Trading Operations Analyst

Aquatic was founded with a shared passion for tackling some of the most complex challenges in one of the world’s most competitive arenas—global financial markets. From the very beginning, we have been driven by a deep commitment to applying cutting-edge scientific research and technological innovation to deliver unparalleled performance. Our journey is one of continuous growth and exploration, marked by a spirit of curiosity and relentless drive for excellence. 

Role: Trading Operations Analyst

Location: Chicago

We are actively seeking a Trading Operations Associate to join our team. In this role, you will take responsibility for the support and clearing of a statistical arbitrage (stat arb) strategy. As a key member of the global Trading Operations team, you will provide oversight for the execution post trade processing of trading strategies, and provide domain expertise for the local industry. This position offers an exciting opportunity to work at the intersection of financial markets and technology.

Role Details

• Trade Support: Validate, reconcile, and resolve discrepancies in trade data across systems and counterparties.
• Clearing & Settlement: Perform daily reconciliation of all clearing and settlement activities.
• Fund Administration: Conduct monthly reconciliation with the fund administrator.
• Process Optimization: Identify inefficiencies and collaborate with tech teams to automate workflows (e.g., reconciliation, reporting).
• Team Collaboration: Work closely with the local Engineering teams and integrate effectively with the global Trading and Operations team.

Technical Experience: 

• Proficiency in writing SQL queries and direct interaction with databases.
• Exposure to common data science analysis packages and tools.
• Familiar with Bloomberg terminal and tools.

Candidate Qualities: 

• Reliability & Ownership: A strong sense of accountability and dependability in managing tasks.
• Team Player: Ability to collaborate effectively as part of a global team.
• Financial Markets Expertise: Background or experience in financial markets is essential.
• Automation Focused: A desire to identify and implement automated solutions to improve processes.
• Pressure Management: Comfortable working under critical deadlines and managing significant financial risks.
• Detail-Oriented: Meticulous attention to detail in all aspects of work.
• Feedback Receptiveness: Open to constructive feedback and committed to continuous improvement.
• Urgency & Initiative: A strong sense of urgency in addressing tasks and solving problems.
• Technology Enthusiast: Passionate about technology, engineering, and innovation.

Preferred Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Economics, Mathematics, or related field.
• Experience: Entry level candidates considered.
• Industry Knowledge: Understanding of equities, fixed income, derivatives, or private markets.
• Soft Skills: Strong analytical thinking, communication, and a desire to learn.

The base salary for this role is anticipated to be between $150,000 and $300,000 USD, which is based on information at the time of posting. This position may also be eligible for additional forms of compensation, such as a discretionary bonus, and benefits. Discretionary bonus can be a significant portion of total compensation. Actual compensation for successful candidates will be carefully determined based on a number of factors, including their unique skills, qualifications and relevant experience.

Benefits:

• A fast-paced, collaborative work environment where your contributions directly impact the success of the organization.
• Opportunities for professional growth through exposure to cutting-edge technologies
• Benefits: Fully paid medical, dental, and vision for employees and dependents, competitive 401k plan, employer-paid life & disability insurance
• Perks: Wellness programs, casual dress, snacks, lunch, game room, team and company events
• Development: Open environment to maximize learning and knowledge sharing
• Time: Generous PTO, paid holidays, competitive paid caregiver leaves

Aquatic Capital 

Aquatic is a quantitative trading and investment company recently launched by Jon Graham. Prior to founding Aquatic, Jon was a Partner and Senior Managing Director at Citadel, where he worked for more than 13 years. At Citadel, Jon held numerous senior positions over the years, including head of Statistical Arbitrage and Equity High Frequency, culminating in leading the highly successful Global Quantitative Strategies business.  

Aquatic develops systematic investment strategies, enabled by a leading-edge research and development platform. The vision is simple: to build a world class, quantitative trading company with a collaborative team of highly capable researchers and engineers.

This role represents a unique opportunity to join a quantitative investment manager at the foundational level of building a world class operation from scratch. The firm’s culture will be shaped by collaboration, meritocracy, ambition, and calm determination. 

Aquatic is a proud equal opportunity workplace. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or any other applicable legally protected characteristics.

Benefits:

• Benefits: For full-time employees, fully paid medical, dental, and vision for employees and dependents, competitive 401k plan, employer-paid life & disability insurance 
• Perks: Wellness programs, casual dress, snacks, lunch, game room, team and company events
• Development: Open environment to maximize learning and knowledge sharing
• Time: Generous PTO, paid holidays, competitive paid caregiver leaves

Aquatic Capital

This role represents a unique opportunity to join a quantitative investment manager in its early stage of growth. The firm’s culture will be shaped by collaboration, meritocracy, ambition, and calm determination.

Aquatic is a proud equal opportunity workplace. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or any other applicable legally protected characteristics.