Symetra has an exciting opportunity to join our team as a Derivatives Analyst & Trader!
About the Role
The Derivatives Analyst and Trader will have various trading, analytical, and quantitative analysis responsibilities within the derivatives front office of the investment management department. This is a technology-focused hands-on trading role, and the ideal candidate would be a self-starter who is comfortable building scalable trading processes and tools in an idea-driven environment.
This is a hybrid work role based in Farmington, Connecticut
Company Overview
Symetra Investment Management (“SIM”) is a SEC-registered investment advisory firm with approximately $78 billion in assets under management as of March 31, 2025. Symetra Financial Corporation (“SFC”), a diversified financial services company with $68.4 billion in assets as of December 31, 2024, headquartered in Bellevue, Washington is the sole shareholder of SIM. SFC is also the holding company of Symetra Life Insurance Company (“Symetra Life”), which was founded in 1957, and has insurer financial strength ratings of ‘A’ by A.M. Best and Standard & Poor’s and ‘A1’ by Moody’s. Symetra Life is among the top 40 largest life insurance companies in the United States (based on statutory admitted assets as of December 31, 2024) and has approximately 2.3 million customers and over 2,600 employees nationwide. SFC is a wholly owned subsidiary of Sumitomo Life Insurance Company, a mutual life insurance company with head offices in Osaka and Tokyo, Japan. Founded in 1907, Sumitomo is one of the largest life insurance companies in Japan with $327 billion of assets as of March 31, 2025. SIM currently has recently begun marketing its investment management services to third-party institutional investors.
What you will do
Execution of derivative trades in accordance with the Company's approved derivatives programs. Execution in both cleared and bilateral derivatives markets using both exchange-listed and over-the-counter instruments. Positions will be taken in equity, rates, credit, commodity, and FX derivatives. Review and execution of trade confirmations and interfacing with Operations team on all aspects of the trade lifecycle including collateral management, trade booking, reconciliation and settlements.
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Analytical work on derivative assets and insurance liabilities in support of the management of the derivatives portfolio. Expertise coding in Python, VBA Macros, SQL and financial and statistical software packages in support of trading/risk/P&L analysis. Trading tools/utility development and process automation. Self-starter who enjoys building and maintaining processes in an idea-driven setting.
Reporting: Responsible for regular and on-demand reporting using reporting as a feedback tool to inform hedge execution. Hands-on work with PowerBI to modernize reporting. Develop processes, systems and tools to support P/L reporting and attribution, risk reporting, scenario analysis and transaction cost analysis. This work will include writing and maintaining SQL queries, building database and reporting functionality, market and trade data retrieval, and other elements common to the functionality and maintenance of derivatives analytic systems.
What we offer you
We don’t take a “one-size-fits-all” approach when it comes to our employees. Our programs are designed to make your life better both at work and at home.
- Plan for your future with our 401(k) plan and take advantage of immediate vesting and company matching up to 6%
- Self-Managed Time Away along with paid holidays
- Give back to your community and double your impact through our company matching
- Want more details? Check out Symetra Benefits Overview
Compensation
Salary Range: Min $132,000 – Max $179,000 plus eligibility for annual bonus program.
Who you are
- B.S. degree in computer science, mathematics or engineering.
- 5+ years of experience in a hands-on derivatives trading and analysis role focused directly on hedging and/or the derivatives markets in an insurance company or asset management firm.
- Ability to handle trade requests from multiple sources simultaneously and multi-task in a fast-paced environment.
- Well organized, independent, entrepreneurial and self-motivated with the ability to maintain composure while working under pressure.
- A roll-up the sleeves, “get it done” work ethic that supports the completion of tasks within specified timeframes, understanding that the work requirements of the position will sometimes embed inflexible deadlines.
- Accurate, best practice trade execution with attention to detail and the ability to efficiently balance both project work and trading responsibilities.
- Advanced spreadsheet and coding skills, including an emphasis on efficient automation and day-to-day maintenance of quantitative desktop trading and portfolio management tools in an independent manner.
- Must have a sound understanding of derivatives-oriented technology platforms. A demonstrable understanding of derivatives pricing and hedging, including risk-neutral valuation and option pricing techniques.
- Direct familiarity with index-linked insurance products, including indexed and/or variable annuity hedging programs, knowledge of equity index options, knowledge of NumeriX, knowledge of derivative collateralization regimes and requirements is preferred.
We empower inclusion
At Symetra, we aspire to be the most inclusive insurance company in the country. We're building a place where every employee feels valued, respected, and has opportunities to contribute.
Inclusion is about recognizing our assumptions, considering multiple perspective, and removing barriers. We accept and celebrate diverse experiences, identities, and perspectives, because lifting each other up fuels thought and builds a stronger, more innovative company. We invite you to learn more about our efforts here.
Creating a world where more people have access to financial freedom
Symetra is a national financial services company dedicated to helping people achieve their financial goals and feel confident about the future. In our daily work, we're guided by the principles of Value, Transparency and Sustainability. This means we provide products and services people need at a competitive price, we communicate clearly and openly so people understand what they're buying, and we design products-and operate our company-to stand the test of time. We're committed to showing up for our communities, lifting up our employees, and standing up for diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI). Join our team and help us create a world where more people have access to financial freedom.
For more information about our careers visit: https://symetra.eightfold.ai/careers
Work Authorization
Employer work visa sponsorship and support are not provided for this role. Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States at hire and must maintain authorization to work in the United States throughout their employment with our company.
Please review Symetra's Remote Network Minimum Requirements:
As a remote-first organization committed to providing a positive experience for both employees and customers, Symetra has the following standards for employees' internet connection:
- Minimum Internet Speed:100 Mbps download and 20 Mbps upload, in alignment with the FCC's definition of "broadband."
- Internet Type:Fiber, Cable (e.g., Comcast, Spectrum), or DSL.
- Not Permissible:Satellite (e.g., Starlink), cellular broadband (hotspot or otherwise), any other wireless technology, or wired dial-up.
When applying to jobs at Symetra, you'll be asked to test your internet speed and confirm that your internet connection meets or exceeds Symetra's standard as outlined above.
Identity Verification
Symetra is committed to fair and secure hiring practices. For all roles, candidates will be required (after the initial phone screen) to be on video for all interviews. Symetra will take affirmative steps at key points in the process to verify that a candidate is not seeking employment fraudulently, e.g. through use of a false identity.
Failure to comply with verification procedures may result in:
- Disqualification from the recruitment process
- Withdrawal of a job offer
- Termination of employment and other criminal and/or civil remedies, if fraud is discovered
