Performance Engineer (Entry-Level), 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, London, and Singapore.

What you’ll do as a Performance Engineer at Akuna:

We are seeking to grow our Performance Engineering Team, which is focused on a rigorous and holistic approach to improving software, hardware, and strategy performance. This team is responsible for maintaining and increasing our competitiveness at the various exchanges Akuna does business with around the globe. As a member of this multidisciplinary team, you will be responsible for investigating new opportunities for optimizations and bringing these ideas to fruition. This can be achieved through software optimizations, analysis of hardware, orchestration of physical installations, analysis of exchange specific protocols, or building tools for gauging Akuna’s performance. In this role, you will:

• Contribute to the design and implementation of performance engineering solutions for our trading software suite. This includes benchmarking of systems, evaluation of devices, latency analysis, and the development of tools to assess performance.
• Review Akuna’s data center infrastructure and propose implementable changes to maximize the efficiency of our connections.
• Develop tools and applications for benchmarking new devices and software.
• Use a data driven approach to collaborate with relevant trading, quant, and technology teams to expand and improve our systems, footprint, and latency across strategies and exchanges.
• Guide the optimization and normalization for our existing exchange connections.
• Review and analyze how we leverage our proprietary systems and consider how we can improve our technology stack to better our trading success.

Qualities that make great candidates:

• BS/MS/PhD in technical field - Computer Science, Math, Physics, Engineering
• Strong C++ skills - we will assess C++ proficiency during the interview process
• Strong Python programming background
• Experience with Linux is required
• Exposure to fundamental networking concepts (TCP, UDP, unicast, multicast)
• Exposure to introductory Computer Architecture and Systems Programming
• Object-oriented design and programming experience
• Exposure to introductory statistics and linear algebra
• Highly collaborative in nature - excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work on cross-functional teams including Trading, Development, IT, and Quant
• GPA of 3.5 or above
• Must be graduating August 2026 or prior

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

Please note: This year, candidates will only be considered for their top preference role due to the high volume of applications we receive. By submitting this application, you acknowledge that you will not be considered for other Tech and/or Quant roles at Akuna for this recruiting season. 

In accordance with Illinois Equal Pay Act, the minimum 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. 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.