Job Application for Junior Trader, 2027 | Carnegie Mellon University at Akuna Capital On-Campus Interviews

Carnegie Mellon University Students

This application is intended for students currently enrolled at Carnegie Mellon University as part of Akuna's on-campus recruiting program on October 23, 2026. If you're not currently a CMU student, please apply through our general Junior Trader, 2027 posting.

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, London and Singapore.

What you’ll do as a Junior Trader at Akuna:

We are seeking bright, math-savvy, competitive, and ambitious Junior Traders with a strong desire to learn how to make markets in a rapidly growing trading firm. Akuna gives new Traders the opportunity to learn from the most successful members of our Trading team and apply their knowledge quickly. The ideal candidate will be a motivated individual with a desire to compete in the marketplace and make an immediate impact at a growing firm.

As a Junior Trader, we’ll teach you how to leverage our proprietary technology while implementing a variety of trading strategies and ideas, so you can get on the trading screens and make an impact on the bottom line of the firm. The ideal candidate displays strong mental math and excellent communications skills and is interested in being a part of a fast-paced and collaborative team environment.

After training, candidates will start with one of the following teams:

Options Market Making (and all the various desks)
Delta One
Vol Arb
Crypto
Quantitative Strategy Group

Qualities that make great candidates:

BS/MS/PhD degree in Engineering, Economics, Statistics, Mathematics, Computer Science, Actuarial Science or a related/equivalent field must be completed upon employment
Strong math aptitude, numerical and quantitative analysis skills
The ability to communicate effectively and efficiently while fostering external professional relationships
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
Entrepreneurial self-starter ready to work in a fast paced and competitive team environment
Desire to learn about financial markets and economic theories
Programming experience preferred
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

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 everyone to feel empowered to apply. We welcome your application and encourage you to take the first steps toward your future with us!

*This role is not for immediate hire - the next available start date is August 2027*

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

In accordance with Illinois Equal Pay Act, the minimum base salary starts at $145,000. Exact compensation offered may vary based on many factors including, but not limited to, the candidate’s experience, qualifications, and skill set. This role is also eligible for a discretionary performance bonus as part of the total compensation package and includes a comprehensive benefits package that may encompass employer-paid medical, dental, vision, retirement contributions, paid time off, and other benefits. The minimum base salary herein was determined in good faith by Akuna Capital LLC.

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By submitting this application and answering “yes” below, I acknowledge that this role is my top preference and I will not be considered for other full-time Trading roles at Akuna this recruiting season. This acknowledgement does not limit applications to other Tech and/or Quant roles - in addition to this role, you may apply to any Tech and/or Quant roles of interest.

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Did you complete our online Options 101 Course? If not, head to akunacapital.teachable.com for more information on this free course that is open to all!

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Akuna Capital is a global company which wants to attract the highest quality talent. We will sponsor any qualified candidate for US work authorization if we are legally able; including, but not limited to, the following work-authorized classifications: TN, E-3, STEM OPT, H-1B, H1B1, and more. In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification document form upon hire. Please respond to the questions below so we may confirm your employment eligibility: Employment with Akuna Capital is subject to verification of an applicant’s identity and eligibility for employment as required by U.S. immigration laws. If hired, are you legally authorized to work for any employer in the United States?

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I certify that all information I have provided in order to apply for this position with Akuna is true, complete, and accurate. I understand further that if any information provided by me is found to be false, misleading, or misrepresented in any respect, that will be sufficient cause to eliminate me from further consideration for employment or may result in my immediate termination, whenever it is discovered.

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U.S. Standard Demographic Questions

Akuna is an equal opportunity employer, and we believe that innovation begins with inclusion. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type, and afford equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. To ensure we comply with reporting requirements and to identify areas of improvement in our hiring process, we invite you to voluntarily share your demographic information. Any provided data will remain confidential, and will not be used in the hiring process or have any effect on your opportunity for employment.

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Junior Trader, 2027 | Carnegie Mellon University

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U.S. Standard Demographic Questions