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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 - Coding

David Joseph & Company

San Francisco, CA

$80K - $110K/hr

Full-time

Posted 10 days ago

Job description

Strategic Projects Associate – Coding

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

About the Company

A venture-backed AI research lab that partners with the frontier AI labs, investigating the boundaries and capabilities of AI through novel datasets and experimentation. Backed by top-tier investors and operators, and one of the fastest-growing companies in its cohort. Founded 2025 · 11–50 people · Industry: AI research

The Role

Work directly with the founding team on high-priority technical and operational projects supporting frontier AI labs. This is not a typical operations role.

What you'll be doing

  • Partner with frontier AI labs to coordinate dataset generation projects, manage timelines, and ensure delivery excellence
  • Build and maintain operational tools using AI (ChatGPT, Claude Code) and scripting to automate workflows, track metrics, and improve efficiency
  • Manage teams of technical experts across software engineering, data science, and ML
  • Create technical documentation, project briefs, and data samples for customer presentations
  • Drive process improvements and build systems to scale operations as the company grows

Tech stack: AI tooling (ChatGPT, Claude Code) + scripting

Requirements
  • New grad to 2 years experience
  • Technical fluency: ChatGPT, Claude Code daily
  • High-intensity background: top tech internships or startup
  • Extreme ownership, operates independently
  • Technical major or CS / ML / engineering background preferred
  • SF in-person — 6 days/week
Green Flags
  • Active technical work shipped: GitHub presence, side projects with AI tooling, hackathon wins, or independent technical builds
  • Top-company technical internship pedigree (FAANG, frontier AI lab, quant trading firm) demonstrating high-intensity execution
  • Prior startup or founding-engineering experience with real shipping track record
  • CS, ML, or technical major paired with operator instincts; can move between code and coordination fluently
  • AI-native daily usage of Claude Code, ChatGPT, or comparable tools as production aids, not just experimentally
Red Flags
  • Pure researcher mindset without shipping bias. Wants to study AI rather than ship operational systems alongside it.
  • Cannot work long hours or weekends; pushes back on intensity expectations
  • Strong technical degree but no demonstrated shipping signal (no GitHub, no side projects, no internship work)
  • AI tourist: has heard of Claude Code and ChatGPT but doesn't use them daily on real workflows
  • Looking for a structured rotational program or predictable scope similar to banking/consulting/big-tech entry tracks
Why Join
  • Founding role as an early hire with direct exposure to founders
  • Meaningful equity with a clear path to advancement
  • Develop deep AI fluency and hands-on technical skills
  • Build a network of frontier AI researchers, builders, and investors
  • A fast-track alternative to traditional entry-level consulting, banking, or tech rotational programs
Details Location San Francisco, CA Work policy On-site, 6 days/week Compensation $80,000–$110,000 base + bonus up to 100% of base + equity Visa sponsorship None Available Employment type Full-time