Remote Algorithmic Trading Strategist

Placements24; Sandton; Hybrid; ZAR 1,800,000 - 3,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Remote work

Flexible hours

Stock options / profit-sharing

Health, dental, vision insurance

Conference sponsorship

Learning & development

Capital for deployment

Global colleagues

Job summary

Placements24 in South Africa seeks a Remote Algorithmic Trading Strategist for a cutting-edge quantitative trading firm. The role focuses on designing, backtesting, and implementing sophisticated trading algorithms across asset classes, with research and execution in a high-frequency trading environment.

You will work with a globally distributed team of researchers and developers, applying statistical modeling, machine learning, and performance optimization. A Master’s or Ph.D.

Qualifications

• Master’s or Ph.D. in a quantitative field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in quantitative research, algorithmic trading strategy development, or a similar role.
• Proven track record of developing profitable and robust trading strategies.
• Advanced proficiency in Python, C++, or Java, and experience with relevant scientific computing libraries.
• Deep understanding of statistical modeling, time series analysis, machine learning, and stochastic calculus.
• Expertise in financial markets including equities, futures, options, and FX.
• Experience with large datasets and high-frequency trading environments is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

• Research, design, and develop quantitative trading strategies using statistical and machine learning techniques.
• Perform rigorous backtesting and statistical analysis of strategy performance using historical data.
• Implement trading algorithms in a production environment, focusing on performance, stability, and efficiency.
• Collaborate with quantitative developers and researchers to refine and optimize trading strategies and execution systems.
• Monitor live trading performance, identify potential issues, and implement necessary adjustments.
• Analyze market microstructure and identify opportunities for algorithmic trading.
• Stay abreast of the latest research and developments in quantitative finance, machine learning, and algorithmic trading.
• Contribute to the firm’s overall research direction and strategy development.
• Document strategy designs, research findings, and implementation details thoroughly.
• Manage risk associated with trading strategies effectively.

Skills

Statistical modeling

Time series analysis

Machine learning

Analytical thinking

Education

Master’s or Ph.D. in a quantitative field

5+ years quantitative research / algo trading experience

Tools

Python

C++

Java

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a cutting-edge quantitative trading firm, is seeking an exceptional Remote Algorithmic Trading Strategist to join their globally distributed team. This role is for a highly analytical and mathematically inclined individual to design, develop, backtest, and implement sophisticated trading algorithms across various asset classes. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of financial markets, statistical modeling, machine learning, and programming. This is a fully remote position, offering unparalleled flexibility and the opportunity to work alongside world-class quantitative researchers and developers. The strategist will be responsible for generating alpha through innovative quantitative strategies, contributing directly to the firm’s trading performance. The focus is on research, innovation, and disciplined execution in a high-frequency trading environment. You will have access to state-of-the-art technology and a collaborative culture that values intellectual curiosity and data-driven decision-making.

Key Responsibilities

• Research, design, and develop quantitative trading strategies using statistical and machine learning techniques.
• Perform rigorous backtesting and statistical analysis of strategy performance using historical data.
• Implement trading algorithms in a production environment, focusing on performance, stability, and efficiency.
• Collaborate with quantitative developers and researchers to refine and optimize trading strategies and execution systems.
• Monitor live trading performance, identify potential issues, and implement necessary adjustments.
• Analyze market microstructure and identify opportunities for algorithmic trading.
• Stay abreast of the latest research and developments in quantitative finance, machine learning, and algorithmic trading.
• Contribute to the firm’s overall research direction and strategy development.
• Document strategy designs, research findings, and implementation details thoroughly.
• Manage risk associated with trading strategies effectively.

Requirements

• Master’s or Ph.D. in a quantitative field such as Mathematics, Statistics, Computer Science, Physics, Engineering, or Financial Engineering.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in quantitative research, algorithmic trading strategy development, or a similar role within a hedge fund, prop trading firm, or investment bank.
• Proven track record of developing profitable and robust trading strategies.
• Advanced proficiency in programming languages such as Python, C++, or Java, and experience with relevant scientific computing libraries.
• Deep understanding of statistical modeling, time series analysis, machine learning algorithms, and stochastic calculus.
• Expertise in financial markets, including equities, futures, options, and foreign exchange.
• Experience with large datasets and high-frequency trading environments is highly desirable.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills, especially in a remote team setting.
• Ability to work independently, manage priorities, and deliver results in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary and exceptional performance-based bonus structure, directly tied to trading P&L.
• Fully remote work arrangement with flexible hours.
• Opportunity to work on challenging and intellectually stimulating problems.
• Access to significant capital for strategy deployment.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans.
• Generous allocation of company stock options or profit-sharing.
• Continuous learning and professional development opportunities, including support for attending conferences.
• Collaborative environment with highly intelligent and motivated colleagues worldwide.