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Quant Firm Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Software Engineer

San Francisco, CA Ā· On-site

$150K - $250K/yr

A background at a high-signal quant firm (e.g., Optiver, DRW, Citadel, Jane Street, or equivalent) * Has been a CTO, founding engineer, or early engineer at a startup * An exceptional new grad with a ...

Experience working at a top-tier startup, Big Tech company, or quant firm preferred * Strong computer science fundamentals including systems design, algorithms, and problem-solving * Ability to work ...

Quant Research, Associate

San Francisco, CA Ā· On-site

  • Medical

  • Retirement

BlackRock offers a range of solutions - from meticulous fundamental and quantitative active ... firm, department and individual performance. Our benefits To help you stay energized, engaged and ...

Quantitative Developer

San Francisco, CA Ā· On-site

$180 - $280/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

Poesis is the AI‑native investment firm running autonomous agents that predict markets, construct ... About The Role We're hiring a Quantitative Developer to help turn research ideas into ...

Quantitative Developer

San Francisco, CA Ā· On-site

$180K - $280K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

Poesis is the AI-native investment firm running autonomous agents that predict markets, construct ... About the Role We're hiring a Quantitative Developer to help turn research ideas into production ...

Experience at a leading technology, research, or quantitative firm. * Strong command of Python , SQL , statistical modeling , machine learning , and experimentation . * Exceptional written ...

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Quant Firm information

See California salary details

$96.7K

$167.5K

$256.1K

How much do quant firm jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for quant firm in California is $167,506.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $132,700.00 and $196,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a quant firm?

A quant firm is a type of financial company that uses quantitative analysis and mathematical models to make investment decisions, manage risk, and develop trading strategies. These firms typically employ professionals known as quantitative analysts, or 'quants,' who use advanced statistics, computer programming, and financial theory. Quant firms are prominent in hedge funds, proprietary trading, and asset management, leveraging big data and algorithms to gain an edge in the financial markets.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working at a quant firm, and how can new hires prepare for them?

Professionals at quant firms often encounter challenges such as managing large datasets, adapting to rapidly changing market conditions, and collaborating effectively with cross-functional teams of traders, researchers, and engineers. New hires can prepare by strengthening their programming and statistical analysis skills, staying current with industry trends, and developing clear communication abilities to translate complex models for diverse audiences. Building resilience and adaptability is also crucial, as the fast-paced environment often demands quick pivots and continuous learning.

How to get a job at a quant firm?

To get a job at a quant firm, candidates typically need strong quantitative skills in mathematics, statistics, or computer science, along with programming proficiency in languages like Python, C++, or R. Relevant experience through internships, a strong academic background, and knowledge of financial markets or trading strategies are also important for securing a position.

What is the difference between Quant Firm vs Quant Analyst?

AspectQuant FirmQuant Analyst
CredentialsTypically requires advanced degrees in math, finance, or computer scienceRequires similar degrees, often with certifications like CFA or FRM
Work EnvironmentFast-paced, collaborative, research-drivenAnalytical, data-focused, often within trading or research teams
Industry UsageUsed broadly across finance, hedge funds, asset managementCommonly employed within quant teams in finance firms

While a quant firm is an organization specializing in quantitative finance, a quant analyst is a professional working within such firms, applying mathematical models to investment strategies. Both roles require strong technical skills and similar educational backgrounds, but the firm is the employer, and the analyst is the role performed within that environment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive at a quant firm?

To thrive at a quantitative finance firm, you need a strong background in mathematics, statistics, computer science, or a related field, often supported by an advanced degree. Proficiency with programming languages like Python, C++, or R, experience with data analysis platforms, and knowledge of financial modeling tools are typically required. Analytical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication are critical soft skills for collaborating on complex projects and conveying technical insights. These skills and qualities are essential for developing innovative models, making data-driven decisions, and maintaining a competitive edge in the fast-paced finance industry.

What does a quant firm do?

A quant firm uses mathematical models and algorithms to analyze financial data and develop trading strategies. Quantitative analysts, or quants, often work with programming languages like Python or C++ and rely on statistical techniques to identify investment opportunities and manage risk.

What job categories do people searching Quant Firm jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Quant Firm jobs in California are:

Infographic showing various Quant Firm job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 95% In-person, and 5% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $167,506 per year, or $80.5 per hour.

Software Engineer, Platform / Applied AI (Full-Stack)

David Joseph & Company

San Francisco, CA

$180K - $220K/yr

Full-time

Medical

Re-posted 3 days ago


Job description

San Francisco, CA · On-site · Full-time Compensation: $180,000–$220,000 + competitive equity (4-year vest)

About the Company

Our client is an applied AI research lab investigating the boundaries and capabilities of AI through novel datasets and experimentation. Its customers are the foundation-model labs — it serves the frontier AI labs. It reports $25M+ annualized revenue, is one of the fastest-growing companies in its cohort, and is 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

As a core/founding engineer, you'll build the data infrastructure shaping frontier-model development, owning projects end to end across frontend, backend, and infrastructure.

Tech stack: Next.js / JavaScript / TypeScript, Python, Go · GCP/AWS (serverless, cloud functions) · Kubernetes · Redis · Elasticsearch · Kafka / RabbitMQ · NoSQL · APIs.

Requirements
  • From a top university (US/Canadian/UK), a top quant firm, or with founding-engineer experience
  • Strong coding fundamentals in Node.js / TypeScript, Python, and/or Go
  • Deep understanding of distributed systems, scalability challenges, and system design
  • Familiarity with cloud platforms (GCP/AWS), Kubernetes, APIs, and NoSQL databases
  • Able to reason about trade-offs and balance speed vs reliability
  • Strong communication and a bias toward ownership, curiosity, and simple solutions to complex problems
  • Bonus: experience with RL environments, agentic systems, or human-in-the-loop workflows
Nice to Haves
  • An active GitHub — a builder at heart
  • Experience with AI agents and RL environments
  • A top quant firm or founding-engineer background (or multiple internships) at high-growth startups
  • Has trialed or succeeded in past fast-paced startup roles with strong references
  • Works autonomously yet collaboratively, comfortable with an intense pace
  • Ex-founders whose product was genuinely sophisticated and complex
Why Join
  • Founding ownership: one of the first hires; own entire projects end to end and define the data infrastructure from day one
  • Frontier impact: build the data infrastructure shaping frontier-model development, with the frontier AI labs as direct customers
  • Trajectory and backing: one of the fastest-growing companies in its cohort, $25M+ annualized revenue, with a path to lead and grow an engineering team
  • Comp and perks: competitive salary + equity (4-year vest), daily lunch and dinner, free gym membership, health insurance
Details
  • Location — San Francisco, CA
  • Work policy — On-site
  • Compensation — $180,000–$220,000 + competitive equity (4-year vest)
  • Visa sponsorship — Available (O-1, OPT)
  • Employment type — Full-time