Junior Programmatic Trader

Overview

The Shipyard is a leading, independent agency that builds performance-driven brands audiences can't help but love. We are looking for a sharp, driven, and collaborative Junior Programmatic Trader to join our San Diego or Sacramento team. This role offers a path from campaign support into hands-on ownership of programmatic activations, with growth into campaign management within DSPs, optimization, reporting, and cross-department collaboration.

At The Shipyard, we align bold creativity with individual consumer motivations to engineer brand love throughout the consumer journey. We value diverse backgrounds and perspectives and encourage you to apply even if you don’t meet every checkbox.

• Independently set up and QA campaigns across DSPs (e.g., The Trade Desk, Amazon, etc.) with guidance from Traders and Senior Traders
• Monitor campaign delivery and pacing daily, proactively flag issues, optimize for performance, and communicate updates to internal teams
• Tagging & trafficking creative assets and accurately utilize standard naming conventions
• Pull, format, and analyze reporting data to identify early insights and trends
• Contribute tactical recommendations in RFP responses, including vendor selection, audience targeting, and budget allocation support
• Communicate clearly with internal planning, creative, and data teams to ensure smooth campaign launches and troubleshooting
• Participate in vendor trainings and platform certifications, staying current on programmatic best practices and emerging tools
• Ownership and implementation of quality assurance standards for the Programmatic media team
• Maintain and update team documentation, ensuring learnings and optimizations are shared consistently

• Has 1-3 years' experience in programmatic media, ad operations, or digital media buying
• Hands-on familiarity with DSPs (The Trade Desk experience preferred)
• Can work in a fast-paced environment and continuously learn as the market changes and new platforms/ways of working develop
• Has worked in a team environment
• Is a self-starter
• Detail-oriented and organized, with the ability to balance multiple accounts
• Effective communicator with cross-functional teams; able to explain technical details in clear, digestible ways
• Desire to become a product expert in Programmatic buying
• Knowledge of Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint, especially pivot tables and formulas
• Ambition for career progression in Programmatic and Ad Tech
• Strong analytical mindset; able to connect campaign data with performance outcomes
• Passion for your work and your clients' satisfaction
• Proactive and curious, eager to learn and apply new strategies and tools
• Outstanding written and verbal communication
• Creative thinking, research, and problem-solving skills
• Imaginative, bold, and out-of-the-ordinary thinking
• Enthusiastic with a positive attitude

• The overall target range of base compensation for this role is $69,700 - $82,000. Compensation offered will be determined by location and experience
• Open PTO
• 40 hours of paid sick time (annually)
• Flexible work hours and remote work
• Paid holidays + holiday closure between Christmas Eve and New Year's Day
• Company-paid medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Life insurance and disability benefits
• 401k program with employer matching
• 6 weeks paid parental leave
• Employee bonus referrals
• Dog-friendly offices
• Company-provided snacks and beverages (beer/wine included)

• Must be authorized to work in the U.S. without the need for visa sponsorship