Quantatative Risk Analyst

Centalion; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Centalion is seeking a Quantitative Risk Analyst to join the Portfolio Optimization Team in Houston. You will develop models, analyze market data, and provide risk insights to guide trading and portfolio decisions.

Role focuses on risk valuation, curve construction, and collaboration with traders, IT, operations, and finance to strengthen data integrity and reporting. A quantitative background and energy market understanding are essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mathematics, Statistics, Engineering, Physics, CS, Quantitative Finance, or related field.
• Typically 3–5 years of experience in quantitative analytics, risk management, or related role in commodity trading or financial trading.
• Advanced degree in a quantitative discipline is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and implement quantitative risk models to measure, monitor, and evaluate trading exposures.
• Own key models, ensure accurate position valuation, considering maturity, seasonality, and market dynamics.
• Apply quantitative techniques and financial math to support risk management and decision-making.
• Analyze complex, structured transactions to provide insights to commercial stakeholders.

Skills

Quantitative analysis

Risk management

Statistical modeling

Data analysis

Portfolio optimization

Education

Bachelor's degree in quantitative field

Advanced degree advantageous

Tools

Python

R

SQL

Excel

Job description

Centalion | Portfolio Optimization Team

At Centalion, we operate at the intersection of global energy markets, physical trading, and logistics. We move energy from where it is sourced and stored to where it is needed most, leveraging an extensive network of ships, rail, trucks, and pipelines to connect supply with demand efficiently.

Job Title

Quantatative Risk Analyst

Job Description

Quantitative Analyst – Portfolio Optimization

Centalion | Portfolio Optimization Team

At Centalion, we operate at the intersection of global energy markets, physical trading, and logistics. We move energy from where it is sourced and stored to where it is needed most, leveraging an extensive network of ships, rail, trucks, and pipelines to connect supply with demand efficiently.

Our success is driven by our ability to understand complex markets, manage risk intelligently, and identify opportunities across the energy value chain.

We are seeking a Quantitative Analyst to join our Portfolio Optimization team, where quantitative analysis, market intelligence, and commercial decision-making come together.

This is an opportunity for an analytically driven professional to work closely with trading and commercial teams, developing sophisticated risk models, enhancing portfolio visibility, and delivering actionable insights that support trading strategies and portfolio performance.

The Opportunity

As part of the Portfolio Optimization team, you will play a key role in developing the analytical tools, quantitative models, and risk frameworks that underpin our trading activities. Working at the intersection of quantitative analytics, risk management, and physical commodity markets, you will help translate complex data into meaningful commercial insights. Your work will contribute directly to how we evaluate market exposures, assess structured transactions, monitor portfolio risk, and identify opportunities to enhance performance.

You will collaborate with traders, commercial teams, technology, operations, and finance, gaining broad exposure to the commercial and operational dynamics of a global energy trading business.

Quantitative Modeling & Portfolio Analytics

• Design, develop, and implement quantitative risk models and analytical tools to measure, monitor, and evaluate trading exposures.
• Take ownership of key models, ensuring accurate position valuation and risk assessment while incorporating contract maturity characteristics, seasonality, and market dynamics.
• Apply advanced quantitative techniques, financial mathematics, and statistical analysis to support portfolio risk management and commercial decision-making.
• Evaluate the risk characteristics of complex, structured, and bespoke transactions, providing analytical support to commercial stakeholders.

Market Data, Forward Curves & Valuation

• Develop, maintain, and enhance proprietary forward curves and implied volatility surfaces across relevant commodity markets.
• Validate market data and pricing inputs against observable market values, settlements, and trading activity to ensure accuracy and consistency.
• Oversee curve construction and monitoring, including appropriate treatment of contract expirations, calendar rolls, and seasonal market structures.
• Partner with front, middle, and back-office stakeholders to ensure consistent implementation of market data and valuation methodologies.

Risk Monitoring & Commercial Insight

• Analyze portfolio exposures, risk concentrations, and trading limits to identify emerging risks and potential vulnerabilities.
• Investigate limit breaches and unusual exposures, communicating findings and recommendations to the Head of Risk and senior management.
• Deliver clear, actionable analysis that supports informed risk-taking and commercial decision-making.
• Provide quantitative insight into structured transactions, nonstandard contracts, and evolving market conditions.

Reporting, Technology & Process Improvement

• Support accurate and timely P&L and position reporting, providing additional middle-office coverage when required.
• Collaborate with trading, IT, operations, accounting, and finance to strengthen data integrity and improve analytical workflows.
• Identify opportunities to automate manual processes, enhance data quality controls, and improve the efficiency of risk and reporting systems.
• Consolidate and analyze large datasets from multiple sources, applying disciplined data management and analytical practices.
• Contribute to the ongoing development of scalable analytical infrastructure that supports the evolving needs of the trading business.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Mathematics, Statistics, Engineering, Physics, Computer Science, Quantitative Finance, or a related quantitative discipline.
• Typically 3–5 years of experience in quantitative analytics, risk management, or a related role within commodity trading, energy markets, or financial trading.
• Candidates with less experience will also be considered where they demonstrate exceptional quantitative capabilities, strong practical application of quantitative theory, and an advanced degree from a leading academic institution.
• Advanced degree in a quantitative discipline is advantageous.

Technical & Analytical Capabilities

• Strong foundation in quantitative modeling, probability, statistics, financial mathematics, and derivatives valuation.
• Advanced understanding of derivatives, options, volatility, and real options, including their application to commodity markets.
• Proficiency in at least one programming language, preferably Python, R, C++, C#, or VBA.
• Experience working with large datasets, relational databases, and SQL.
• Advanced Excel skills and strong familiarity with Microsoft Office applications.
• Understanding of forward curves, volatility surfaces, market data validation, and commodity pricing methodologies.
• Ability to translate complex quantitative concepts into practical insights for commercial and nontechnical stakeholders.
• Commercial curiosity: You want to understand not just how a model works, but what its results mean for trading decisions and portfolio performance.
• Analytical ownership: You take responsibility for your work, challenge assumptions, and continuously look for ways to improve models and processes.
• Problem-solving mindset: You enjoy working through complex, sometimes ambiguous challenges and finding practical, data-driven solutions.
• Collaborative approach: You build effective relationships across trading, risk, technology, and operations, and communicate your findings with clarity and confidence.
• Adaptability: You thrive in dynamic markets, learn quickly, and remain detail-oriented when priorities shift.

Our people make all the difference in our success.