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Portfolio Optimization Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

The Portfolio Optimization Manager has overall responsibility for supporting and promoting the advancement of EDF power solutions North America development pipeline projects from the feasibility ...

Real Estate Manager

Covina, CA · On-site

$129K - $142K/yr

This role leads market planning, site selection, deal negotiations, franchiseesupport, and portfolio optimization initiatives to achieve the company'sdevelopment goals. The position partners closely ...

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Portfolio Optimization information

See California salary details

$13

$26

$38

How much do portfolio optimization jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for portfolio optimization in California is $26.01, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $23.70 and $27.98 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is portfolio optimization?

Portfolio optimization is the process of selecting the best mix of assets—such as stocks, bonds, or other investments—to achieve specific financial goals while managing risk. Using mathematical models and analysis, portfolio optimization helps investors maximize returns for a given level of risk or minimize risk for a desired return. This process often involves balancing factors like diversification, asset allocation, and investment constraints to create an efficient portfolio tailored to an investor's objectives.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a portfolio optimization specialist?

To thrive as a Portfolio Optimization Specialist, you need strong analytical skills, a background in finance or quantitative disciplines, and proficiency in portfolio theory and risk management. Familiarity with tools such as MATLAB, Python, R, and financial modeling platforms, as well as certifications like CFA or FRM, is commonly required. Excellent problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help professionals stand out in this role. These skills are vital for making data-driven investment decisions, minimizing risk, and maximizing returns in dynamic financial markets.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in portfolio optimization, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in portfolio optimization often encounter challenges such as balancing risk and return amidst market volatility, integrating new data sources, and adapting to rapidly changing economic conditions. Effective communication with stakeholders to clarify objectives and constraints is also crucial, as is keeping up with advancements in optimization software and techniques. Addressing these challenges typically involves staying current with industry best practices, leveraging robust analytical tools, and collaborating closely with other teams such as risk management and research analysts.

What is the difference between Portfolio Optimization vs Financial Analyst?

AspectPortfolio OptimizationFinancial Analyst
Primary FocusMaximizing investment returns and managing risk through asset allocationAnalyzing financial data to provide investment recommendations
Required SkillsQuantitative analysis, risk management, financial modelingFinancial analysis, data interpretation, reporting
Work EnvironmentInvestment firms, asset management companies, hedge fundsBanks, investment firms, corporate finance departments
CertificationsCFP, CFA, FRM often preferredCFA, CPA, or related financial certifications

While both roles involve finance and analysis, Portfolio Optimization focuses on constructing and managing investment portfolios to achieve optimal performance, whereas Financial Analysts evaluate financial data to guide investment decisions. Understanding these differences helps professionals choose the right career path or specialization within finance.

Is portfolio management a good career?

Portfolio management is a respected career in finance that involves selecting and overseeing investment assets to meet clients' financial goals. It requires strong analytical skills, knowledge of financial markets, and often certifications like the CFA. The profession offers opportunities for advancement and high earning potential but also demands continuous learning and risk management expertise.

What are the most commonly searched types of Portfolio Optimization jobs in California?

The most popular types of Portfolio Optimization jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Portfolio Optimization jobs in California?

For Portfolio Optimization jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Portfolio Optimization jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Portfolio Optimization jobs in California are:

Infographic showing various Portfolio Optimization job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,097 per year, or $26 per hour.

Portfolio Optimization Manager [Hybrid]

San Diego, CA • On-site

$107K - $178K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 20 days ago


Job description

Scope of Position
About Us:
EDF power solutions North America has been providing clean energy solutions throughout the U.S., Canada, and Mexico since 1987. We are a market-leading independent power producer and service provider, serving utilities, corporations, industries, communities, institutions, and investors with reliable, low-carbon energy solutions that help meet growing demand.
From developing and building scalable wind (onshore and offshore), solar, storage (battery and pumped storage hydro), smart EV charging, microgrids, green hydrogen, and transmission projects, to maximizing performance and profitability through skilled operations and maintenance and innovative asset optimization, our teams deliver expert solutions along the entire value chain-from origination to commercial operation.
Be a part of an innovative and collaborative team environment that fosters our goal of delivering renewable solutions to lead the transition to a sustainable energy future.
Benefits & Perks:
EDF power solutions offers best-in-class employee benefits, including the following:
  • Competitive bonus incentives. This position is eligible for our annual bonus program.
  • Comprehensive health coverage. We provide low-cost health & wellness coverage for employees and their eligible dependents.
  • Rewarding 401k. We provide a generous matching contribution.

We are also proud to offer:
  • Favorable paid time off programs, including paid parental leave after one year of service.
  • Rewarding learning & career development and advancement opportunities.
  • Supportive mentorship & buddy programs.

Salary Range: The full pay range for this role is $107,200 - $178,600 annually. We generally base our salary decisions on factors including but not limited to, relevant work and leadership experience, education, demonstrated performance, internal equity, and in some cases, geographic location.
Scope of Job: The Portfolio Optimization Manager has overall responsibility for supporting and promoting the advancement of EDF power solutions North America development pipeline projects from the feasibility phase into the implementation phase, in accordance with EDF power solutions development strategy, processes, and procedures. The position also collaborates with the Digital Transformation group to improve existing tools and processes to leverage the vast amount of project data for storytelling and data visualization tools.
Key responsibilities include coordination and quality control of project pricing-related activities, as well as identifying and articulating project opportunities or risk and mitigation strategies. The position also supports due diligence efforts and commercial activities related to the acquisition of external project opportunities (M&A).
The Portfolio Optimization Manager shall leverage his/her experience, leadership, and analytical skills to provide overall recommendations to Executive Management in terms of risk mitigation measures, project prioritization, or strategic portfolio opportunities.
Work Location: San Diego, CA or Houston, TX.
Work Mode: Hybrid with 3 days on-site.
Responsibilities
  • Support development and implementation project pipeline and pricing process:
    • Forging close relationships and fostering extensive collaboration with all development regions to acquire and deepen understanding of pipeline projects and relevant markets.
    • Work with key project stakeholders including Development, SME support functions, Implementation, O&M, and Generation to gather, update and review project costing assumptions and identify and articulate related risks to decision-makers.
    • Provide validated costing inputs to Valuation & Analytics group in a timely fashion.
    • Identify timing of key late-stage development project milestones such as Investment Approvals, Project Capitalization, and Project Final Investment Decision (FID) and coordinate or lead-related activities including a transition to Implementation PM prior to FID in accordance with EDF power solutions Policies and Procedures.
    • Actively participate in maintaining project databases.
    • Make recommendations to project prioritization and de-risking as they progress along with the development phases. Help identify critical tasks to be performed in projects to avoid fatal flaws and make each project progress evenly across disciplines (Grid Integration, Permits & Environment, Land Control, Resource Assessment, Asset Optimization, Valuation & Transaction, Engineering & Construction, Strategic Procurement, Project Finance).
    • Lead or co-lead cross-departmental teams to undergo full project due diligence, particularly for external M&A opportunities.
    • Quickly identify "Red-Flag" risks of new development and M&A Opportunities and take appropriate action.
    • Troubleshoot and take immediate corrective action, as necessary.
  • Support and contribute to the global digitalization efforts at EDF power solutions:
    • Evaluate tools and processes contributing to the project pricing process. Collaborate with SME teams to implement improvements and streamline processes.
    • Work closely with the Digital Transformation group to help scale internal processes and existing tool templates.
    • Develop new processes in collaboration with the Digital Transformation group.
    • Build data visualization tools to support analytical storytelling (using Tableau).
  • Other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Supervision of Others: None
Working Conditions: 90% of time is spent in the office environment, utilizing computers (frequent use of various Microsoft software/programs), phones, and general office equipment. % of time is spent outside of the office visiting vendors' and/or internal customers' sites in additional to attending various conferences and meetings.
Qualifications
Education & Experience
  • Education: Bachelor's degree in Finance, Economics, Engineering, or a related field (Master's or JD preferred).
  • Core Experience: 5+ years of progressive project engineering/management experience in energy development, with direct emphasis on utility-scale/high-profile renewable energy projects ($250M+ value).
  • Financial Acumen: Deep expertise in CapEx/OpEx budgeting, project valuations, U.S. tax equity markets, financial modeling, deal structuring, and due diligence/M&A.
  • Certifications (Preferred): PMP/PMI, Energy Risk Professional (ERP), or equivalent.

Technical & Industry Knowledge
  • Clean Energy Lifecycle: End-to-end expertise in renewable technologies (Wind, Solar, Storage, emerging tech), land/title, permitting, interconnection, power marketing, and design/construction.
  • Contract Management: Hands-on experience with key project contracts (PPA, EPC, O&M, ASA, Interconnection).
  • Methodologies: Proficiency in Agile frameworks, risk evaluation, statistical modeling, and process improvement.

Skills & Core Competencies
  • Communication & Leadership: Exceptional written, verbal, and presentation skills; proven ability to apply influence leadership across cross-functional workgroups.
  • Data & Analytics: Advanced data manipulation, visualization, and analytical storytelling skills; proficiency in Tableau, Power BI, and MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).