# Quantitative Research Analyst (Financial Engineer) in DC Office of Risk Analysis and Surveillance

#### Karla Jones

##### Senior Recruiter, SEC
The Securities and Exchange Commission is seeking a Quantitative Research Analyst (Financial Engineer) in our Office of Risk Analysis and Surveillance within the Office of Compliance Inspections and Examinations in our Washington, DC (HQ) location.

Salary Range: $110,910 -$181,398

The mission of the SEC is to protect investors, maintain fair, orderly, and efficient markets, and facilitate capital formation. We seek high-caliber professionals who share the same values of integrity, fairness, accountability, resourcefulness, teamwork and commitment to excellence. The SEC offers challenging work in a collegial environment, while enjoying quality of life and a competitive compensation package.

The Quantitative Research Analyst (Financial Engineer) will:
• Serve as a quantitative research analyst working with SEC staff in building analytical models, mining data, determining proper empirical methodology, organizing data collection, writing unique programs, preparing written reports, and summarizing the studies in formal and informal presentations.
• Assist in the collection and aggregation of risk information as it relates to specific topics or Registrant types.
• Provide technical expertise to design and conduct financial data studies, surveys, reviews, and research projects.[prbreak]read more[/prbreak]
• Conduct research in areas such as the analysis of new financial instruments and strategies, options, and derivatives which involves the application of financial engineering methodologies and employing financial theory and applied mathematics, as well as computation and the practice of programming.
• Support the review and verification of trading strategies for a variety of instruments and markets such as high frequency trading, algorithmic trading, statistical arbitrage, correlation trading, and volatility trading. Perform research and development for statistical analysis of real time market making systems including predictive forecasting algorithms and high throughput, low latency, and multi threading systems or other smart execution systems.
• Work with large volumes of quantitative and qualitative data from different sources for back-testing and validation of models, algorithms, and calculations.
• Develop and presents authoritative reports based on the evaluation and interpretation of studies in the assigned area of financial engineering.
REQUIREMENTS:
The successful candidate MUST be a US Citizen.
• Candidates must submit Official/Unofficial transcripts at the time of application. Failure to provide transcripts will result in your application being disqualified.
• Resume
SK 14 Level: Must possess at least one year of experience equivalent to at least the GS/SK-13 grade level applying the theories, principles, and processes of quantitative research; interpreting complex financial and securities industry data; using models and other types of data analysis and statistical software applications, to manipulate and use large data sets and ensure the accuracy of information produced; developing, maintaining and/or validating models used for forecasting, valuation, instrument and strategy selection, portfolio construction, and risk management covering a wide range of financial instruments, including equities, fixed income, currencies, futures, commodities, and/or derivatives; conveying complex and technical information both orally and in writing and presenting technical findings in meetings and formal presentations.
PREFERRED EXPERIENCE:
• Experience in working with large volumes of data from different sources to include back-testing models, algorithms, and strategies for validation.
• Proficiency in computer processes, methods, and languages such as Java, C/C++, Matlab, R, SQL, VBA, Perl, or similar languages and the state-of-the-art database techniques.
• Experience in utilizing models and products for managing risks in portfolio construction, trade decision, and execution and hedging, including multi-factor models such as BARRA; risk management metrics and methods such as VaR and stress testing models, hedging techniques, credit risk, counterparty risk, market risk, valuation and pricing, and model sensitivity and risk statistics.
• Strong interpersonal skills to interact effectively with industry representatives as well as with SEC senior officials, supervisors, co-workers, and the public.
EDUCATION:
• Candidate must possess at least an undergraduate degree in: finance, engineering, mathematics, statistics, computer science, actuarial science, Economics or related technical field.
http://www.sec.gov/jobs/ohr/job712662.html
Please use Vacancy Identification Number: 712662 The closing date of this position is: August 20, 2012

#### markhobbus

##### Member
looks like they are finally starting to get on board. salary is comparable as well which is heartening in the wake of the knightmare on wall street. however, i don't think they will find someone with such skills and knowledge with only a BA/BS.

#### Andy Nguyen

##### Member
Which is why SEC put this on QuantNet where there are more qualified candidates (MFE grads). I know some who work there and said the work environment is great. SEC is the only government agency that has a competitive salary. You must be a US citizen.

#### elektor

##### Active Member
C++ Student
Seems like a lot for a single financial engineer to handle and that too with only a BS? High frequency analysis, Model validation, collection aggregation and presentation of risk reports.....

Model validation for ALL the different asset classes would need very experienced people in my opinion.

#### Andy Nguyen

##### Member
i don't think they will find someone with such skills and knowledge with only a BA/BS.
Seems like a lot for a single financial engineer to handle and that too with only a BS?
It's clearly stated that "Candidate must possess at least an undergraduate degree".