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Quantitative Trading Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Working closely with Portfolio Managers, traders, quantitative researchers and technologists, the analyst will develop research, risk and pre-trade analytics used to identify relative-value ...

Working closely with Portfolio Managers, traders, quantitative researchers and technologists, the analyst will develop research, risk and pre-trade analytics used to identify relative-value ...

HRT is one of the top quantitative trading firms in the world. We combine world-class engineering and scientific rigor with a low-ego, collaborative culture. Our people and our compute capabilities ...

Quantitative Analyst

Los Angeles, CA ยท On-site

$100K - $115K/yr

The Quantitative Analyst will work in collaboration with analysts, traders and portfolio managers in a fast-paced environment. They will be a significant contributor to internal risk systems and ...

New

Quantitative Analyst

Los Angeles, CA ยท On-site

$100K - $115K/yr

The Quantitative Analyst will work in collaboration with analysts, traders and portfolio managers in a fast-paced environment. They will be a significant contributor to internal risk systems and ...

New

Quantitative Analyst

Los Angeles, CA ยท On-site

$100 - $125/hr

Graduate DegreeThe Quantitative Analyst will work in collaboration with analysts, traders and portfolio managers in a fast-paced environment. They will be a significant contributor to internal risk ...

New

Quantitative Developer

San Francisco, CA ยท On-site

$180K - $280K/yr

... trading strategies * Strong Python skills (pandas, numpy, scipy, matplotlib); comfort with SQL ... quantitative field. Preferred Competencies * Prior full-time experience in finance, data science ...

Showing results 21-40

Quantitative Trading information

See California salary details

$96.7K

$167.5K

$256.1K

How much do quantitative trading jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for quantitative trading 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 quantitative trading?

Quantitative trading refers to the use of mathematical models, algorithms, and statistical techniques to identify and execute trading opportunities in financial markets. Quantitative traders, often called 'quants,' analyze large datasets to develop strategies that can be automated for buying and selling securities. This approach relies heavily on computer programming, data analysis, and financial theory to make systematic, data-driven trading decisions. Quantitative trading is commonly used by hedge funds, investment banks, and proprietary trading firms to gain an edge in the markets.

How does a quantitative trader typically collaborate with software engineers and data scientists within a trading firm?

Quantitative traders work closely with software engineers and data scientists to develop, test, and optimize trading algorithms. Traders often define the strategy and specify the data requirements, while engineers build and maintain the trading infrastructure, and data scientists assist with advanced statistical analysis and machine learning models. Effective communication and a collaborative approach are crucial, as these teams must integrate their expertise to ensure strategies are both profitable and technically robust. Regular meetings, code reviews, and joint problem-solving sessions are common practices in this collaborative environment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a quantitative trader, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Quantitative Trader, you need a strong background in mathematics, statistics, and financial theory, typically supported by a degree in a quantitative field such as mathematics, physics, computer science, or engineering. Expertise in programming languages like Python, C++, and R, as well as familiarity with trading platforms and statistical analysis tools, is essential. Critical thinking, attention to detail, and the ability to work under pressure are standout soft skills in this role. These skills are crucial for developing, testing, and executing profitable trading strategies in fast-moving financial markets.

What is the difference between Quantitative Trading vs Quantitative Research?

AspectQuantitative TradingQuantitative Research
Primary FocusDeveloping and executing trading strategies to generate profitsCreating models and theories to understand markets and inform trading
Work EnvironmentFast-paced, real-time decision making in trading firms or hedge fundsResearch-oriented, often academic or laboratory setting
Required CredentialsStrong quantitative skills, programming, finance knowledge; often degrees in math, finance, or engineeringAdvanced degrees (Masters/PhD) in math, physics, or related fields; research experience

Quantitative Trading focuses on applying quantitative models to make trading decisions and generate profits in real-time markets. Quantitative Research emphasizes developing and testing models to understand market behavior, often serving as a foundation for trading strategies. While both roles require strong quantitative skills and programming, trading roles are more execution-focused, whereas research roles are more theoretical and exploratory.

How much do quantitative traders make?

Quantitative traders typically earn a base salary ranging from $100,000 to $200,000 annually, with total compensation often exceeding $300,000 when including bonuses and profit sharing. Compensation varies based on experience, firm size, and performance, with successful traders earning significantly more through performance-based incentives.

What do you do as a quantitative trader?

A quantitative trader develops and implements trading strategies using mathematical models, statistical analysis, and programming skills. They analyze large data sets to identify trading opportunities, often using tools like Python, R, or MATLAB, and work in fast-paced financial environments to execute trades based on algorithmic signals.

What are the most commonly searched types of Quantitative Trading jobs in California?

The most popular types of Quantitative Trading jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Quantitative Trading jobs in California?

For Quantitative Trading jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Quantitative Trading jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Quantitative Trading jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Quantitative Trading jobs?

Cities in California with the most Quantitative Trading job openings:

Infographic showing various Quantitative Trading job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 76% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 20% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $167,506 per year, or $80.5 per hour.

Quantitative Research Analyst

PIMCO

Newport Beach, CA โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 6 days ago


Job description

PIMCO is a global leader in active fixed income with deep expertise across public and private markets. We invest our clients' capital across a range of fixed income and credit opportunities, leveraging our decades of experience navigating complex debt markets. Our flexible capital base and deep relationships with issuers have helped us become one of the world's largest providers of traditional and nontraditional solutions for companies that need financing and investors who seek strong risk-adjusted returns.
Since 1971, our people have shaped our organization through a high-performance inclusive culture, in which we celebrate diverse thinking. We invest in our people and strive to imprint our CORE values of Collaboration, Openness, Responsibility and Excellence. We believe each of us is here to help others succeed and this has led to PIMCO being recognized as an innovator, industry thought leader and trusted advisor to our clients.
JOB DESCRIPTION
The commodities business is an important part of PIMCO's investment platform. We are seeking a Quantitative Research Analyst / Desk Quant to join our front-office Commodities Analytics team in Newport Beach. The role will provide direct quantitative support to specialist Portfolio Managers trading listed and OTC derivatives across energy, power, agricultural, metals and soft commodity markets.
The successful candidate will combine rigorous statistical and econometric modelling skills with strong commodities knowledge and practical software-development capabilities. Working closely with Portfolio Managers, traders, quantitative researchers and technologists, the analyst will develop research, risk and pre-trade analytics used to identify relative-value opportunities, manage portfolios and support investment decisions. The role will also contribute to the expansion of analytics coverage across commodity markets and the continued development of the team's technology and AI-enabled research capabilities.
RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Develop quantitative tools and empirical studies to support relative-value analysis, trading-opportunity evaluation and portfolio-management decisions across commodity markets
  • Build, enhance and maintain models that generate risk analytics for existing and prospective commodity positions
  • Develop pre-trade analytics and research tools within the team's Python ecosystem, with an emphasis on robust, scalable and reusable solutions
  • Provide timely quantitative support to Portfolio Managers and traders during US trading hours, including day-to-day risk management and operational analysis
  • Research, back-test and maintain systematic, option and quantitative investment strategies
  • Apply statistical, econometric and machine-learning techniques to commodity-specific datasets and investment problems
  • Contribute to the enhancement of PIMCO's technology infrastructure supporting commodity and quantitative strategies
  • Help broaden analytics coverage across energy, power, metals, agriculture and soft commodities
REQUIREMENTS
  • Master's degree or PhD in mathematics, statistics, econometrics, financial economics, physics, engineering, computer science or another highly quantitative discipline; PhD preferred
  • 2-5 years of relevant experience as a commodity quant supporting a sell-side trading desk or a quantitatively oriented asset manager; exceptional junior candidates with directly relevant doctoral research will also be considered
  • Strong grounding in probability, statistics, econometrics, financial mathematics and empirical research
  • Demonstrated experience modelling commodity-specific processes, ideally across one or more of power, weather, oil, natural gas, metals or agricultural markets
  • Strong statistical and econometric modelling skills; knowledge of risk-neutral derivatives modelling and option analytics is desirable
  • Advanced programming ability in Python with experience delivering reliable analytical or research tools
  • Experience developing risk analytics, systematic-strategy research, option-strategy back-tests or pre-trade analytics
  • Exposure to machine learning, AI engineering or modern data-science techniques is desirable
  • Ability to work closely with Portfolio Managers and traders, communicate complex quantitative concepts clearly and deliver accurate analysis in a time-sensitive front-office environment
  • Collaborative, intellectually curious and self-directed, with strong attention to detail and a commitment to high-quality research and implementation
PIMCO follows a total compensation approach when rewarding employees which includes a base salary and a discretionary bonus. Base salary is the fixed component of compensation that is determined by core job responsibilities, relevant experience, internal level, and market factors. The discretionary bonus is used to award performance and therefore is determined by company, business, team, and individual performance.
Salary Range: $ 165,000.00 - $ 240,000.00
Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action Statement
PIMCO recruits and hires qualified candidates without regard to race, national origin, ancestry, religion (including religious dress and grooming practices), sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender (including gender identity and expression), age, military or veteran status, disability (physical or mental), any factor prohibited by law, and as such affirms in policy and practice to support and promote the concept of equal employment opportunity and affirmative action, in accordance with all applicable federal, state, provincial and municipal laws. The company also prohibits discrimination on other basis such as medical condition, or marital status under applicable laws.
Applicants with Disabilities
PIMCO is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. We provide reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals with disabilities, including veterans, in job application procedures. If you have any difficulty using our online system due to a disability and you would like to request an accommodation, you may contact us at 949-720-7744 and leave a message. This is a dedicated line designed exclusively to assist job seekers with disabilities to apply online. Only messages left for this purpose will be considered. A response to your request may take up to two business days.