Trader Risk Specialist | Chicago, IL, USA

Trader Risk Specialist Summary The Trader Risk Specialist supports the Risk Department across simulated and live futures environments by executing escalation protocols, conducting trading investigations, and enforcing risk parameters to protect firm capital. The functions of this role include monitoring of live funded accounts, trading investigations, data analysis, and trader engagement - with the opportunity to grow into a defined specialization over time. The ideal candidate brings hands-on futures market knowledge, analytical rigor, and the composure to make sound decisions under time pressure. You'll be expected to think critically, act decisively, and contribute to a team that is building an enterprise-grade risk system from the ground up. Key Responsibilities

• Monitor live funded accounts using T4 Front-End Risk Monitoring and internal dashboards; support the broader Risk coverage team.
• Verify automated liquidations and coordinate manual intervention with the Trade Desk when needed.
• Execute escalation protocols for margin breaches, loss limit triggers, and system failures.
• Participate in scheduled Risk Watch calls during end-of-day margin windows and market close sequences.
• Conduct trading investigations, including pattern analysis, odd-trade detection, and gamification review.
• Analyze trader data using Sigma, internal dashboards, and spreadsheets to identify risk trends and behavioral patterns.
• Contribute to risk scoring frameworks and collaborate with Research & Analytics on trader profiling.
• Report risk metrics, investigation outcomes, and emerging trends to the Manager of Risk.
• Enforce and educate traders on Topstep rules via phone and chat; handle complex inquiries professionally.
• Support daily funded operations, including off-boarding, payouts, account monitoring, and abbreviated holiday trading hours. Required Qualifications
• 3+ years of professional experience in the trading or financial services industry.
• Advanced knowledge of futures markets, including margin mechanics (initial, maintenance, day-trade), contract specifications, and settlement processes.
• Experience working with professional financial institutions, FCMs, or trading platforms.
• Intermediate to advanced proficiency in Excel or Google Sheets, including data manipulation, pivot tables, and formula-driven analysis.
• Strong sense of accountability, integrity, and ethics.
• Self-motivated and capable of making sound, time-sensitive decisions under pressure.
• Exceptional attention to detail with minimal data or process errors.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to diffuse high-tension situations professionally.
• Willingness to provide occasional support outside standard business hours during high-impact market events or critical escalations. Preferred Qualifications
• Familiarity with risk monitoring platforms (T4, CQG, TT, or equivalent).
• Experience with SQL, BI/visualization tools (Sigma, Looker, Tableau), or Snowflake.
• Experience with CRM systems (Intercom or similar).
• Knowledge of Topstep products and services.
• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Economics, or a related field preferred. Equivalent professional experience in futures risk management, brokerage operations, or trading will be considered. Company Culture & Perks
• Topstep is an engaging working environment which ranges from fully remote to hybrid. We foster a culture of collaboration with cameras on during meetings and a robust Slack environment for communication.
• Seven Company-paid Holidays and generous Family Leave. Paid time off is front-loaded.
• Competitive 401(k) matching, health, dental, and vision insurance is offered for full time employees.
• Vacations are encouraged with a bonus for taking 5 consecutive days. Employee referrals are bonused. Topstep offers a food and groceries budget and contributes towards health and wellness. New Hire Base Salary Range
• $31.25 - $36.05 per hour

Bonus:

This position is eligible for a performance-based bonus as provided by the plan terms and governing documents.

• The compensation offered will take into account internal compensation structure and may vary depending on the candidate's geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience among other factors.

Equal Opportunity Employer Topstep is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to fostering an inclusive environment where all employees and applicants are valued. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status, in compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. Interested in the role? Apply today with your resume!