Quantitative Intern (Summer 2027)
Posted Oct 2, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026
Likely interview questions for this role
Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.
About your past
You may end up in either quant trading or quant research. Which pulls you more, and why?
What they are checking: Self-awareness about their strengths, which the posting says decides the internship track.
Tell me about a time you learned something difficult very quickly. How did you go about it?
What they are checking: Learning speed, which matters in a program built on structured education and market simulations.
Describe a project where you used data to test an idea. What did you find?
What they are checking: Whether they think in hypotheses and evidence rather than opinions.
What would you do
Make me a market on the number of windows in this building.
What they are checking: Comfort estimating under uncertainty and setting a sensible width that reflects how unsure they are.
In a trading simulation you made a quick decision that lost money. How do you think about whether it was a bad decision or just bad luck?
What they are checking: Whether they judge decisions by process rather than outcome, a core trading mindset.
You're working on a team project and a teammate is confident but wrong. What do you do?
What they are checking: Ability to disagree clearly and collaboratively, which matters in fast team environments.
About the work
I'll offer you a game: roll one die and I pay you the face value in dollars. What would you pay to play, and would you change your answer if you could re-roll once?
What they are checking: Expected value reasoning and the ability to handle a small decision tree on the spot.
What's 17 times 24? Now what's 7 percent of 340?
What they are checking: Fast, accurate mental math, which traders use constantly.
How would you use AI tools to speed up testing an idea, and how would you check what they give you?
What they are checking: Practical use of AI-enabled tools paired with healthy skepticism about their output.
What do you think a market maker actually does, and how does it make money?
What they are checking: Basic understanding of Optiver's business before they walk in the door.
Practice this interview out loud.
Offer builds a real interview for this exact role at Optiver from your resume and this job description, asks the questions one at a time, and tells you what landed. The first one is free.
Practice this out loudThe full job description
As published by Optiver.
As a Quantitative Intern at Optiver, you'll work alongside traders, researchers, and engineers to solve complex problems in global financial markets. You'll learn how quantitative research, data, technology, and AI-enabled tools come together to identify opportunities, test ideas, and drive decision-making in rapidly evolving markets. Through hands-on project work, mentorship, and training led by Optiver's dedicated Education team, you'll build the foundation needed to make an impact.
As part of the interview process, we'll assess your strengths, interests, and skills to determine the best fit, and you may be considered for either a Quant Trading or Quant Research internship offer. <span class="EOP Selected SCXW98871988 BCX8" data-ccp-props="{"134233117":true,"134233118":true,"201341983":0,"335551550":1,"335551620":1,"335559740":240}">
What You'll Do: <span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":true,"134233118":true,"134245529":true,"201341983":0,"335551550":1,"335551620":1,"335559740":240}">
Our internship is designed for curious problem-solvers who enjoy continuously learning. Through a combination of structured education, market simulations, and exposure to modern research and AI tools, you'll develop the skills needed to apply quantitative thinking to real-world challenges. <span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":true,"134233118":true,"134245529":true,"201341983":0,"335551550":1,"335551620":1,"335559740":240}">
You'll have the opportunity to: <span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":true,"134233118":true,"134245529":true,"201341983":0,"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559740":240}">
<li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="4" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="1" data-aria-level="1"> D evelop a deeper understanding of financial markets, quantitative trading, and the research and technology that power them. <span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":true,"134233118":true,"134245529":true,"201341983":0,"335551550":1,"335551620":1,"335559740":240}">
<li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="4" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="2" data-aria-level="1"> Analyze complex datasets, investigate market behavior, and uncover insights that inform decision-making. <span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":true,"134233118":true,"201341983":0,"335551550":1,"335551620":1,"335559740":240}">
<li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="4" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="3" data-aria-level="1"> Apply your quantitative and programming skills to solve real trading challenges and build impactful tools. <span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":true,"134233118":true,"201341983":0,"335551550":1,"335551620":1,"335559740":240}">
<li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="4" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="4" data-aria-level="1"> Strengthen your decision-making skills through live market simulations and hands-on experience. <span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":true,"134233118":true,"201341983":0,"335551550":1,"335551620":1,"335559740":240}">
<li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="4" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="5" data-aria-level="1"> Explore how AI tools can accelerate research, experimentation, and quantitative decision-making <span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":true,"134233118":true,"201341983":0,"335551550":1,"335551620":1,"335559740":240}">
<li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="4" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="6" data-aria-level="1"> Learn directly from experienced traders and researchers in a collaborative, high-performance environment. <span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":true,"134233118":true,"201341983":0,"335551550":1,"335551620":1,"335559740":240}">
What You'll Get: <span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":true,"134233118":true,"134245529":true,"201341983":0,"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559740":240}">
You'll join a culture of collaboration and excellence, surrounded by curious thinkers and creative problem-solvers. Motivated by a passion for continuous improvement, you'll thrive in a supportive, high-performing environment alongside talented colleagues, collectively tackling some of the toughest challenges in the financial markets. <span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":true,"134233118":true,"134245529":true,"201341983":0,"335551550":1,"335551620":1,"335559740":240}">
In addition, you'll receive: <span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":true,"134233118":true,"134245529":true,"201341983":0,"335551550":1,"335551620":1,"335559740":240}">
<li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="5" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="1" data-aria-level="1"> The opportunity to work alongside best-in-class professionals from over 40 different countries. <span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":true,"134233118":true,"134245529":true,"201341983":0,"335551550":1,"335551620":1,"335559740":240}">
<li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="5" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="2" data-aria-level="1"> The opportunity to earn a return internship or full-time offer in Chicago, Austin, New York City, or Amsterdam based on performance. <span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":true,"134233118":true,"134245529":true,"201341983":0,"335551550":1,"335551620":1,"335559740":240}">
<li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="5" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="3" data-aria-level="1"> A highly competitive internship compensation package. <span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":true,"134233118":true,"134245529":true,"201341983":0,"335551550":1,"335551620":1,"335559740":240}">
<li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="5" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="4" data-aria-level="1"> Optiver-covered flights, living accommodations, and commuting stipends. <span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":true,"134233118":true,"134245529":true,"201341983":0,"335551550":1,"335551620":1,"335559740":240}">
<li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="5" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="5" data-aria-level="1"> Extensive office perks, including breakfast, lunch, snacks, regular social events, clubs, sporting leagues, and more. <span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":true,"134233118":true,"134245529":true,"201341983":0,"335551550":1,"335551620":1,"335559740":240}">
Who You Are: <span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":true,"134233118":true,"134245529":true,"201341983":0,"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559740":240}">
<li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="6" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="1" data-aria-level="1"> Currently pursuing a Bachelor's or Master's degree in a STEM field. <span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":true,"134233118":true,"134245529":true,"201341983":0,"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559740":240}">
<li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="6" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="2" data-aria-level="1"> Expected graduation between December 2027 and June 2029, with sophomore standing or higher. <span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":true,"134233118":true,"134245529":true,"201341983":0,"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559740":240}">
<li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="6" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="3" data-aria-level="1"> Available to intern during Summer 2027. <span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":true,"134233118":true,"134245529":true,"201341983":0,"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559740":240}">
<li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="6" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="4" data-aria-level="1"> Open to full-time opportunities upon graduation. <span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":true,"134233118":true,"134245529":true,"201341983":0,"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559740":240}">
<li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="6" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="5" data-aria-level="1"> Strong quantitative, analytical, and logical reasoning skills. <span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":true,"134233118":true,"134245529":true,"201341983":0,"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559740":240}">
<li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="6" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="6" data-aria-level="1"> Solid foundation in mathematics, probability, and statistics. <span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":true,"134233118":true,"134245529":true,"201341983":0,"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559740":240}">
<li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="6" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="7" data-aria-level="1"> Experience with programming or scripting in Python or another language. <span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":true,"134233118":true,"134245529":true,"201341983":0,"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559740":240}">
<li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="6" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="8" data-aria-level="1"> Strong interest in financial markets, quantitative research, and decision-making. <span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":true,"134233118":true,"134245529":true,"201341983":0,"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559740":240}">
<li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="6" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="9" data-aria-level="1"> Excited to work in a fast-paced, collaborative environment. <span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":true,"134233118":true,"134245529":true,"201341983":0,"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559740":240}">
<li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="6" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="10" data-aria-level="1"> Fluent in English with strong written and verbal communication skills. <span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":true,"134233118":true,"134245529":true,"201341983":0,"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559740":240}">
Who We Are:
Optiver is a leading technology- and research-driven trading firm. Our teams of scientists, engineers, mathematicians, and traders work side by side to develop, test, and scale ideas that shape how we understand and trade global markets. Powered by a global platform built for rapid experimentation and iteration, we combine the scientific rigor of a research institution with the pace of a technology company. <span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559738":60,"335559739":60}">
Our differences are our edge. Optiver does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, physical or mental disability, or other legally protected characteristics. <span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":true,"134233118":true,"134245529":true,"201341983":0,"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559740":240}">
Optiver is supportive of US immigration sponsorship for this role. <span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":true,"134233118":true,"134245529":true,"201341983":0,"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559740":240}">
Optiver has a global application re-apply policy for our intern and graduate roles. If you have completed an online assessment or interviewed for a quantitative graduate or internship role at any Optiver location in the past 8 months, please note that you are not yet eligible to reapply. We welcome you to re-apply to after the 8-month cool off period.
Below is the expected compensation for this position. This is a good-faith estimate of the base pay scale and sign-on bonus for this position and offers will ultimately be determined based on experience, education, skill set, and performance in the interview process. This position will also be eligible for the benefits listed above.
Base Salary Range
$70,000 — $88,000 USD