Quantitative Portfolio Construction Analyst - Optimization

This job posting is anticipated to remain open for 30 days, from 06-Jul-2026. The posting may close early due to the volume of applicants.

Join a financial services firm where your contributions are valued. Edward Jones is a Fortune 500¹ company where people come first. With over 9 million clients and 20,000 financial advisors across the U.S. and Canada, we’re proud to be privately-owned, placing the focus on our clients rather than shareholder returns.

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We partner for positive impact to improve the lives of our clients and colleagues, and together, better our communities and society. We are an innovative, flexible, and inclusive organization that attracts, develops, and inspires performance excellence and a sense of belonging.

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¹Fortune 500, published June 2024, data as of December 2023. Compensation provided for using, not obtaining, the rating.

The Portfolio Optimization Group within Investment Management (WMAS) is responsible for personalized and tax-aware investment solutions at scale through the utilization of client data, portfolio construction guidance, investment and risk analytics, and optimization algorithms. Specifically, the team provides the investment engine which supports Personalized Research Models (about 35B) and Portfolio Assistant (about 40B).

• Conduct research and design efforts related to portfolio optimization, including the development of objective functions, benchmark-relative constraints, and investment universes. Construct tax-efficient portfolios aligned with client goals and preferences.
• Apply in-depth knowledge of factors, sectors, styles, and other portfolio characteristics to inform and enhance the portfolio construction and optimization process. Continuously refine optimization frameworks to improve performance outcomes and tax efficiency.
• Partner with team leadership to develop and present portfolio optimization strategies and recommendations to senior management. Collaborate across departments, committees, and firm-wide initiatives to support strategic decision-making aligned with long‑term organizational goals.
• Deliver clear, concise, and impactful written and verbal communication of portfolio optimization insights, recommendations, and analysis to investment stakeholders and leadership.

* This position is known internally as an Investment Optimization & Risk Analyst

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Economics, Mathematics, Engineering, or a related quantitative field required.
• CFA designation (completed or in progress) required.
• Series 7 and 66 licenses, or ability to obtain within six months.
• 5+ years of experience in portfolio construction, optimization, or investment management or alternatively 7+ years' experience in investment management.
• Demonstrated experience and strong interest in portfolio construction and optimization.
• Proficiency with analytical tools and platforms, including Microsoft Office, Python, Tableau, and investment risk systems (e.g., Aladdin, Axioma).
• Strong understanding of capital markets, asset classes, and investment instruments.
• Proven ability to construct and manage multi‑asset portfolios.
• Deep expertise in portfolio optimization techniques and methodologies.
• Experience applying factor‑based analysis across both equity and fixed‑income portfolios.

• Advanced degree (e.g., MBA or graduate degree in quantitative disciplines, computer science, or data analytics) preferred.

Candidates that live within a commutable distance from our Tempe, AZ and St. Louis, MO home office locations are expected to work in the office four days per week.

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