago or willing to relocate. 

About Kai Volatility Advisors 

Kai Volatility Advisors LLC is an NFA-registered Commodity Trading Advisor (CTA) offering volatility exposure strategies for commodity pools, family offices, RIAs, and high-net-worth investors. We advise four specialized funds designed to capitalize on a range of volatility opportunities. 

Kai Wealth LLC is an SEC-registered investment adviser providing investment management services tailored to the unique investment objectives of each qualified client. Both firms, collectively "Kai," were founded by Cem Karsan, who has more than two decades of experience building industry-leading investment businesses. 

Position Summary 

Kai Volatility Advisors is seeking a Junior Trader to support execution across listed equity indices, single-name equity derivatives, and related volatility markets. This role will work closely with the Chief Investment Officer and trading team to execute complex and multi-leg orders, analyze liquidity and volatility conditions, and improve execution workflows. We are looking for a quantitatively minded candidate who can backtest and optimize strategies, contribute to algorithmic trading tools, and generate data-driven insights that support trading decisions and system improvements. 

The ideal candidate has hands-on options trading experience, strong attention to detail, a quantitative mindset, and the ability to operate effectively in a fast-moving market environment. 

Position Budget 

$125k to $175k annual salary, depending on experience, plus discretionary bonus and fully paid health insurance. 

Responsibilities 

• Execute futures, equities, and listed options orders using OMS/EMS platforms and algorithmic tools 
• Support complex and multi-leg options execution with a focus on best execution 
• Monitor open orders and adjust execution strategy based on liquidity, volatility, and market conditions 
• Provide real-time market structure, volatility, and liquidity insights to support trading decisions 
• Assist with backtesting, signal development, and quantitative analysis of trading strategies 
• Maintain accurate trade capture, reconciliation, and post-trade processes 
• Coordinate with compliance, operations, and clearing teams on trade reporting and regulatory requirements 
• Help improve execution workflows, trading tools, and operational processes 
• Support the Chief Investment Officer on delegated trading, research, and operational projects 

Required Qualifications 

• Bachelor's degree in finance, engineering, mathematics, computer science, economics, business, or a related field 
• 2 years of experience in a trading, execution, quantitative research, or markets-focused role 
• Strong understanding of listed options market structure, including complex and multi-leg order execution 
• Familiarity with futures, equities, index options, single-name options, and volatility products 
• Strong attention to detail and ability to perform under time-sensitive market conditions 
• Excellent analytical, organizational, and communication skills 
• Ability to collaborate with investment, trading, operations, compliance, and clearing teams 

Preferred Qualifications 

• Proficiency in Python, R, or a similar programming language 
• Experience with backtesting frameworks, quantitative research, or trading signal development 
• Experience using OMS/EMS platforms or algorithmic execution tools 
• Knowledge of options Greeks, volatility surfaces, skew, term structure, and portfolio risk 

Benefits 

Kai Volatility Advisors offers a comprehensive benefits package, including healthcare, paid time off, and a fully stocked kitchen. 

Equal Opportunity Statement 

Kai is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Women, minorities, veterans, members of the LGBTQIA community, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.