Quantitative Trader

About the role

Base is constructing a distributed battery network designed to modernize the American power grid, and we are seeking a Quantitative Trader to join the Markets team. In this capacity, the successful candidate will own the execution of short-term power trades with the primary objective of generating margin while simultaneously expanding into structured and longer-horizon positions. The role requires the development and application of portfolio-construction methods to actively manage exposure across our battery assets and retail load book to ensure optimal risk-adjusted returns. You will be responsible for producing long-term price forecasts by rigorously analyzing market fundamentals such as transmission constraints, congestion patterns, and the overall load-generation balance within various markets. A critical component of the position involves assessing capacity markets and structured products to identify strategic hedging or trading opportunities specifically within ERCOT, PJM, and other relevant ISO regions. The hire will also own the communication of trading rationale, key P&L drivers, and forward-looking market outlooks to company leadership to support strategic decision-making. This position demands a high degree of ownership over the end-to-end trading process, from hypothesis generation and signal creation to execution and post-trade analysis. The Quantitative Trader will act as a principal contributor, directly impacting the financial performance and operational efficiency of the distributed battery network.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Execute short-term power trades to capture spread opportunities while expanding book exposure into structured products and longer-dated instruments.
• Apply advanced portfolio-construction methodologies to dynamically manage risk and optimize the combined exposure of battery assets and retail load positions.
• Develop proprietary long-term price forecasts by analyzing fundamental drivers including transmission constraints, localized congestion, and seasonal load-generation balance.
• Synthesize complex market data into clear narratives and present trading rationale, P&L attribution, and market outlooks to executive stakeholders.
• Conduct in-depth assessments of capacity markets and structured products to uncover hedging strategies and tactical opportunities across ERCOT, PJM, and other ISOs.
• Interface directly with market stakeholders and internal leadership to articulate strategy, justify positions, and align on evolving business objectives.
• Build and maintain robust pricing and statistical models using Python, ensuring independence from external analysts and fostering rapid iteration.
• Architect comprehensive hedging strategies at the portfolio level, focusing on systemic risk mitigation rather than the optimization of single positions.
• Perform fundamental market analysis to decipher price formation mechanisms and anticipate shifts in regional power dynamics.
• Operate effectively within ISO market frameworks, ensuring all trading activities comply with operational constraints and market rules.
• Adapt to the fast-paced nature of a startup environment where shifting priorities require quick learning and immediate impact.
• Function as a key individual contributor within a small, high-velocity team, taking ownership of complex problems without direct supervision.
• Drive the evolution of the trading book by identifying new product opportunities and expanding into underserved market segments.
• Maintain rigorous documentation of trading logic and model assumptions to ensure transparency and reproducibility.

Requirements

• Possess professional experience trading power products within a merchant utility or bank trading desk environment.
• Hold direct knowledge of forward curves, short-term market dynamics, and the application of hedging instruments specific to energy markets.
• Demonstrate proficiency in building custom pricing and statistical models using Python without reliance on external analysts or pre-packaged solutions.
• Show a proven ability to architect hedging strategies across an entire portfolio rather than focusing exclusively on individual positions.
• Exhibit a deep understanding of the fundamentals that drive price formation in wholesale electricity markets.
• Have substantial experience working within an ISO environment, navigating the specific rules and operational nuances of these systems.
• Display the ability to function effectively as an individual contributor within a small, high-velocity team that operates with intense focus.
• Bring a strong sense of ownership and discipline to manage multiple competing priorities in a startup context.
• Commit to a full-time on-site work arrangement located in Austin, Texas.
• Align with the startup mindset of rapid iteration, where responsibilities evolve as quickly as the business needs.
• Maintain a high level of intellectual curiosity and analytical rigor to dissect complex market problems.
• Possess excellent written and verbal communication skills to translate technical findings for leadership.

Nice to have

There are no preferred items listed in the SOURCE beyond the core requirements and skills.

Practical notes

This is an on-site role in Austin. Base operates as a startup with shifting priorities, requiring a high level of intensity and ownership. Candidates should be prepared for a fast-paced environment where responsibilities evolve alongside business needs. The engagement is full-time, and the position is located in the Austin, Texas office. There is no mention of remote flexibility, relocation assistance, or specific visa sponsorship details in the SOURCE material. The role is expected to be filled on a full-time basis, and the candidate must be able to start promptly given the dynamic nature of the business. Deadlines for application are not specified, but the fast-paced nature suggests early consideration.