Structured Finance - Residential Mortgage-Backed Securities, Associate Director - Chicago

Fitch Ratings; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 110,000 - 135,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work

Learning & mobility

Retirement plan

Healthcare benefits

Parental leave

Inclusive workplace

Volunteer days

Job summary

Fitch Ratings seeks an Associate Director to lead RMBS transaction coverage, assess credit and cash flow risks, and present at rating committees in a collaborative, fast‑paced environment. The role includes mentoring analysts, engaging with issuers and investors, and contributing to criteria enhancements.

You will drive high‑quality research, market commentary, and issuer communications while deepening relationships across the RMBS franchise. A bachelor’s degree is required; CFA/FRM are a plus.

Qualifications

• Strong analytical and quantitative skills required.
• Experience with cash flow modeling and large datasets is essential.
• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree and/or CFA/FRM is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead end‑to‑end analysis and presentation of RMBS transactions.
• Chair or present at rating committees; mentor junior analysts.
• Engage with issuers, arrangers, and investors; contribute to thought leadership and criteria enhancements.

Skills

Analytical skills

Cash flow modeling

Quantitative skills

Stakeholder communication

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree

Advanced degree / CFA or FRM a plus

Tools

RMBS cash flow engines

Loan‑level analytics

Job description

At Fitch, we have an open culture where employees are able to exchange ideas and perspectives, throughout the organization, irrespective of their seniority. Your voice will be heard allowing you to have a real impact. We embrace diversity and appreciate authenticity encouraging an environment where employees can be their true selves. Our inclusive and progressive approach helps us to keep a balanced perspective. Fitch is also committed to supporting its employees by advancing conversations around diversity, equity and inclusion. Fitch’s Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) have been established by employees who have joined together as a workplace community based on similar backgrounds or life experiences. Fitch’s ERGs are available to connect employees with others within the organization to offer professional and personal support.

With our expertise, we are not only creating data and information, but also producing timely insights from every angle to influence decision making in this ever changing and highly competitive market. We have a relentless hunger to innovate and unlock the power of human insights and to drive value for our customers. There has never been a better time to make an impact and we invite you to join us on this journey.

About The Team

The U.S. RMBS group is seeking an Associate Director to help lead transaction coverage and contribute to criteria, research, and market engagement. In this role, you will lead end‑to‑end analysis and presentation of complex RMBS transactions; independently assess credit, cash flow, legal, and structural risks; chair or present at rating committees; mentor junior analysts; engage with issuers, arrangers, and investors; and contribute to thought leadership and criteria enhancements.

How You’ll Make An Impact

• Lead primary and surveillance analysis of RMBS transactions, including collateral, structural, legal, and counterparty assessments
• Own cash flow modeling, scenario design, and sensitivity analysis; oversee model deployment and results interpretation
• Present recommendations at rating committees; chair committees as needed and document decisions to a high standard
• Drive criteria application and contribute to criteria development and methodological enhancements
• Produce high‑quality research, market commentary, and issuer/investor communications
• Manage and deepen assigned issuer and transaction relationships; represent Fitch in external meetings and conferences
• Coach and review the work of junior and senior analysts to ensure analytical rigor and consistency
• Monitor market developments, performance trends, and regulatory changes; translate insights into analytical viewpoints

You May Be a Good Fit If

• You have 5–8 years of relevant experience in RMBS/ABS, mortgage credit, structured finance, or closely related capital markets roles
• You hold at least a bachelor’s degree; advanced degree and/or CFA/FRM is a plus
• You possess strong analytical and quantitative skills, including proficiency with cash flow modeling and large datasets
• You have excellent written and verbal communication skills and are comfortable engaging senior external stakeholders
• You thrive in a collaborative, fast‑paced environment and can manage multiple transactions and deadlines

What Would Make You Stand Out

• Direct lead experience on RMBS new‑issue and surveillance mandates, including presenting or chairing rating committees
• Deep knowledge of U.S. mortgage products, origination/servicing practices, due diligence, and performance drivers
• Hands‑on experience with RMBS cash flow engines, loan‑level analytics, and scenario/sensitivity frameworks
• Demonstrated contributions to criteria, methodology consultations, or thought‑leadership publications
• Established relationships with RMBS issuers, arrangers, servicers, and investors
• Experience mentoring and reviewing the work of junior analysts; strong quality control and documentation discipline

Why Choose Fitch

• Hybrid Work Environment: 3 days a week in office required based on your line of business and location
• A Culture of Learning & Mobility: Dedicated trainings, leadership development and mentorship programs designed to ensure that your time at Fitch will be a continuous learning opportunity
• Investing in Your Future: Retirement planning and tuition reimbursement programs that empower you to achieve your short and long-term goals
• Promoting Health & Wellbeing: Comprehensive healthcare offerings that enable physical, mental, financial, social, and occupational wellbeing
• Supportive Parenting Policies: Family-friendly policies, including a generous global parental leave plan, designed to help you balance career and family life effectively
• Inclusive Work Environment: A collaborative workplace where all voices are valued, with Employee Resource Groups that unite and empower our colleagues around the globe
• Dedication to Giving Back: Paid volunteer days, matched funding for donations and ample opportunities to volunteer in your community

Fitch is committed to providing global securities markets with objective, timely, independent and forward‑looking credit opinions. To protect Fitch’s credibility and reputation, our employees must take every precaution to avoid conflicts of interest or any appearance of a conflict of interest. Should you be successful in the recruitment process at Fitch Ratings you will be asked to declare any securities holdings and other potential conflicts prior to commencing employment. If you, or your immediate family, have any holdings that may conflict with your work responsibilities, you may be asked to divest yourself of them before beginning work.

Fitch is proud to be an Equal Opportunity and Aff…?

FOR NEW YORK AND CHICAGO ROLES: Expected base pay rates for the role are between $110,000 and $135,000 per year. Actual salaries will be determined on an individual basis and may vary based on factors including, but not limited to, education, training, experience, past performance, and other job‑related considerations. Base pay is one component of Fitch’s total compensation package, which may also include commission earnings, discretionary bonuses, long‑term incentives, and other benefits sponsored by Fitch, depending on the position.