Nationwide Insurance

Associate - Portfolio Credit Risk Modeling

Nationwide Insurance • $118K — $222K *
Finance & Insurance
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 5+ years in quantitative risk modeling, preferably with structural credit risk experience
  • Proficient in programming languages like Python or MATLAB for Monte Carlo simulations
  • Deep understanding of credit risk cycles, default probabilities, and recovery experiences
  • Experience with corporate bonds, commercial mortgage loans, and structured asset risk characteristics
  • Competent in explaining complex modeling to senior management
  • Relevant professional designations like CFA, FRM, or actuarial credentials preferred

Responsibilities

  • Develop a multi-year stochastic credit risk model using the Merton approach
  • Conduct credit default research to establish model assumptions and limits
  • Design and validate comprehensive modeling frameworks
  • Build analytical structures that clarify modeling outputs
  • Mentor junior credit risk analysts to enhance team capabilities

Benefits

  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance
  • Life insurance
  • Short and long-term disability coverage
  • Minimum of 18 days paid time off each year, pro-rated
  • 401(k) plan with company match
  • Company-sponsored pension plan
  • Business casual attire
Full Job Description
Position Summary

Join a high-impact team at the forefront of investment risk management. You will lead the development of a multi-year stochastic credit risk model and deliver a production-ready solution to support specialty finance underwriting. Over time, this role will expand to influence pricing of other products, such as annuities. You'll collaborate across a wide range of teams, develop analytical solutions, and help Nationwide build out its specialty finance capabilities.

We're looking for someone experienced in structural credit risk modeling who is intellectually curious, eager to learn, and excited to work on meaningful challenges.

Responsibilities
  • Work closely with the specialty finance team and asset managers to fully develop a Merton-approach, multi-year stochastic credit risk model for corporate bonds, commercial mortgage loans, and structured assets
  • Conduct research on credit default history and credit risk cycles; set proper assumptions and clearly define model scope and limitations
  • Design and execute comprehensive model validation
  • Build analytical frameworks that link assumptions, inputs, and outputs to interpret modeling results clearly
  • Develop and guide junior-level credit risk analysts; strengthen the credit risk modeling function into a competitive advantage


Required Skills & Qualifications
  • Experience in portfolio credit risk modeling, such as single-factor models, Merton models, and Gaussian copula frameworks
  • Deep insight into credit default and migration behavior - credit risk cycles, rating migration dynamics, default probabilities, and loss recovery experience
  • Strong understanding of asset and risk characteristics across corporate bonds, commercial mortgage loans, and structured assets
  • Proven modeling and programming skills (Python, MATLAB, or similar) in developing Monte Carlo simulation models
  • Working knowledge of insurance investment portfolio risk and statutory capital frameworks
  • Strong communication skills and the ability to articulate complex modeling concepts to senior leaders
  • Preferably 5+ years of experience in quantitative risk modeling
  • Preferred professional designations (or progress toward them): CFA, FRM, or actuarial credentials (FSA/FCAS)


This role does not qualify for employer sponsored work authorization. Nationwide does not participate in the STEM OPT extension program.

It is our intention to fill this role in Columbus, OH. However, applications from candidates working remotely who bring critical industry skills and relevant experience may be considered.

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Job Description Summary
Do you have the desire to analyze data and perform groundbreaking research to drive business outcomes? Nationwide has been using data to serve our members and drive business outcomes for almost 100 years. Our industry-leading workforce adopts an agile work environment and a collaborative culture to deliver outstanding solutions and results. Our Risk Analytics Researchers play a key role in harnessing the power of data to deliver business results. Specifically, they are responsible for modeling sophisticated problems, discovering insights and identifying business opportunities from data using a variety of techniques from mathematics, actuarial studies, statistics, data science and financial engineering.

As a Consultant, you'll work on projects associated with the design, development, and application of unique risk models. You'll need a basic understanding of broad business objectives and will work with business partners across the finance organization to develop solutions to pressing business needs. We'll count on you to be a subject matter authority in Nationwide's risks. It's imperative that you are fully proficient with basic and sophisticated mathematical, statistical and analytical techniques associated with risk modeling.

Job Description

Key Responsibilities:
  • Researches and implements financial engineering, data science and statistical techniques for risk management and business applications.
  • Completes regular testing of risk limits to provide distinct management guidance on asset allocation, risk transfer and product growth decisions.
  • Owns complex quantitative modeling processes and philosophies. Identifies industry standards to understand if models are working as intended.
  • Collaborates to ensure that consistent model assumptions, processes and outputs are well understood and that modeling standard methodologies are upheld.
  • Reviews and analyzes model output to identify model limitations and their impact. Provides corrective quantitative methods.
  • Crafts and updates model documentation for business continuity purposes.
  • Collaborates to develop creative solutions to business problems.
  • Acts as the technology owner for Risk Analytics.

May perform other responsibilities as assigned.

Reporting Relationships: Reports to Risk/Actuarial leader.

Typical Skills and Experiences:

Education: Undergraduate studies in finance, accounting, economics, statistics, mathematics or related subject area required. Graduate-level studies in a related field with advanced degree highly desirable.

License/Certification/Designation: Progress toward FCAS, FSA, CQF, CFA or similar preferred.

Experience: Typically, five or more years of related work experience in financial risk modeling or actuarial functions.

Knowledge, Abilities and Skills: Working knowledge of machine learning, stochastic processes, Monte Carlo simulations, sampling methods and other statistical techniques applicable to specialized risk modeling. Prefer mathematical knowledge of specialized risk models such as those used in hedging, economic scenario generation, catastrophe, credit risk, etc. Solid understanding of risk management operations such as asset-liability management, portfolio risk assessment, hedging, etc. Proficient written and verbal communication skills. Intermediate proficiency with Excel and common statistical software such as R, SAS, Python, or MATLAB.

Other criteria, including leadership skills, competencies and experiences may take precedence.

Staffing exceptions to the above must be approved by the hiring manager's leader and Human Resources Business Partner.

Values: Regularly and consistently demonstrates Nationwide Values.

Job Conditions:

Overtime Eligibility: Not Eligible (Exempt)

Working Conditions: Normal office environment.

ADA: The above statements cover what are generally believed to be principal and essential functions of this job. Specific circumstances may allow or require some people assigned to the job to perform a somewhat different combination of duties.

We currently anticipate accepting applications until 10/08/2026. However, we encourage early submissions, as the posting may close sooner if a strong candidate slate is identified before the deadline.

Benefits

We have an array of benefits to fit your needs, including: medical/dental/vision, life insurance, short and long term disability coverage, paid time off with newly hired associates receiving a minimum of 18 days paid time off each full calendar year pro-rated quarterly based on hire date, nine paid holidays, 8 hours of Lifetime paid time off, 8 hours of Unity Day paid time off, 401(k) with company match, company-paid pension plan, business casual attire, and more. To learn more about the benefits we offer, click here.

This position could be filled within any of the lower 48 U.S. states.

The national salary range for Consultant, Risk Analytics Researcher : $118,000.00-$222,000.00

The expected starting salary range for Consultant, Risk Analytics Researcher : $118,000.00 - $178,000.00

About Nationwide Insurance

Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company & Affiliated Companies is a group of large U.S. insurance and financial services companies based in Columbus, Ohio. Nationwide has grown from a small mutual auto insurer owned by policyholders to one of the largest insurance and financial services companies in the world, with more than $158 billion in statutory assets.

Nationwide Insurance Careers

Join the Nationwide Insurance team today and be part of a company that values innovation, leadership, and diversity. As one of the leading insurance and financial services providers, Nationwide offers unparalleled job opportunities that foster professional growth and development. Work You’ll Do At Nationwide Insurance, you’ll contribute to projects that impact lives and help communities thrive. You’ll work alongside a team of experts dedicated to upholding the highest standards in insurance and financial services. Our culture is built on a foundation of respect and integrity, driving us to achieve excellence in everything we do. Nationwide Insurance is not just about insurance; it’s about fostering an environment of continuous growth and innovation. With a variety of career paths available, from customer service to claims management, each position offers the chance to make a significant impact. Join Our Market-Leading Team Nationwide Insurance is home to some of the most dedicated professionals in the industry. Our team benefits from leadership that is committed to personal and professional development, ensuring that every employee has the opportunity for career advancement and skill enhancement. Innovate with Us Embrace the opportunity to work on groundbreaking projects that set industry standards. Nationwide’s commitment to innovation means constantly seeking out new ways to improve our services and processes, benefiting both our customers and our team members. Internship and Employment Opportunities Start your career with Nationwide Insurance through our internship programs or dive straight into a fulfilling career with vast employment opportunities. We are looking for passionate, curious, and driven individuals ready to make a difference in the insurance industry. Diversity and Inclusion At Nationwide, diversity and inclusion are more than just words—they are principles guiding how we build our teams, cultivate leaders, and create a company that’s the right fit for every person inside of it. We offer diversity training and resources that promote an inclusive workplace. Benefits and Culture Nationwide Insurance is committed to supporting our team members’ well-being both inside and outside of work. Our benefits package includes comprehensive health care, retirement plans, and generous paid time off. More than just benefits, our company culture encourages networking, mentorship, and community involvement. Career Development Invest in your future with Nationwide Insurance’s career development programs. From resume and interview workshops to advanced leadership training, we provide the tools to help you succeed and advance within the company. Stay Connected Join Our Team Explore the various positions available at Nationwide Insurance that match your skills and interests. We are continuously hiring and looking for new talent to join our professional network. Keep Up to Date Stay informed with career tips, insider perspectives, and industry-leading insights—all from the people who work at Nationwide Insurance. Job Alert Emails Customize your subscription to receive job alerts and the latest news tailored to your preferences. Discover the exciting and rewarding career opportunities that await at Nationwide Insurance. Join Nationwide Insurance today and be part of a team that is dedicated to making a difference in the lives of our customers and communities.
Learn more about Nationwide Insurance
Size
28,000 employees
Industry
Founded
1925

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