Derivatives Trading Specialist

Empirical is an independent RIA managing over $9 billion in AUM and operating with offices in Washington, Oregon, California, Alaska, and Texas. Empirical provides financial guidance and execution of an integrated strategy of investments + tax + financial planning to high net worth individuals, families, non‑profit organizations and company retirement plans. Our goal is to take the accumulated wisdom of the past several decades of academic and empirical research and years of hands‑on experience to help investors grow and protect their wealth.

Empirical Wealth Management is one of the fastest growing financial services firms on the West Coast, currently directing the financial lives and managing assets for hundreds of individuals and businesses. We seek high caliber individuals who will succeed in a high opportunity business environment. Our market is comprised of high‑income tax bracket individuals and business owners, where our expertise in tax planning and tax sensitive investing provides added value.

We are seeking a talented Derivatives Trading Specialist to join the firm in our Seattle, Portland, San Francisco, or Irvine office. As a Derivatives Trading Specialist, you will work with the executive leadership team, portfolio management team, financial advisors and clients. This role involves structuring, explaining, and executing derivative strategies as a component of broader portfolio construction. The position requires a high level of technical competence, strong communication skills, and comfort discussing complex investment strategies with both advisors and clients.

• Design, explain, implement, and monitor derivative strategies in client accounts
  • This will primarily involve trading in equity options.
• Evaluate, recommend, and implement structured notes and similar investments for clients
• Calculate, analyze, and report portfolio performance
• Conduct investment and strategy research to support portfolio decisions
• Communicate directly with high-net-worth clients regarding portfolio activity and questions
• Partner with financial advisors on account setup and structure.
• Evaluate and manage concentrated positions and account transitions
• Prepare sample portfolio allocations and proposal materials
• Follow up with clients on trade execution and portfolio changes
• Adjust and maintain accurate cost basis records
• Monitor cash flows, account restrictions, and client-directed trades, and communicate issues to advisors as needed

• 3 – 8 years work experience in finance and investments required
• Experience trading equity options is required
• Experience with structured notes highly preferred
• Bachelors in Finance, Economics or Statistics or related subject required;
  Master’s preferred
• Obtained, or progress towards, CFA
• CAIA, CFOA, or other options-related certification is a plus
• Ability to do independent research and strong attention to detail
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills. The ability to communicate with advisors and clients is critical to the position
• Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Excel
• Experience with Fact Set is a plus
• Friendly, strong desire to learn and ability to take direction
• Ability to work in a team environment

• Competitive salary, opportunities to participate in client asset growth, as well as bonus potential
• Benefits:
  Medical, Vision, Dental, and Disability Insurance for employees are 100% paid for by the company
• 401(k) Plan with match
• $125,000 – $175,000

Empirical is truly unique. We believe that each employee is a valuable contributor to the overall effectiveness of the firm. The sharing of concepts and ideas is paramount to the growth of each employee, so we believe in cultivating an environment that promotes collaborative development. Our employees are passionate about the work they do and want to inspire that work ethic into those around them.

We are a hard‑working, high performance, no‑excuse team of over 100 professionals who together want to take charge of our careers alongside the opportunity that Empirical offers.