Trading Automation and Operations 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
Tell me about something you automated, even a small script. What problem did it solve?
What they are checking: A bias toward building automation, which is most of what this internship involves.
Tell me about a time you owned a problem that wasn't clearly yours. What did you do?
What they are checking: Ownership of real business problems, which the internship asks interns to take on.
Tell me about a mistake you made on a project and how you handled it.
What they are checking: Honesty and speed in surfacing errors, which matters on a live trading floor.
Why does the trading floor interest you more than a pure software role?
What they are checking: Genuine interest in the mix of trading and technology this role offers.
What would you do
A trading strategy suddenly stops sending orders. What would you check first?
What they are checking: Logical, step-by-step investigation of a real production issue.
Your mentor is busy and you're stuck on a task. How do you decide when to ask for help?
What they are checking: Balance between independence and knowing when silence costs the team time.
About the work
What do you think a market maker does, and what could go wrong operationally?
What they are checking: Basic understanding of market making and the operational risks around it.
How do you use AI tools when solving a problem, and how do you decide whether to trust the answer?
What they are checking: Whether they apply their own judgment to AI output, which the posting stresses.
I flip a coin. Heads I pay you ten dollars, tails you pay me six. Would you play, and how many times?
What they are checking: Expected value and risk thinking, which underpin trading decisions.
In Python, how would you find duplicate entries in a large list of trade records?
What they are checking: Basic coding fluency and awareness of efficiency with larger data.
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 Trading Auto matio n and Operations Intern, you'll work o n our trading f loor enhancing fully systematic trading strategies and solving operat i onal challenges that directly support our core market-making business. Over ten weeks, you'll build automation, investigate real production issues, and improve our trading strategies, systems , an d workf lows . You'll take ownership of real business problems with the support of experienced teammates and mentors, while deepening your understanding of financial markets and market making. Like teams across Optiver, you’ll use AI to accelerate how you investigate problems, build solutions, and learn, while applying your own judgment to decide what works. <span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"134245529":true,"201341983":0,"335551550":1,"335551620":1,"335557856":16777215,"335559685":0,"335559738":0,"335559739":90,"335559740":240}">
What you’ll do: <span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":true,"134233118":true,"134245529":false,"201341983":0,"335551550":1,"335551620":1,"335559739":240,"335559740":240}">
<li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="14" 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"> Develop a deep understanding of financial markets, market making, and the systems that support our trading business. <span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"134245529":true,"201341983":0,"335551550":1,"335551620":1,"335557856":16777215,"335559738":0,"335559739":0,"335559740":240}">
<li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="14" 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"> Build tools, automated workflows, and data pipelines that traders rely on daily. <span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"134245529":true,"201341983":0,"335551550":1,"335551620":1,"335557856":16777215,"335559738":0,"335559739":0,"335559740":300}">
<li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="14" 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"> Improve systems and workflows by identifying opportunities to simplify manual processes and reduce operational friction.
<li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="14" 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"> Use AI-native workflows to investigate problems, analyze information, and develop solutions while applying your own judgment to evaluate results. <span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"134245529":true,"201341983":0,"335551550":1,"335551620":1,"335557856":16777215,"335559738":0,"335559739":0,"335559740":300}">
<li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="14" 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"> Collaborate closely with traders, researchers, and engineers to understand problems from multiple perspectives and deliver practical solutions. <span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"134245529":true,"201341983":0,"335551550":1,"335551620":1,"335557856":16777215,"335559738":0,"335559739":0,"335559740":300}">
<li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="14" 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"> Take ownership of a project from problem definition through implementation, with guidance and feedback from an experienced mentor. <span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"134245529":true,"201341983":0,"335551550":1,"335551620":1,"335557856":16777215,"335559738":0,"335559739":0,"335559740":300}">
What you’ll get: <span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":true,"134233118":true,"134245529":false,"201341983":0,"335551550":1,"335551620":1,"335559739":240,"335559740":240}">
<li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="13" 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="{"134245529":true,"201341983":0,"335551550":1,"335551620":1,"335559739":240,"335559740":240}">
<li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="13" 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 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,"335559739":240,"335559740":240}">
<li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="13" 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"> A highly competitive internship compensation package. <span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":true,"134233118":true,"134245529":true,"201341983":0,"335551550":1,"335551620":1,"335559739":240,"335559740":240}">
<li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="13" 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"> Optiver-covered flights, living accommodations, and commuting stipends. <span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":true,"134233118":true,"134245529":true,"201341983":0,"335551550":1,"335551620":1,"335559739":240,"335559740":240}">
<li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="13" 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,"335559739":240,"335559740":240}">
Who you are: <span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":true,"134233118":true,"134245529":false,"201341983":0,"335551550":1,"335551620":1,"335559739":240,"335559740":240}">
<li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="8" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"multilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="1" data-aria-level="1"> Working toward a bachelor’s, master’s or PhD in a STEM field <span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":true,"134233118":true,"134245529":false,"201341983":0,"335551550":1,"335551620":1,"335559739":240,"335559740":240}">
<li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="8" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"multilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="1" data-aria-level="1"> Junior or higher standing with a graduation date of Winter 2027 or Spring 2028 <span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":true,"134233118":true,"134245529":false,"201341983":0,"335551550":1,"335551620":1,"335559739":240,"335559740":240}">
<li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="8" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"multilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="1" data-aria-level="1"> Proficiency with a programming language, preferably Python <span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":true,"134233118":true,"134245529":false,"201341983":0,"335551550":1,"335551620":1,"335559739":240,"335559740":240}">
<li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="8" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"multilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="1" data-aria-level="1"> Possess superior analytical, quantitative and problem-solving skills <span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":true,"134233118":true,"134245529":false,"201341983":0,"335551550":1,"335551620":1,"335559739":240,"335559740":240}">
<li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="8" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"multilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="1" data-aria-level="1"> Excellent communicator and team player <span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":true,"134233118":true,"134245529":false,"201341983":0,"335551550":1,"335551620":1,"335559739":240,"335559740":240}">
<li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="8" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"multilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="1" data-aria-level="1"> Able to work in an accurate and structured way <span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":true,"134233118":true,"134245529":false,"201341983":0,"335551550":1,"335551620":1,"335559739":240,"335559740":240}">
<li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="8" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"multilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="1" data-aria-level="1"> Driven to constantly improve and optimize <span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":true,"134233118":true,"134245529":false,"201341983":0,"335551550":1,"335551620":1,"335559739":240,"335559740":240}">
<li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="8" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"multilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="1" data-aria-level="1"> Able to work under pressure and muti-task <span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":true,"134233118":true,"134245529":false,"201341983":0,"335551550":1,"335551620":1,"335559739":240,"335559740":240}">
<li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="8" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"multilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="1" data-aria-level="1"> Legal authorization to work in the U.S. is required; we will not sponsor individuals for employment authorization for this job opening <span data-ccp-props="{"134245529":true,"201341983":0,"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559739":240,"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,"134233279":true,"134245529":false,"201341983":0,"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559738":60,"335559739":60,"335559740":240}">
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,"134233279":true,"134245529":true,"201341983":0,"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559739":240,"335559740":240}">
We accept one application per role per year. If you have previously applied to this position during this season and have been unsuccessful, you can reapply once the next recruitment season begins in 2027. <span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":true,"134233118":true,"134233279":true,"134245529":true,"201341983":0,"335551550":1,"335551620":1,"335559739":240,"335559740":240}">
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
$38,000 — $38,000 USD