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Entry Level Quant Trading Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Whittier Trust

Investment Associate

Pasadena, CA

$65K - $85K/yr

Trade Input * Assist in implementing portfolio changes across accounts DESIRED SKILLS/EXPERIENCE ... Proven quantitative/analytical skills * Strong verbal and written communication skills

Whittier Trust

Investment Associate

Pasadena, CA · On-site

$65K - $85K/yr

Trade Input * Assist in implementing portfolio changes across accounts DESIRED SKILLS/EXPERIENCE ... Proven quantitative/analytical skills * Strong verbal and written communication skills

All JobsQuant Trading JobsEntry Level Quant Trading JobsEntry Level Quant Trading Jobs in California

Entry Level Quant Trading information

How much do entry level quant traders make?

Entry-level quant traders typically earn between $80,000 and $150,000 annually, including base salary and bonuses. Compensation varies based on firm size, location, and individual performance, with many firms offering performance-based incentives and opportunities to develop skills in programming and quantitative analysis.

What jobs make $1,000,000 a year?

In the field of quantitative trading, highly successful traders or hedge fund managers can earn over $1 million annually through profit sharing, bonuses, and management fees. These roles typically require advanced skills in mathematics, programming, and finance, along with significant experience and a strong track record of performance. Entry-level quant trading positions rarely reach this income level, as substantial earnings are usually associated with senior roles and proven success in the industry.

What is the difference between Entry Level Quant Trading vs Quant Research Analyst?

AspectEntry Level Quant TradingQuant Research Analyst
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Math, CS, or Finance; programming skillsBachelor's or Master's in Math, Stats, or Finance; programming skills
Work EnvironmentTrading desks, financial firms, fast-pacedResearch labs, financial firms, analytical
Employer & Industry UsageHedge funds, investment banks, trading firmsAsset managers, hedge funds, financial institutions
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Entry Level Quant Trading involves executing trading strategies and managing risk in real-time markets, often requiring quick decision-making. Quant Research Analysts focus on developing models and algorithms to inform trading strategies, emphasizing research and analysis. Both roles require strong quantitative skills and programming knowledge, but differ mainly in their focus—trading execution versus model development.

Can you get into quant without experience?

Entry level quant trading roles typically require strong quantitative skills, programming knowledge, and a solid understanding of financial markets. While prior experience is not always mandatory, candidates often have backgrounds in mathematics, computer science, or engineering, and may need to demonstrate proficiency through projects, internships, or relevant coursework.

Is 40 too old to become a quant?

Entry level quant trading roles typically require strong quantitative skills, programming knowledge, and often a background in mathematics, finance, or computer science. Age is generally not a barrier if you can demonstrate relevant skills, complete necessary training or certifications, and adapt to the fast-paced, data-driven environment of quantitative trading.
What are the most commonly searched types of Quant Trading jobs in California? The most popular types of Quant Trading jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Quant Trading jobs in California? For Entry Level Quant Trading jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Quant Trading jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Quant Trading jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Entry Level Quant Trading jobs? Cities in California with the most Entry Level Quant Trading job openings:
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Infographic showing various Entry Level Quant Trading job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Strategic Projects Associate

David Joseph & Company

San Francisco, CA • Hybrid

$80K - $110K/hr

Full-time

Posted 16 days ago

Job description

San Francisco, CA · On-site · Full-time Compensation: $80,000–$110,000 base + up to 100% of base as bonus + meaningful equity

About the Company

Our client is an AI research lab investigating the boundaries and capabilities of AI through novel datasets and experimentation. Its customers are the foundation-model labs — it serves all of the frontier AI labs — and it's one of the fastest-growing companies in its cohort, well-backed by top-tier investors, with a founding team from top quant firms, big tech, and leading AI research labs.

Founded 2025 · 11–50 people · Industry: AI / Data

The Role

The client is hiring highly driven early-career operators as Strategic Projects Associates — new grads through ~2 years of experience who thrive in fast-paced, high-intensity environments and want significant ownership early. Associates work closely with Strategic Projects Leads supporting client execution, operational initiatives, and cross-functional projects, gaining deep exposure to startup operations, AI workflows, and customer strategy.

Tech stack: AI tools (e.g., Claude Code), Microsoft Office.

Requirements
  • New grad to 2 years of experience
  • A high-intensity background (top internships or a startup)
  • Willing to work 6 days a week
  • Strong written and verbal communication
  • Excited about AI and the frontier labs
  • On-site in SF
Nice to Haves
  • Technical skills with AI tools like Claude Code
  • A top-company internship pedigree (FAANG, frontier AI lab, quant trading firm) showing high-intensity execution
  • Prior startup or founding-team experience demonstrating real ownership under ambiguity
  • Self-evidence of a grinder mentality: shipped side projects, ran a business in school, competed at a high level, or comparable
  • A technical major (CS, EE, ML, math, physics) or demonstrated technical fluency
  • Genuinely excited about the AI mission and frontier labs as customers, not just chasing the market
Why Join
  • Founder proximity and 0-1 exposure: work directly with the founding team with direct mentorship
  • A frontier-AI network: connect with researchers, builders, and investors, with the frontier labs as customers
  • Comp and fast track: competitive base + up to 100% of base as bonus + meaningful equity; high performers can become Strategic Projects Leads in ~1 year
  • A high-ownership alternative to entry-level investment banking and consulting
Details
  • Location — San Francisco, CA
  • Work policy — On-site, 6 days/week
  • Compensation — $80,000–$110,000 base + up to 100% of base as bonus + meaningful equity
  • Visa sponsorship — Not available
  • Employment type — Full-time