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Backtesting Jobs (NOW HIRING)

End-to-end development: alpha idea generation, data processing, strategy backtesting, optimization and production implementation * Identify and evaluate new datasets for stock return predictions

Lead Finance Analyst, Pricing

Des Moines, IA ยท On-site

$85K - $106K/yr

This role develops models, conducts backtesting and scenario analysis, and prepares decisionready analytics for Regional Teams and Ownership. In addition, this role will help implement controls and ...

Manage all aspects of the research process, including methodology selection, data collection and analysis, prototyping, backtesting, and performance monitoring * Maintain and clean datasets with an ...

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Backtesting information

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$42K

$102.4K

$150K

How much do backtesting jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for backtesting in the United States is $102,439.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $83,500.00 and $119,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Backtesting Analyst, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Backtesting Analyst, you need a strong background in quantitative analysis, statistics, programming (typically in Python or R), and familiarity with financial markets, usually supported by a degree in mathematics, finance, or a related field. Proficiency with backtesting platforms (such as QuantConnect or Zipline), data analysis tools, and version control systems like Git is often required. Attention to detail, critical thinking, and strong problem-solving abilities are key soft skills that help ensure robust model evaluation and development. These skills are vital for accurately assessing trading strategies and minimizing risk in real-world financial applications.

What is backtesting?

Backtesting is the process of evaluating a trading strategy or investment model by applying it to historical market data. This helps traders and analysts see how the strategy would have performed in the past, which can provide insights into its potential effectiveness and risks. While backtesting can help identify strengths and weaknesses, it's important to remember that past performance is not always indicative of future results. The reliability of backtesting depends on data quality, strategy design, and how well it simulates real trading conditions.

What are some common challenges faced when backtesting trading strategies, and how can they be managed?

One common challenge in backtesting trading strategies is the risk of overfitting, where a model performs exceptionally well on historical data but fails in live markets. Data quality and availability can also pose issues, as incomplete or inaccurate data may skew results. To manage these challenges, it's important to use out-of-sample testing, robust data cleaning processes, and to validate strategies on multiple datasets. Collaborating with quantitative analysts and developers can also help ensure the backtesting process is thorough and reliable.

What is the difference between Backtesting vs Quantitative Analyst?

AspectBacktestingQuantitative Analyst
Primary RoleTesting trading strategies using historical dataDeveloping and implementing quantitative models for investment decisions
Required SkillsData analysis, programming, finance knowledgeMathematics, programming, financial theory
Work EnvironmentTrading firms, hedge funds, financial institutionsAsset management firms, hedge funds, banks
CertificationsOften none required, but CFA or CQF helpfulCFA, CQF, or advanced degrees common

Backtesting focuses on evaluating trading strategies with historical data, while a Quantitative Analyst develops models to inform investment decisions. Both roles require strong analytical skills and finance knowledge but differ in scope and responsibilities.

More about Backtesting jobs
What cities are hiring for Backtesting jobs? Cities with the most Backtesting job openings:
What states have the most Backtesting jobs? States with the most job openings for Backtesting jobs include:
Infographic showing various Backtesting job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 96% Full Time, 1% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 83% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $102,439 per year, or $49.2 per hour.
Senior Software Engineer- Quantitative Developer, Information Technology

Senior Software Engineer- Quantitative Developer, Information Technology

NISA Investment Advisors, LLC

Saint Louis, MO โ€ข On-site

$114K - $151K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 13 days ago


Job description

Overview
NISA Investment Advisors, LLC (NISA) partners with world-leading organizations to design, develop, and manage highly customized, risk-controlled investment strategies across fixed income, equities, and derivatives. With $462 billion assets under management ($295 billion in physical assets and $167 billion in derivatives notional value), NISA actively manages risk for institutional investors, providing clarity to complicated challenges and stability in ever-evolving markets. At NISA, we foster a culture that supports both personal and professional growth, providing opportunities to learn from experienced professionals while contributing meaningful work from the outset. We seek candidates who demonstrate strong quantitative and analytical skills, intellectual curiosity, and a collaborative mindset to join our growing teams.
Responsibilities
As a Senior Software Engineer- Quantitative Developer in the Investment Risk and Analytics team, you will design and build the infrastructure that powers NISA's analytics and quantitative research workflows. Working closely with portfolio analysts, traders, and quant researchers, you will develop the tooling behind feature engineering frameworks, backtesting infrastructure, and model deployment - enabling the research team to move faster and with greater confidence. You will also work with teams to develop the core analytical systems to support risk and valuation tools. As a senior member of the Investment Risk and Analytics team within NISA's IT department, you will lead development efforts, participate in design and code reviews, collaborate with other teams, and mentor junior teammates.
Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience in a field requiring strong analytical and quantitative skills, such as Computer Science, Engineering, Mathematics, Finance, or Information Systems
  • 5+ years of development experience including 3+ years of using Python (expertise in other high-level languages considered)
  • Experience designing queries and data structures to support and manage analytical model development
  • Experience collaborating with quantitative researchers, data scientists, or similar technical stakeholders
  • Ability to analyze results and detect data quality issues and their root causes
  • Experience building solutions using public cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP) preferred
  • Familiarity with quantitative finance workflows - backtesting, feature engineering, factor research, or portfolio analytics is a plus
  • Experience with unit testing and CI/CD practices preferred
  • Familiarity with data science is a plus
  • Working knowledge of modern application frameworks is a plus
  • Previous professional experience in financial services sector is a plus

NISA's culture encourages collaboration and innovation. We seek self-motivated, intellectually curious individuals willing to push themselves and others in an environment that celebrates fresh thinking. We equip employees with the resources needed to excel and we encourage personal development. NISA is dedicated to internally cultivating and rewarding talent. Employees at NISA are provided with a wide range of benefits, including health, dental, vision and life insurance options, paid time off, a competitive retirement plan, onsite cafeteria, fitness center, a health and wellness program and an educational assistance program.
NISA is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.