Software Engineer Intern - C++, Summer 2026

About Akuna:

Akuna Capital is an innovative trading firm with a strong focus on collaboration, cutting-edge technology, data-driven solutions and automation. We specialize in providing liquidity as an options market-maker – meaning we are committed to providing competitive quotes that we are willing to both buy and sell. To do this successfully, we design and implement our own low latency technologies, trading strategies and mathematical models.

Our Founding Partners first conceptualized Akuna in their hometown of Sydney. They opened the firm’s first office in 2011 in the heart of the derivatives industry and the options capital of the world – Chicago. Today, Akuna is proud to operate from additional offices in Sydney, Shanghai, Singapore, and London.

What you’ll do as a Software Engineer Intern on the C++ Team at Akuna:

We are seeking Software Engineer Interns to join our innovative and growing technology team for our 10-week Akunacademy summer internship program. In this role, you will work alongside our trading and software teams to design and implement elegant solutions to complex and interesting problems.

Software Engineer Interns at Akuna have the opportunity to use cutting-edge technology while working on high performance/low latency systems. We offer a team-based approach to trading and technology, believing that productive integration of the two groups is vital for success in this industry. Akuna loves Software Engineer Interns who are self-starters and have the ability to problem solve and think outside of the box. We value innovation and hard work, and we want you to make an impact at the firm. Whether you are interested in trading infrastructure, algorithms, exchange gateways, performance engineering, hardware or data capture and analysis, or something else, there’s engaging work to be done. If you are excited to jump in and make a difference, Akuna could be the place for you.

The C++ teams work on applications where C++ is used for computational heavy-lifting and for applications that have timing-critical, low-latency processes such as trading strategies. C++ provides the flexibility and low-level control that our Software Engineers need to get maximum performance out of multi-core, super-scalar processors. No previous experience in finance or trading is required. Training and continuous education is provided for all Engineers to ensure they have the skills and knowledge needed to be successful.

Qualities that make great candidates:

• Pursuing a BS/MS/ PhD in Computer Science, Engineering, Math, Physics or related field

• Experience programming in modern C++

• Experience with several of the following – distributed systems, parallel processing, networking, data structures and algorithms and operating systems

• Strong analytic and problem-solving skills

• Exposure to scripting and rudimentary data mining and regression analysis, ideally in Python with Pandas and Numpy

• Ability to communicate with the trading team, obtain requirements, find solutions and implement them in a clean and concise way

• The ability to react quickly and accurately to rapidly changing market conditions, including the ability to quickly and accurately respond to novel and unexpected problems

• Passion for innovation and building systems from the ground up

• Ability to adapt to an ever-changing environment

• Self-starter attitude with the ability to work independently

• Strong sense of ownership

• Must be graduating by August 2027 or prior

• GPA of 3.5 or above

• Legal authorization to work in the U.S. is required on the first day of employment including F-1 students using CPT, OPT, or STEM

**Resumes must be submitted in PDF format.

In addition to technical skillsets, Akuna values the unique perspectives people can bring to the table to collaboratively solve complex problems and drive Akuna forward. We want all groups to feel empowered to apply, even if you don’t meet every qualification. We welcome your application and encourage you to take the first steps toward your future with us!

Please note: By submitting an application to this role, you are indicating this is your top preference and acknowledge you will not be considered for other Quant and/or Tech roles at Akuna this recruiting season. This acknowledgement does not limit applications to Trading roles - in addition to this role, you may apply to any Trader roles of interest.

In accordance with Illinois Equal Pay Act, the minimum annualized base salary starts at $130,000. Exact compensation offered may vary based on many factors including, but not limited to, the candidate’s experience, qualifications, and skill set. The minimum base salary herein was determined in good faith by Akuna Capital LLC.