Risk Operations Specialist Jobs in California
Risk Operations Specialist jobs in California are among the most active in the country, concentrated in financial services, fintech, insurance, and technology sectors, with openings from entry-level analysts through senior risk leads. Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego are the primary hiring centers, where major employers like Wells Fargo, JPMorgan Chase, and Pacific Premier Bancorp maintain large risk operations teams. The most in-demand specialties are fraud detection, operational risk compliance, and credit risk analytics. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Open date: October 20, 2026
Next review date: Tuesday, Dec 1, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee.
Final date: Tuesday, Dec 1, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Applications will continue to be accepted until this date. Position description
Assistant Professor
The Department of Industrial Engineering & Operations Research (IEOR) at the University of California, Berkeley, welcomes applications for a full-time tenure-track Assistant Professor. We are searching for candidates conducting fundamental and applied research in stochastic modeling, machine learning, game theory, optimization, or operations management, with demonstrated commitment and interest in applications within risk management and financial technology (FinTech).
The successful candidate will teach courses within the professional Masters of Engineering (MEng) program at the Fung Institute for Engineering Leadership, the Masters of Analytics (MAnalytics) program, and in IEOR. The position involves teaching at all levels from undergraduate courses to advanced graduate seminars, and supervision of graduate students. Teaching responsibilities will also include curriculum design and development for the Professional MEng or MAnalytics degree.
The department offers bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees. It is at the forefront of research and teaching of operations research and analytics methods, as well as the advancement of quantitative solutions in the areas of healthcare, logistics and transportation, supply chains, energy, security, finance, and e-commerce. The department has strong ties with other departments in the UC Berkeley College of Engineering, and enjoys close relationships with the College of Computing, Data Science, and Society; the Haas School of Business; and the department of Mathematics. To learn more about IEOR and its programs, please visit IEOR Department website .
UC Berkeley values the family needs of faculty, including dual career couples, single parents, or those who may have taken time off for family reasons. For information about potential relocation to Berkeley, or career needs of accompanying partners and spouses, please visit the Office for Faculty Equity and Welfare's website
Department : https://ieor.berkeley.edu/ Qualifications Basic qualifications (required at time of application)
PhD (or equivalent international degree), or enrolled in PhD or equivalent international degree-granting program at the time of application Preferred qualifications
A wide variety of academic backgrounds and applicants from all IEOR research areas will be considered, with an emphasis in financial technology applications, broadly defined. The ideal candidate will have experience with state-of-the-art methods, tools, and software.
Candidates should have the potential to develop a strong record of research, teaching, and service, as well as the interest and ability to pursue industrial interaction and research funding from industrial and/or governmental sources. Application Requirements Document requirements
Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.
Cover Letter
Statement of Research - Please discuss research accomplishments and proposed plans. This can include, for example, your publication record, awards, presentations, and areas for future research.
Statement of Teaching, Mentoring, and Service - Please discuss prior teaching experience, teaching approach, and future teaching interests. Please also discuss your mentoring experiences and approach. Please discuss specific prior and proposed academic, professional and/or public service activities. This can include, for example, participating in professional or scientific associations, and/or serving on committees that advance department, campus, or discipline goals.
Most relevant publications - A minimum of one publication, working paper is acceptable.
Most relevant publications - Additional publications: applicants are encouraged to upload these optional documents if available.
(Optional) Reference requirements
3 letters of reference required Apply link: https://aprecruit.berkeley.edu/JPF05519
Help contact: jillfujisaki@berkeley.edu About UC Berkeley
UC Berkeley is committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in our public mission of research, teaching, and service, consistent with UC Regents Policy 4400 and University of California Academic Personnel policy ( APM 210 1-d ). These values are embedded in our Principles of Community , which reflect our passion for critical inquiry, debate, discovery and innovation, and our deep commitment to contributing to a better world. Every member of the UC Berkeley community has a role in sustaining a safe, caring and humane environment in which these values can thrive.
The University of California, Berkeley is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or protected veteran status.
For more information, please refer to the University of California's Affirmative Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment Policy and the University of California's Anti-Discrimination Policy .
In searches when letters of reference are required all letters will be treated as confidential per University of California policy and California state law. Please refer potential referees, including when letters are provided via a third party (i.e., dossier service or career center), to the UC Berkeley statement of confidentiality prior to submitting their letter.
As a University employee, you will be required to comply with all applicable University policies and/or collective bargaining agreements, as may be amended from time to time. Federal, state, or local government directives may impose additional requirements.
The University of California is committed to creating and maintaining a community dedicated to the advancement, application, and transmission of knowledge and creative endeavors through academic excellence, where all individuals who participate in University programs and activities can work and learn together in a safe and secure environment, free of violence, harassment, or discrimination. Consistent with this commitment, UC Berkeley requires all applicants for Senate faculty positions to complete, sign, and upload an Authorization of Information Release form into AP Recruit as part of their application. If an applicant does not include the signed authorization, the application will be considered incomplete, and as with any incomplete application, will not receive further consideration. Although all applicants for faculty recruitments must complete the entire application, applicants will only be subject to institutional reference checks if and when they are selected as the candidate to whom the hiring unit would like to extend a formal offer. More information is available on this website .
As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct.
“Misconduct” means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment or discrimination, as defined by the employer.
UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
UC Anti-Discrimination Policy
APM - 035: Affirmative Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment Job location Berkeley, CA
To apply, visit https://aprecruit.berkeley.edu/JPF05519
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See All 20 Risk Operations Specialist Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find JobsRisk Operations Specialist Jobs by City in California
Where California roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Risk Operations Specialist Job Market in California
A snapshot from current California openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring



Top Industries Hiring
- Science & Research
- Banking & Financial Services
- Technology & Software
What California Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in risk operations specialist jobs across California.
- Bachelor's degree in finance, business administration, or a related quantitative field
- Demonstrated proficiency with risk management frameworks such as COSO or ISO 31000
- Experience using SQL, Excel, or risk analytics platforms for data analysis and reporting
- Familiarity with California financial regulations and relevant federal compliance standards
- Strong written communication skills for producing risk assessments and regulatory documentation
- Professional certification such as FRM, PRM, or CRMA preferred for mid-level and senior roles
Risk Operations Specialist Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a risk operations specialist in California?
Most risk operations specialists in California start with a bachelor's degree in finance, economics, business, or a related field, then build experience in audit, compliance, or operations roles. While California does not require a state-issued license specific to this title, many employers expect credentials like the Financial Risk Manager or Certified Risk Management Assurance designation. Candidates who combine analytical coursework with exposure to California's heavily regulated banking or insurance environment tend to progress fastest.
How much do risk operations specialists make in California?
Risk operations specialists in California earn a median of about $129,110 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $76,610 for the lowest 10% to over $208,360 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire risk operations specialists in California?
Employers hiring risk operations specialists in California right now include OpenAI, Trustly, and Airwallex, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. California's dense concentration of regional banks, insurers, and fintech firms means hiring is sustained year-round rather than clustered around seasonal cycles.
Which California cities have the most risk operations specialist jobs?
San Francisco, Ontario, and Berkeley account for the largest share of risk operations specialist openings in California. Los Angeles and San Francisco drive volume through their financial services headquarters and tech-adjacent fintech companies, while San Diego's growing insurtech and defense-adjacent compliance sector pulls in a consistent share of roles outside the two largest metros.
Are there remote risk operations specialist jobs in California?
Yes, and more than most fields. Risk operations specialist work is largely desk-based and data-driven, making it well suited to remote arrangements. About 77% of risk operations specialist openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of November 2026, reflecting broad employer comfort with distributed teams. Fraud monitoring, compliance reporting, and credit risk analysis are the sub-functions most commonly offered on fully remote terms.
How can I get hired as a risk operations specialist in California with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is through an operations analyst, compliance coordinator, or audit associate role at a California bank, insurer, or credit union, then moving laterally into risk. Large California institutions such as Bank of the West, CalSTRS, and regional credit unions regularly hire associates for rotational programs that include risk exposure. Earning a foundational credential like the Associate in Risk Management while in an adjacent role gives candidates a concrete differentiator when applying to specialist positions.
Where can I find and apply to risk operations specialist jobs in California?
You can find and apply to risk operations specialist jobs in California on Migrate Mate, which lists current California openings across financial services, fintech, insurance, and technology employers. Find the roles that fit your experience and location, then apply directly to each opening without creating a profile or going through an intermediary.
See All 20 Risk Operations Specialist Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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