Associate Trader/Trader, Derivatives

Russell Investments; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Russell Investments in Seattle seeks a derivatives trader to execute trades and advise on overlays across equities, fixed income, and commodities. The role emphasizes competency with listed futures, options, and swaps, and the ability to evaluate liquidity and costs.

The ideal candidate has 1–5 years in derivatives trading or portfolio management, with a finance degree and strong Excel skills; CFA/CAIA progress is a plus.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in finance or related area.
• 1–5 years of derivatives trading, operations, or portfolio management experience.
• CFA and/or CAIA designation or progress toward a designation.
• Detail-oriented, intellectually curious, and excellent communication skills.
• Driven self-starter ready to take on new responsibilities in a challenging environment.

Responsibilities

• Execute trades across derivatives products, including listed futures (equity index, fixed income, commodities), listed and bilateral OTC equity index and fixed income options and swaps.
• Research and advise on a broad range of derivative instruments and implementation strategies to evaluate liquidity, tracking error, and transaction costs.
• Provide subject‑matter expertise on derivative strategies and answer ad hoc requests from internal and external stakeholders.
• Prepare regular reporting on trading volumes, trade cost analysis, market color, and performance‑related metrics.
• Assist trading, operations, and technology teams with feedback for process improvements.

Skills

Derivatives trading

Excel proficiency

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in finance

CFA/CAIA designation or progress toward

Tools

Bloomberg

Job description

Job Overview

Join the derivatives trading team in Seattle. You will be responsible for trading and advising on customized portfolio overlays and hedging strategies across Russell Investments’ funds and third‑party clients, with a focus on equity, fixed income, and commodity derivatives. Instruments to be traded include listed futures, bilateral and cleared swaps, listed and OTC options.

Compensation

Salary range: $90,000–120,000 USD. Compensation is based on experience, skills, and qualifications. The package also includes an annual performance bonus (subject to eligibility) and participation in competitive benefits such as healthcare, retirement, vacation, and wellbeing programs.

Core Responsibilities

• Execute trades across derivatives products, including listed futures (equity index, fixed income, commodities), listed and bilateral OTC equity index and fixed income options and swaps.
• Research and advise on a broad range of derivative instruments and implementation strategies to evaluate liquidity, tracking error, and transaction costs.
• Provide subject‑matter expertise on derivative strategies and answer ad hoc requests from internal and external stakeholders.
• Prepare regular reporting on trading volumes, trade cost analysis, market color, and performance‑related metrics.
• Assist trading, operations, and technology teams with feedback for process improvements.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in finance or a related area.
• 1–5 years of experience with derivatives trading, operations, or portfolio management (experience with fixed income and/or options is a plus).
• CFA and/or CAIA designation or progress toward a designation is a plus.
• Detail‑oriented, intellectually curious, and excellent communication skills.
• Driven self‑starter ready to take on new responsibilities in a challenging environment.
• Highly proficient with Excel; experience with Bloomberg is a plus.

Employment Eligibility

This role is not eligible for employment‑based immigration sponsorship. Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States without employer sponsorship, now or in the future.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Russell Investments is committed to providing equal employment opportunities for all associates and employment applicants regardless of race, religion, ancestry, creed, color, gender (including gender identity), age, national origin, citizenship status, disability, medical condition, military status, veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation, past or present unemployment status, or any other characteristic protected by law.