Commercial Graduate Program

Location:

Chicago, Illinois

RWE Supply & Trading Americas LLC Start date:

September 2026

Salary:

starting at $89,000

Application deadline:

Friday, October 10, 2025

Looking for a graduate program with real growth potential? Join us at the U.S. headquarters of RWE Supply & Trading (RWEST) in Chicago and follow in the footsteps of many RWEST managers and traders who began their careers through this program.

From day one, you’ll be helping us drive our expansion into new markets and locations. Throughout the program, you’ll develop the skills and knowledge you need to become an industry expert.

Your Responsibilities

Over the course of two years, you’ll complete four six-month rotations, starting in Chicago with further opportunities in Germany (Essen), the UK (London or Swindon), or Singapore. After finishing the graduate program, you’ll be encouraged to continue your career in one of our U.S. hubs.

To ensure you build a broad awareness of the business, at least one of your rotations will be in a non-trading function. Beyond that, you’ll have the flexibility to choose which areas of the business you work in. These could include:

- Proprietary trading of commodities (power, coal, gas, oil, LNG, metals, carbon, and freight)

- Commercial Asset Optimization

- Analytical functions such as Structuring & Valuation or Risk Management

Your profile

Passionate about the energy industry? Want to learn and grow alongside experienced experts? Excited to explore new markets with a commercial business that is expanding on a global scale? Then you could be just the person we’re looking for. Some relevant work experience is useful but not essential. What you must have is:

- A degree (BSc, MSc, or PhD) in a highly analytical and numerical subject such as Mathematics, Physics, Engineering, Maritime Studies, Economics, or Data Science

- Strong IT proficiency – with advanced skills in Python or another programming language highly desirable

- Excellent English communication skills

- A collaborative mindset with a curious approach, constantly challenging yourself to find new solutions

- Motivation to take on new challenges, whether working independently or as part of a team

- Commercial aptitude and entrepreneurial drive

- Strong analytical skills and the ability to learn quickly

- Enthusiasm and determination to build your skillset and seek out growth opportunities within a supportive team

- Flexibility and mobility to travel to multiple locations

From here, you’ll have a community of support

At RWE, we have the energy to be inclusive and believe diversity drives success. Reaching your full potential means being able to bring your whole self to work and being respected for the different opinions, strengths, and experiences you bring.

Our graduate programs have been designed to give you the chance to shape your own career path and personal development, with the support you need to succeed. You’ll be assigned a graduate buddy and a senior mentor within your field who can advise you on rotations and introduce you to key people within the business.

We also offer a wide range of development opportunities, including networking events where you’ll meet senior managers and board members. We are committed to developing our Early Careers cohort, encouraging their passion to grow, and helping to develop their skills with their future careers in mind. Our development journey is anchored around a strengths-based program designed specifically for graduates, giving you the chance to shape your own development and experience deeply personalized learning in immersive environments. All this is further complemented by instructor-led training.

And after the program? The only way is up! Most of our graduates continue their careers with us long after their programs have finished. The skills you gain will provide the perfect springboard for your future career.

Your Benefits

We aim to promote a workplace that allows people to perform at their best. So, as well as ensuring you’re rewarded for your efforts, we also have a variety of initiatives in place to create a healthy workspace and support your well-being:

- Competitive salary starting at $89,000 with annual discretionary bonus

- 20 days of paid time off (PTO), plus public holidays, to support work-life balance

- Comprehensive health benefits, providing extensive health coverage

- Financial support and structured programs for international assignments to enhance global exposure

- International rotation opportunities in the UK, Germany, Singapore, and other locations, enhancing professional and cultural growth

- Access to mentorship and continuous learning opportunities

- Modern office and trading floor located in prime areas, equipped with the latest technology

- Open and diverse company culture, with active clubs and societies that promote collaboration and engagement

Apply before October 10, 2025 with just a few clicks:

90829

Please upload your resume and cover letter in English as one document. Should you progress through the interview process, you will be asked to share a copy of your transcript.

Find out more on rwe.com/graduates

Any further questions? Reach out to Julia Seelhöfer (julia.seelhoefer@rwe.com) or the Global Early Careers Team (rwestearlycareers@rwe.com).

We value diversity and therefore welcome all applications - regardless of gender, disability, nationality, ethnic and social origin, religion/belief, age, sexual orientation, and identity. #inclusionmatters

About Us

RWE Supply & Trading is our connection to the world’s energy markets. With headquarters in Essen, Germany, the tight-knit around 2,200-strong team’s drawn from over 90 countries, and operates Europe’s largest and most advanced energy trading floor – trading a mix of electricity, gas, commodities and CO2 emission allowances. They commercially optimise our power plants’ dispatch and take care of the renewables electricity sales, too.

Tech-led and customer-focused, the teams agile mindset helps them respond and adapt intelligently to work that never stands still. Each day, there’s a chance to grow as you create the financial foundations to invest in our green future. From well-established graduate programmes to success-related recognition - you'll experience a culture energised by trust, passion and performance.