2026 Launchpad Software Engineer Program

IMC•Chicago, IL

9h•Onsite

About The Position

IMC Launchpad is a 2-day program for students in their second year of study who are eager to explore the fast-paced world of high-frequency trading. This program provides participants with a unique opportunity to explore how their skills can lead to exciting careers in trading, and technology. The program will be held in our Chicago office. Travel & accommodations will be provided by IMC for participants not local to Chicago. What You'll Do: Learn the Basics: Get hands-on exposure to the fundamentals of research, trading and engineering through educational and interactive sessions led by IMC traders and software engineers. Hands-On Experience: Dive into IMC’s in-house trading simulation to sharpen your technical skills, explore real-world trading applications, and practice problem-solving and strategic thinking in a dynamic market environment. Expand Your Network: Grow your confidence in teamwork and collaboration while connecting with fellow participants and full-time IMC quantitative researchers, traders and software engineers through networking opportunities. Elevate your Career: Program participants may be eligible for an accelerated interview process for the Summer 2027 Software Engineer Internship. This program immerses you in the competitive world of trading and technology through education, hands-on simulations, and direct access to IMC’s quantitative researchers, traders, and engineers to help you build the skills needed to pursue a software engineering internship.

Requirements

Availability to attend the program in Chicago on May 13 - 15, 2026
An academic background in Software Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field
To be in your penultimate year of undergraduate study during Summer 2027, meaning you will graduate between Fall 2027 - Spring 2028
Knowledge of algorithms and data structures
Analytical skills and desire to solve complicated problems programmatically
Experience in a programming language (Java or C++ preferred)
Interest in financial markets, but no prior knowledge or experience is required
Willingness to interact and work closely with non-engineers in a constantly changing environment
Eligibility to work within the United States

Responsibilities

Learn the Basics: Get hands-on exposure to the fundamentals of research, trading and engineering through educational and interactive sessions led by IMC traders and software engineers.
Hands-On Experience: Dive into IMC’s in-house trading simulation to sharpen your technical skills, explore real-world trading applications, and practice problem-solving and strategic thinking in a dynamic market environment.
Expand Your Network: Grow your confidence in teamwork and collaboration while connecting with fellow participants and full-time IMC quantitative researchers, traders and software engineers through networking opportunities.
Program participants may be eligible for an accelerated interview process for the Summer 2027 Software Engineer Internship.