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Portfolio Optimization Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Mercor

Associate Portfolio Manager

New York, NY · Remote

$150/hr

Strong expertise in portfolio optimization, risk management, and alpha generation. * Deep understanding of market dynamics and macro drivers. * Excellent judgment and decision-making ability.

Orion

Quantitative Portfolio Manager

Mundelein, IL · Hybrid

$104K - $162K/yr

Has knowledge of portfolio optimization, factor-based risk modeling, econometrics, statistical programming, index portfolio management, index & ETF product development * Meets portfolio management ...

New

Orion

Quantitative Portfolio Manager

Phoenixville, PA · On-site

$104K - $162K/yr

Has knowledge of portfolio optimization, factor-based risk modeling, econometrics, statistical programming, index portfolio management, index & ETF product development * Meets portfolio management ...

New

Soni Resources

Analyst, Portfolio Management

Austin, TX · On-site

$80K/yr

Support hold/sell analysis, portfolio optimization, and disposition strategy initiatives * Analyze portfolio composition, capital structure, and growth opportunities * Prepare executive, board, and ...

Kimmel & Associates

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 ...

Kimmel & Associates

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 Jul 15, 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.

Do you need a CFA to be a portfolio manager?

A CFA designation is not mandatory to become a portfolio manager, but it is highly valued and can enhance credibility and job prospects. Many employers prefer or require candidates to have relevant certifications, along with strong analytical skills and experience in investment management. Licensing requirements may vary depending on the specific role and regulatory environment.

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.

How much does a portfolio strategist make?

A portfolio strategist typically earns between $80,000 and $150,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the size of the firm. Senior strategists or those with advanced certifications like CFA can earn higher salaries, often exceeding $200,000 with bonuses and incentives.

What does a portfolio optimizer do?

A portfolio optimizer is a financial professional or software that analyzes investment portfolios to maximize returns while minimizing risk. They use quantitative models and tools like mean-variance optimization to recommend asset allocations aligned with clients' goals and risk tolerance.

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.

Does portfolio management pay well?

Portfolio management is generally a well-paying profession, especially for experienced managers and those working in financial hubs. Salaries vary based on factors such as experience, certifications like CFA, and the size of the firm, but it is considered a lucrative career in finance. Compensation often includes base salary, bonuses, and performance incentives.
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Portfolio Optimization jobs near you
Infographic showing various Portfolio Optimization job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 79% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 17% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,815 per year, or $26.4 per hour.
Portfolio Manager/Associate Portfolio Manager

Portfolio Manager/Associate Portfolio Manager

State Farm

Richardson, TX • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 12 days ago

State Farm rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 1,524 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

210th of 281 rated insurance

Job description

Overview
State Farm Investment Planning Services (IPS) team is expanding and is seeking a Portfolio Manager/Associate Portfolio Manager in its State Farm Investment Management unit (SFIM). Reporting to the head of State Farm Investment Management (SFIM), you will lead quantitative research and asset allocation analysis for State Farm's Advisory model portfolios. You will employ a proactive data-focused approach to investment research, capital markets analysis and portfolio management to help the team formulate investment themes and asset allocation positioning (i.e. strategic and tactical), during the entire lifecycle of model portfolio management. In this position, you will also lead in the formation of investment outlook, content and advisor/agent education; participating the due diligence and fiduciary oversight responsibilities of various IPS investment/product platforms; creating and establishing State Farm's footprint and point-of-view on investing for State Farm agents and retail customers. Additionally, you will collaborate with other SFIM colleagues, as well as members of IPS teams across the organization in the execution of various research projects. Some travel to SF Agent offices/customer mandates and conferences nationwide may be required for this role. When not traveling, this person will work a hybrid schedule from State Farm's Dallas/Richardson, TX office.
Being good neighbors - helping people, investing in our communities, and making the world a better place - is who we are at State Farm. It is at the core of how we operate and the reason for our success. Come join a #1 team and do some good!
Responsibilities
As a Portfolio Manager/Associate Portfolio Manager you will:
  • Lead the work of modeling and forecasting of Capital Market Assumptions (CMAs), including literature review of current academic and practitioner whitepapers.
  • Lead the development and maintenance of the Strategic Asset Allocation (SAA) for State Farm Advisory Model Portfolios, including research on portfolio optimization, Monte Carlo simulation, factor modeling, return/risk attribution, and current market conditions.
  • Lead the team's proprietary Manager Research and Selection (MR&S) process for Exchange-Traded Funds and Mutual Fund Investment strategies. Manage fund external relationships, attend and summarize quarterly manager calls.
  • Direct the ongoing Portfolio Management by using State Farms investment models, systems and software (i.e. proprietary and 3rd party).
  • Participate in the management of State Farm Model Portfolios. Lead in the generation and maintenance of SFIM investment reports, data sets, performance reporting (i.e. SF models) and broader analytical infrastructure.
  • Develop and execute model portfolio trading and rebalancing rules across State Farm's suite of Advisory model portfolios and provide on-going oversight of the process/execution.
  • Formulates investment outlook, content and advisor/agent education; creating and establishing State Farm's footprint and point-of-view on investing for SF agents and retail customers. Collaborates with team members and internal IPS departments to execute SFIM & IPS publications and collaterals on a periodic (i.e. weekly, monthly, quarterly).
  • Serves as the team's subject matter resource on investment models, systems and software (i.e. proprietary and 3rd party)
  • Ability to manage a team of investment professionals (if assigned). Providing general guidance to junior team members on various projects.

Qualifications
Candidates may be considered for either the Associate Portfolio Manager level or the Portfolio Manager level; leveling is determined throughout the interview process.
  • Bachelor's degree or higher, with a completed Bachelor's degree preferred
  • 8+ years of experience in asset management and/or wealth management, focusing on asset allocation, portfolio management, or research
  • 6+ years of direct experience in multi-asset portfolio management, asset allocation, and/or quantitative investment research
  • 6+ years of experience in investment strategy/manager due diligence, open architecture, and oversight of traditional and alternative investment strategies
  • Proficient knowledge and direct experience in at least three of the following areas: strategic/tactical asset allocation formation, capital market assumption development, portfolio optimization methods, factor risk/return modeling, and Monte Carlo simulation. Knowledge of insurance products/industry is a plus.
  • Strong understanding of multi-asset class investing, with hands-on experience and expertise in both top-down and bottom-up investment analysis, including primary research and assessment of third-party analysis.
  • Detailed knowledge of securities, such as stocks, bonds, mutual funds, ETFs, SMAs, alternative investments, and options strategies.
  • Solid understanding of the investment advisory business, including different advisory program types.
  • Previous experience working directly with clients, with strong presentation and writing skills.
  • Self-motivated individual who takes ownership of initiatives and thrives in a dynamic team environment.
  • Progress towards or completion of the CFA charter or a comparable designation.
  • May need to obtain FINRA Series 7 and Series 66, post-hire or in the future.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Master's degree in finance, economics, mathematics, financial engineering or a related quantitative field is preferred.
  • 5+ years of direct experience with third-party investment and risk management systems/tools. (i.e. MSCI Barra, Bloomberg, Morningstar Direct, etc).
  • Programming skills desirable: C++, Python, Matlab, etc. Proven ability to develop complex data models in Excel preferred.

HYBRID: Qualified candidates should plan to spend time working from home and some time working in the office (Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday) as part of our hybrid work environment.
HUB LOCATION: Dallas/Richardson, TX - Cityline
SPONSORSHIP: Applicants are required to be eligible to lawfully work in the U.S. immediately; employer will not sponsor applicants for U.S. work authorization (e.g. H-1B visa) for this opportunity
Potential salary range: $133,500 to $217,000 + Potential yearly incentive pay up to 30% or 40% of base salary
Competitive benefits, including:
  • 401k Plan
  • Health Insurance
  • Dental/Vision plans
  • Life Insurance
  • Paid Time Off
  • Annual Merit Increases
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • Health Initiatives

Our Benefits
At State Farm, we offer more than just a paycheck. Check out our suite of benefits designed to give you the flexibility you need to take care of you and your family!
  • Get Paid! On top of our competitive pay, you are eligible for an annual raise and bonus.
  • Stay Well! Focus on you and your family's health with our robust health and wellbeing programs. State Farm pays most of your healthcare premium, and we offer multiple healthcare plan options, including a high deductible plan. All medical plans provide 100% coverage for in-network preventative care, AND you and your family have access to vision, dental, telemedicine, 24/7 mental health professionals, and much more!
  • Develop and Grow! Take advantage of educational benefits like industry leading training programs, top-notch tuition assistance programs, employee resource groups, and mentoring.
  • Plan Ahead! Plan for those big moments in life with benefits like fertility/IVF/adoption assistance, college coaching, national discount programs, interactive monthly financial workshops, free financial coaching, and more. You can also start a savings account or consider financing through our State Farm Federal Credit Union!
  • Take a Little "You" Time! You will have access to our generous time off policies designed so you can plan around holidays, family events, volunteering, or just to take a relaxing day off. With the opportunity to initially earn up to 20 days annually plus parental leave, paid holidays, celebration day, life leave (40 hours/year), bereavement leave, and community service/education support days, there will be plenty of time for you!
  • Give Back! We offer several ways to give back through our Matching Gift Program, Good Neighbor Grant Program, and the Employee Assistance Fund.
  • Finish Strong! Plan for retirement using free financial advisors and a 401(k) plan with company contributions of up to 7% of your salary.

Visit our State Farm Careers page for more information on our benefits, locations, and the hiring process of joining the State Farm team!

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