Software Engineer Intern - Python, 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 Python Team at Akuna:

We are seeking Software Engineer Interns to join our innovative and growing technology team for our 10-week Akunacademy internship program. In this role you will work alongside our trading and software team 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 software engineering, believing that productive integration of the two groups is vital for success in this industry. Akuna loves Software Engineering 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 want you to make an impact in the firm. Whether you are interested in trading infrastructure, algorithms, exchange gateways, performance engineering, hardware, data capture and analysis or front-end user interfaces, there’s work to be done. If you are excited to jump in and make a difference, Akuna could be the place for you.

Requirements for this role:

• Pursuing a Bachelors, Masters, or Ph.D. in technical field – Computer Science/Engineering, Math, Physics, or equivalent

• Must graduate by August 2027

• Major 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 OPT or STEM

Qualities that make great candidates:

• Strong programming skills in Object Oriented Python Development

• Demonstrated experience with distributed systems

• Strong analytic and problem-solving skills

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

• Create an easily understood and testable codebase that can change as quickly as market conditions require

• The ability to react quickly and accurately to rapidly changing market conditions, including the ability to quickly and accurately respond and/or solve math and coding problems are essential functions of the role

• 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

**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.