Risk Analyst

Optiver • Chicago, IL

15h

About The Position

Optiver is looking for a Risk Analyst to join their growing Risk team. This role involves identifying, measuring, and managing trading risk. It's a collaborative position at the intersection of risk, trading, quantitative research, and technology. The analyst will work closely with traders to understand complex positions and strategies, develop and challenge risk methodologies, and build tools for risk management in fast-moving markets. The ideal candidate is intellectually curious, quantitatively strong, and interested in financial markets, comfortable with data analysis, challenging assumptions, and clear communication. This role offers the opportunity to manage current risks and help define the long-term direction of the trading risk framework.

Requirements

• 0-3 years of relevant experience; exceptional recent graduates are also encouraged to apply
• Bachelor's or advanced degree in a quantitative discipline such as mathematics, statistics, physics, engineering, computer science, economics, or a related field
• Strong quantitative and analytical problem solving skills and enjoy working with complex datasets and problems
• Proficient in Python and comfortable using code to analyze data, automate processes, and develop analytical tools
• Strong interest in financial markets, trading, and risk management
• Intellectually curious and willing to question assumptions and challenge existing approaches
• Ability to communicate complex ideas clearly and confidently to both technical and non-technical stakeholders
• Comfortable operating in a fast-paced environment, prioritizing effectively and taking ownership of problems
• Legal authorization to work in the U.S. is required; we will not sponsor individuals for employment authorization for this job opening

Responsibilities

• Analyze the risk of complex trading positions and portfolios
• Design, perform, and interpret stress tests and scenario analyses, identifying where our portfolios may be vulnerable to changing market conditions
• Partner closely with traders, quantitative researchers, and software engineers to develop and enhance risk analytics, tools, and systems
• Develop and challenge risk methodologies, metrics, and limits, ensuring they remain appropriate as our trading strategies and markets evolve
• Translate complex risk exposures into clear, actionable insights for traders and senior stakeholders
• Stay on top of market developments and assess how emerging events and changing market dynamics could affect our positions and strategies
• Investigate risk incidents and limit breaches, identify root causes, and help determine appropriate actions and improvements
• Identify weaknesses and opportunities within the existing risk framework and take ownership of driving improvements
• Contribute to the long-term development of Optiver's trading risk framework, including new analytics, processes, and approaches to risk management

Benefits

• Highly competitive compensation package including performance-based bonus structure
• 401(k) match up to 50%
• Comprehensive health, mental, dental, vision, disability, and life coverage
• 25 paid vacation days alongside market holidays
• Extensive office perks, including breakfast, lunch and snacks, regular social events, clubs, sports leagues and more

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level