About
Drew Brandsen is an options trader at Simplex Trading LLC in Chicago, where he has held this role since April 2021. At Simplex Trading, he specializes in trading equity and index options, leveraging quantitative methods and advanced financial modeling to optimize market-making and risk management strategies. His focus is on highly liquid US-listed options, where he applies a data-driven approach to manage pricing, execution, and portfolio risks within the firm's proprietary trading operations.
Before joining Simplex Trading, Drew built a solid foundation in quantitative analysis as a Principal Modeling and Simulation Engineer at Northrop Grumman, following an earlier role with the same company. His work at Northrop Grumman involved complex modeling, simulation, and systems engineering—experience that translates directly into the analytics and algorithms applied in options trading.
Drew earned a Master’s Degree in Interdisciplinary Engineering with a concentration in Computer Science from Purdue University, and graduated with honors in Electrical and Computer Engineering, minoring in Computer Science, from Calvin University. He is regarded for his expertise in mathematics, quantitative modeling, and software engineering as applied to financial markets, with notable contributions to Simplex Trading’s options trading strategies and technology platform.
Career History
| Organization | Role | Date Range | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Simplex Trading LLC | Options Trader | Apr 2021 to Present | — |
| Northrop Grumman | Principal Modeling and Simulation Engineer | May 2019 to Apr 2021 | - Integrated product team lead for major software upgrades providing significant performance and survivability enhancements - Analytically determine root-cause of various performance degradations and ... |
| Northrop Grumman Corporation | Modeling and Simulation Engineer | Sep 2016 to May 2019 | Systems Engineer working on modeling and simulation for a rapid capability infrared countermeasure program. Focus on machine learning, data science, and test automation. - Lead machine learning develo... |
| Northrop Grumman Corporation | Computer Engineer - Professional Development Program | Jun 2014 to Sep 2016 | Three unique rotations: Systems (Modeling & Simulation) - Automated test tools to increase the verification and validation of algorithms - Adapted machine learning algorithms to further push system pe... |
| Calvin University | Senior Design Project Team Member | Sep 2013 to May 2014 | - Developed a system with protective application for military and secret service use - Designed a quadcopter with autonomous tracking to provide enhanced situational awareness - Collaborated with thre... |
| Calvin College | Sales Associate | Aug 2010 to May 2014 | Cashier at the Calvin Campus Store; exhibiting effective customer service, operating the mail station, pricing new merchandise, and ensuring smooth operation of the store |
| Johnson Controls | Automotive Electronics Intern (Electrical Engineering) | May 2013 to Aug 2013 | - Supported a professional engineer in Safety and Quality for automotive electronics - Assisted design teams in working through FMEA (Failure Mode Effects and Analysis) by using a new software suite (... |
| Gentex Corporation | Engineering Intern | May 2012 to Aug 2012 | - Supported the electronic assembly area on the microphone line - Operated and performed troubleshooting of the various machines on the line in order to meet weekly production quotas and quality expec... |
Education
Purdue University
Master's Degree, Interdisciplinary Engineering with Computer Science Concentration
2016 — 2018
Calvin University
Bachelor's Degree, Electrical and Computer Engineering with Honors, Computer Science Minor
2010 — 2014
Holland Christian High School
High School
2006 — 2010
Skills & Expertise
Others at Simplex Trading, LLC (24)
| Name | Role | Location |
|---|---|---|
 | Derivatives Trader | Chicago, IL , United States |
D Dave Haufe | Chief Technology Officer | Chicago, IL , United States |
 | SOFR Options Trader | Chicago, IL , United States |
 | Options Trader | Chicago, IL , United States |
 | Algorithmic Trader | Chicago, IL , United States |
 | US Index Volatility Trading | Chicago, IL , United States |
 | Algorithmic Trading Analyst | Chicago, IL , United States |
| Derivatives Trader SPX | Chicago, IL , United States | |
 | Derivatives Trader | Glenview, IL , United States |
 | Equity Derivatives Trader | Chicago, IL , United States |
Similar Fund Managers
| Name | Role | Fund | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Senior Analyst | Gillson Capital LP | Chicago, IL , United States |
 | Analyst | Gillson Capital LP | Crown Point, IN , United States |
 | Performance Analyst | SG Capital Management LLC | Jackson, WY , United States |
