Exploring Winter Internship Programs at Hudson River Trading
Hudson River Trading (HRT) is a leading automated trading firm that utilizes advancements in machine learning, high-performance computing, and industry knowledge to impact over 200 worldwide markets. HRT fosters an open research environment and close cross-functional collaboration, constantly improving predictions and outperforming its peers. The firm welcomes deep thinkers from diverse backgrounds. HRT offers various internship programs, including winter internships, designed to introduce students to the world of quantitative trading and technology.
Overview of HRT Internship Programs
HRT’s internship programs provide students with opportunities to work on real-world projects, collaborate with experienced mentors, and build their knowledge and skills through varied learning opportunities. These internships offer a focused introduction to quantitative trading through hands-on projects, technical learning, and close mentorship. HRT is committed to creating opportunities for underrepresented groups and provides focused internship experiences.
Winter Internship Programs
HRT offers several winter internship programs, each designed for students with different backgrounds and interests. These programs typically run from late December/early January to mid-January, aligning with university winter break schedules.
PhD Winter Internship Program
The PhD Winter Internship program is a three-week introduction to quantitative research for graduate students who are curious about the quantitative finance industry but lack extensive experience in it. The program begins on January 5, 2026, and takes place in HRT’s New York City office.
Program Details
During the program, interns will:
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- Learn about a wide range of trading styles from leading experts in the field.
- Work on independent research projects representative of real work at HRT.
- Have access to tech talks, seminars, and a variety of social events that explore New York City.
Eligibility Requirements
- Full-time PhD student graduating between fall 2026 and summer 2028 in a technical or quantitative discipline (math, physics, computer science, statistics, machine learning, or a related program).
- Demonstrated experience in programming; familiarity with Python and/or C++ is preferred.
- A passion for technology and excitement for learning something new.
- Exceptional problem-solving skills.
- Strong communication skills.
- Specifically offered for individuals without extensive experience in the quantitative trading industry.
Compensation and Benefits
The program offers a weekly base salary of $5,800, in addition to company-paid housing, meals, and other perks.
Women in Trading and Technology Internship (WITTI)
The Women in Trading and Technology Internship (WITTI) is an informative exploration into quantitative trading for students who are curious but unfamiliar with the industry. The program begins on January 5, 2026, with the duration flexible based on the university's winter break schedule (either two, three, or four weeks).
Program Details
Through this program, participants can expect:
- An introduction to a wide range of technical facets of the quantitative trading industry.
- Hands-on independent programming projects in Python and C++.
- A chance to learn about both software engineering and algorithm development (quantitative research) at HRT.
- Tech talks and seminars.
- A variety of social and networking events that explore New York City.
This program is specifically offered for individuals without extensive experience in the quantitative trading industry.
Other Internship Opportunities
In addition to winter internships, HRT offers various other internship programs throughout the year:
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Software Engineering Summer Internship Program
HRT seeks motivated full-time students for its Software Engineering Summer Internship Program. The firm looks for smart programmers who love to code, love to learn, and can thrive in an entrepreneurial environment. HRT engineers create and maintain critical technology and infrastructure integral to the success of HRT's trading. Software Engineering Interns work on real-world projects in C++ and Python, contributing to the technology behind HRT’s trading and research environment. Our summer internships run from late-May to mid-August.
Algorithm Developer Internship
Algorithm Developers are responsible for building and maintaining the models that drive HRT's trading, relying on quantitative (mathematics, statistics, data analysis) and technical (C++/Python programming) skills to develop and improve strategies. For Algorithm Developers, you will be able to choose between C++ and Python. Algorithm Developers build and maintain the models that drive our trading, working hand in hand with Algo Engineers to help test and deploy their strategies.
Hardware Design Engineer Internship
Hardware Design Engineers at HRT craft sophisticated digital logic solutions in FPGA and ASIC technologies with nanosecond precision.
Programs for Students Early in Their Academic Careers
For students early in their academic careers and interested in quantitative finance, HRT offers programs ranging from one day to several weeks.
Inside HRT
Inside HRT is a three-day immersive program for first- and second-year students pursuing a degree in computer science, mathematics, or another STEM-related field. It offers an inside look at quantitative finance through hands-on workshops, tech talks, and networking with HRTers. The program aims to provide essential learning that removes barriers and creates opportunity for high-potential students.
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Explore HRT
Explore HRT is a multi-day program for 2028 graduates who are interested in building a career in quantitative trading. Explore HRT is a two-day program at our Singapore office for Year 2 STEM students, designed for those interested in building a long-term career in Singapore. Explore HRT is a three-day program where HRT invites promising 2028 graduates pursuing a degree in computer science, mathematics, or other STEM-related fields to HRT’s New York City office to learn about the quantitative finance industry. Students will have a unique opportunity to learn about HRT’s technical roles, discover how HRT operates, and ask questions about what it’s like to work at one of the world’s top quantitative trading firms. Participation in this program may result in fast-tracked consideration for future internship opportunities!
Program Details for NYC Office Program
- Dates: Wednesday, April 29th - Friday, May 1st
- Location: HRT NYC Office
- Travel and Lodging: Travel and hotel accommodations will be provided. Participants should plan to arrive on April 28th and depart on May 2nd.
What to Expect
This program includes tech talks by HRTers, hands-on work with our software engineering and/or algorithm development teams, 1:1 sessions with technical team members, and social events to showcase HRT’s New York headquarters and culture.
Eligibility Requirements
- Full-time undergraduate students graduating between winter 2027 and fall 2028
- Pursuing a bachelor's or master's degree in Math, CS, Stats, Physics, or a related field
- A strong interest in technology and a passion for learning and solving complex problems
- High proficiency in C++ or Python
- Interested in full-time employment opportunities in New York City
Application Details
The application process will include an online assessment and a 60-minute technical interview.
- Timeline:
- February 17th - Application opens
- March 11th - Application closes
- March 13th - Online assessment due
- Week of March 16th - Technical interviews conducted
- March 23rd - Offers extended
Full-Time Roles
If you’re graduating from a bachelor’s, master’s, or PhD program in 2026, consider one of HRT's full-time roles.
- Algorithm Developers are responsible for building and maintaining the models that drive our trading, relying on quantitative (mathematics, statistics, data analysis) and technical (C++/Python programming) skills to develop and improve our strategies.
- Software Engineers create and maintain critical technology and infrastructure at HRT.
Culture at HRT
Hudson River Trading (HRT) brings a scientific approach to trading financial products. HRT has built one of the world's most sophisticated computing environments for research and development. HRT’s researchers are at the forefront of innovation in the world of algorithmic trading. At HRT, the firm welcomes a variety of expertise: mathematics and computer science, physics and engineering, media, and tech. HRT is a community of self-starters who are motivated by the excitement of being at the cutting edge of automation in every part of the organization-from trading to business operations to recruiting and beyond. HRT values openness and transparency and celebrates great ideas from HRT veterans and new hires alike. At HRT, employees are friends and colleagues - whether they are sharing a meal, playing the latest board game, or writing elegant code. HRT embraces a culture of togetherness that extends far beyond the walls of the office. HRT's goal is to find the best people and bring them together to do great work in a place where everyone is valued. HRT is proud of its diverse staff; with offices all over the globe, the firm benefits from varied and unique perspectives. At HRT, we believe that by celebrating our differences and fostering a sense of belonging, we will drive innovation, enhance decision-making, and build the future of trading - together.
Diversity and Inclusion
HRT is an equal opportunity employer; so whoever you are, HRT would love to get to know you. To do so, HRT is committed to creating a space where all individuals, including women+ and non-binary students, can thrive.
The Application Process
Technical interviews at HRT usually consist of a coding test, 1-2 technical phone screens, and a virtual multi-round final interview. Interview length and topics can vary depending on the role.
Please only apply to one job posting.
Please be advised: Use of AI tools during interviews or assessments is strictly prohibited, unless otherwise instructed or agreed upon. HRT employs various methods to evaluate the authenticity of candidate responses.
Life as an Intern
The internship experience expands far beyond the walls of the office - HRT wants its interns to truly get to know their homes for the summer! Interns can enjoy a vibrant social calendar of unforgettable events, from sporting events to food tours to live theater.
Application Deadlines
- The application deadline for the Algorithm Engineer position is October 12, 2025.
- The application deadline for another position is Nov 14, 2025
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