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Software Engineer Intern - Summer 2027

IMC Trading · Chicago, IL · Development (Group)

Posted Sep 30, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

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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

Tell me about the most challenging project you've worked on. What was your part?

What they are checking: Whether they can take on meaningful work and explain their own contribution clearly.

Tell me about a time you got critical feedback on your code. What changed?

What they are checking: Coachability and whether they learn from reviews from a mentor.

Why are you interested in software engineering at a trading firm?

What they are checking: Genuine interest in the work and the markets, not just the internship's reputation.

What would you do

You're given a task and realize halfway that your approach won't scale. What do you do?

What they are checking: Whether they can change course and communicate early instead of pushing ahead with a bad plan.

How would you explain your code to a trader who doesn't program?

What they are checking: Whether they can work with non-engineers, since interns connect with traders and technologists.

About the work

Design a data structure that supports insert, delete and get-random in constant time.

What they are checking: Strong data structures knowledge, which the posting says is required.

Given an order book with bids and asks, how would you store it so you can quickly find the best price and update levels?

What they are checking: Whether they can apply data structures to a real trading problem with fast lookups and updates.

What's the time complexity of your favorite sorting algorithm, and when would you not use it?

What they are checking: Real understanding of complexity, not just memorized answers.

Explain the difference between a stack and a heap allocation, and why it might matter in fast code.

What they are checking: Basic understanding of memory, which matters in low-latency trading software.

Find the longest substring without repeating characters, and talk through your approach as you go.

What they are checking: Clear thinking out loud while solving a classic sliding window problem.

How do you test your code before you call it done?

What they are checking: Whether they have the habit of testing edge cases instead of trusting the happy path.

Practice this interview out loud.

Offer builds a real interview for this exact role at IMC Trading from your resume and this job description, asks the questions one at a time, and tells you what landed. The first one is free.

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The full job description

As published by IMC Trading.

Our 10-week internship is your chance to experience life as a Software Engineer at IMC. You’ll have the support you need to succeed: educational trainings and a mentor who will oversee your work and professional development. We provide a highly competitive compensation package with accommodations included. The bar for talent at IMC is high and interns who meet our performance expectations will have the opportunity to secure a graduate position at the end of the program.  Where you go from here is up to you! Your Core Responsibilities: • Work on meaningful and challenging projects that have the potential to impact our business • Participate in classroom-based training covering an overview of financial markets, IMC technology and coding fundamentals • Build valuable connections with traders and technologists in an environment that rewards problem solving, innovation and teamwork • Engage in professional development sessions aimed at helping you envision your future at IMC • Attend a full schedule of events and social activities throughout the summer to get to know your cohort and IMCers Your Skills and Experience: • Current university student graduating between September 2027 - July 2028 that is pursuing a Computer Science, Engineering, or a related technology degree • Strong knowledge of algorithms and data structures is required • Must have proficient experience in a programming language (Java or C++ preferred) • Strong analytical skills and interest in solving complex problems programmatically • Desire to collaborate with technical and non-technical teammates in a dynamic environment • Interest in the Financial Markets; previous knowledge is NOT required • Must be able to start internship on June 7, 2027 You may submit one application per role each year.  We strongly encourage you to focus on applying to a single role that best matches your skills and interests.  Though you may apply to multiple roles, please note that each application will be evaluated based on the specific criteria established for that particular role. If you have already applied for this position during the current recruitment season and were not selected, you may reapply when the next recruitment season begins in 2027. The Base Salary range for the role is included below. Base salary is only one component of total compensation; all full-time, permanent positions are eligible for a discretionary bonus and benefits, including paid leave and insurance. Please visit Benefits - US | IMC Trading for more comprehensive information. Base Salary: $200,000 #LI-DNP About Us IMC is a research-driven trading firm where quantitative modeling, machine learning, and engineering shape how modern markets are traded. A stabilizing force in markets since 1989, we provide liquidity across trading venues, delivering the best outcome in value and risk management to investors. Using our own technology and capital, we build proprietary systems and algorithms that operate across global markets. Our researchers, traders, and engineers work as a collective, combining rapid experimentation, advanced infrastructure, and real-time feedback to turn insight into execution and execution into advantage.  

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