Financial Engineering Associate

About this role

The Aladdin Financial Engineering (AFE) team is responsible for the research and development of financial models underpinning the risk management analytics produced at BlackRock. The group also contributes to the infrastructure and software responsible for the production of analytics and the delivery of analytic content to portfolio and risk management professionals both within and outside BlackRock.

Given the diversity of business objectives among Aladdin clients and within BlackRock itself the models developed and supported span a wide array of financial products, ranging from equity to fixed income and alternatives.  In addition, members seek to provide analysis and insight on many different levels from analysis of single name securities to the overall financial risk associated with an entire portfolio. 

The Modelling Research team in AFE is looking for a portfolio risk modeler to join the London team to contribute to the modelling and development effort in building and maintaining of Aladdin risk models. These models are used to provide risk oversight on BlackRock investment strategies and Aladdin clients and also being deployed for use in portfolio construction purposes. This modeler will work on equity risk models. 

This role also offers the opportunity to contribute directly to the team’s AI efforts, such as applying AI and automation to modernize and scale current workflows. 

About the role

The candidate will be performing duties related to all aspects of portfolio risk model development: 

• Researching, designing, and back-testing new risk models using Python infrastructure 

• Collaborating with software developers to test and release new models into production 

• Supporting existing risk models in production 

• Maintaining and extending research framework 

• Investigating and resolving client queries relating to model methodology and functionality 

• Developing and enhancing testing, validation, back-testing, and quality-control frameworks 

• Contributing to the team’s AI efforts 

About you

• Graduate degree in a technical field (Econometrics, Finance, Math's, Statistics, Computer Science and/or Engineering); Postgraduate degree in a technical field is a plus 

• 2+ years relevant working experience or PhD 

• Strong programming skills and experience using Python; Knowledge in Unix/Linux, Git is a plus 

• Strong knowledge of financial, mathematical, and statistical theory 

• Strong interest in financial market 

• Strong oral and written (English language) communication skills that enable complex ideas to be readily understood by team members and clients 

• Enthusiasm, flexibility, and maturity to adapt to the needs of a dynamic group and deliver within strict time frame; Good time management skills including the ability to handle multiple projects  

• Interest in portfolio risk modelling 

• Strong problem-solving skills with high attention to detail 

Our benefits

To help you stay energized, engaged and inspired, we offer a wide range of employee benefits including: retirement investment and tools designed to help you in building a sound financial future; access to education reimbursement; comprehensive resources to support your physical health and emotional well-being; family support programs; and Flexible Time Off (FTO) so you can relax, recharge and be there for the people you care about.

Our hybrid work model

BlackRock’s hybrid work model is designed to enable a culture of collaboration and apprenticeship that enriches the experience of our employees, while supporting flexibility for all. Employees are currently required to work at least 4 days in the office per week, with the flexibility to work from home 1 day a week. Some business groups may require more time in the office due to their roles and responsibilities. We remain focused on increasing the impactful moments that arise when we work together in person – aligned with our commitment to performance and innovation. As a new joiner, you can count on this hybrid model to accelerate your learning and onboarding experience here at BlackRock.

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Guidance on AI use for candidates**

At BlackRock, AI has long been part of how we work – enhancing decision-making, improving operations, and helping us deliver better outcomes for clients. We encourage candidates to use AI thoughtfully to learn, prepare, and work more effectively; but during our interview process, we want to focus on getting to know you through your own experiences, thinking, and judgment. To support you, we’ve provided guidance on when and how to use AI during our hiring process so you can approach each step with confidence and showcase your best self.

About BlackRock

At BlackRock, we are all connected by one mission: to help more and more people experience financial well-being.  Our clients, and the people they serve, are saving for retirement, paying for their children’s educations, buying homes and starting businesses. Their investments also help to strengthen the global economy: support businesses small and large; finance infrastructure projects that connect and power cities; and facilitate innovations that drive progress.

This mission would not be possible without our smartest investment – the one we make in our employees. It’s why we’re dedicated to creating an environment where our colleagues feel welcomed, valued and supported with networks, benefits and development opportunities to help them thrive.

To learn more about BlackRock, please visit Careers.BlackRock.com. We also encourage you to get to know us on LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube, X, and TikTok.

BlackRock is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.  We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to age, disability, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation and other protected characteristics at law.