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Portfolio Optimization Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Energy Portfolio Analyst

New York, NY · On-site +1

$90K - $110K/yr

This position will play a critical role in market analysis, portfolio management, risk assessment, and process optimization. The ideal candidate will have experience working within energy markets and ...

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Portfolio Optimization information

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How much do portfolio optimization jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for portfolio optimization in the United States is $26.35, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $24.04 and $28.37 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 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.

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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Portfolio Optimization Specialist, and why are they important?

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.
More about Portfolio Optimization jobs
What cities are hiring for Portfolio Optimization jobs? Cities with the most Portfolio Optimization job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Portfolio Optimization jobs? The most popular types of Portfolio Optimization jobs are:
What states have the most Portfolio Optimization jobs? States with the most job openings for Portfolio Optimization jobs include:
Quantitative Fixed Income Portfolio Manager

Quantitative Fixed Income Portfolio Manager

Northern Trust

Chicago, IL

$133K - $226K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 7 days ago


Northern Trust rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 23 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

About Northern Trust:
Northern Trust, a Fortune 500 company, is a globally recognized, award-winning financial institution that has been in continuous operation since 1889.
Northern Trust is proud to provide innovative financial services and guidance to the world's most successful individuals, families, and institutions by remaining true to our enduring principles of service, expertise, and integrity. With more than 130 years of financial experience and over 22,000 partners, we serve the world's most sophisticated clients using leading technology and exceptional service.
Position Summary:
Northern Trust Asset Management (NTAM) is a trillion-dollar investment management firm entrusted by investors around the globe to help them navigate changing market environments, so they can confidently realize their long-term objectives.
Based in Chicago, this Quantitative Fixed Income Portfolio Manager's responsibilities include but are not limited to performing day-to-day portfolio management functions, participate in team trading discussions, evaluate the risk and positioning of strategies, build and implement trades as required, interact with partners in quant research, operations, front and middle office on issues critical to portfolio management, and support the client relationship and sales process.
The role reports to the Head of Quantitative Fixed Income Portfolio Management and works in concert with global teams and specialists to support the NTAM investment process.
What you will do:
  • Manage quantitative portfolios to meet strategy objectives specified within the investment guidelines, regulatory framework, and corporate policies. This includes collaborating with other portfolio managers to create and execute trades, transact client cash flows, and make corporate action elections
  • Lead and/or participate in projects of factor development, model design, portfolio construction, and risk management
  • Represent the portfolio management team on various internal global projects and initiatives including technology migrations, internal research, and oversight of outsourced activities
  • Build and maintain portfolio management tools used to analyze and research quantitative investment strategies
  • Produce and/or analyze reports on portfolio performance, risk characteristics, and strategy updates
  • Monitoring strategy implementation including transaction cost management.
  • Review and/or create operating procedures for the portfolio management function incorporating internal global practices as well as business continuity and oversight standards
  • Build and refine performance monitoring tools and dashboards
  • Assist partners with client service and business development efforts
Knowledge/Skills/Experience:
  • Bachelors' degree (graduate degree preferred)
  • 5+ years of experience in the investment management industry, with a proven track record in investment analysis at mid-to-large firms.
  • Experience as part of a global investments organization
  • Minimum of 3+ years of experience in quantitative investing across portfolio management and research
  • Proficiency with portfolio management, operations, and 3rd party market data systems including Aladdin™, portfolio optimization tools, Eagle, and Bloomberg
  • Strong understanding of:
    • Factor models
    • Portfolio optimization, risk models and trade cost modeling
    • Performance attribution and signal evaluation
  • Strong Python skills; ability to work with large datasets (SQL preferred) and production research code
  • CFA designation preferred but not required.
  • Innovative, intellectually driven, with an intense curiosity about financial markets and human behavior.
  • Knowledge of ESG and sustainable investing issues and best practices are preferred
  • Strong analytical, communication, and interpersonal skills
  • Strong verbal and written communications skills
Salary Range:
$133,500 - 226,900 USD
Salary range is a good faith estimate of base pay. Northern Trust provides a comprehensive benefits package including retirement benefits (401k and pension), health and welfare benefits (medical, dental, vision, spending accounts and disability), paid time off, parental and caregiver leave, life & accident insurance, and other voluntary and well-being benefits. Northern Trust also provides a discretionary bonus program that may include an equity component.
Working with Us:
As a Northern Trust partner, greater achievements await. You will be part of a flexible and collaborative work culture in an organization where financial strength and stability is an asset that emboldens us to explore new ideas.
Movement within the organization is encouraged, senior leaders are accessible, and you can take pride in working for a company committed to assisting the communities we serve! Join a workplace with a greater purpose.
We'd love to learn more about how your interests and experience could be a fit with one of the world's most admired and sustainable companies! Build your career with us and apply today. #MadeForGreater
Reasonable accommodation
Northern Trust is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please email our HR Service Center at MyHRHelp@ntrs.com .
We hope you're excited about the role and the opportunity to work with us. We value an inclusive workplace and understand flexibility means different things to different people.
Apply today and talk to us about your flexible working requirements and together we can achieve greater.

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