Own and maintain the data catalog, vendor and licensing records, dataset lineage, field definitions, and calculation documentation. Write SQL to trace, join, reconcile, and validate data; investigate discrepancies; QA derived metrics; prepare data extracts; and troubleshoot issues with engineering, offshore data teams, PMO, and customer service. Use AI tools to accelerate data work and maintain clear documentation for technical and non-technical stakeholders.
About TradeSmith
TradeSmith builds investment research tools and data infrastructure for individual investors and financial publishers. Our platforms power TradeSmith's own product suite and the data tools behind InvestorPlace, one of the largest independent financial publishers in the US. The vendors, datasets, and calculations underneath all of it -- that's what this role owns.
The Role
We need someone who actually wants to live in the data. Not manage it from a distance, not hand it off -- own it.
This is a hands-on individual contributor role on our data, algorithm, and calculations team. You are the person who can answer "where does this number come from, what are we allowed to do with it, and is it right?" -- and then go prove it.
The center of gravity is our data catalog: the vendors we buy from, the datasets they provide, the thousands of fields we store, and the calculations we build on top of them, spanning both TradeSmith's product suite and InvestorPlace's tools.
Strategy and delivery oversight sit with the Director of Technology Operations. Your job is execution inside the data -- tracing lineage, writing SQL, validating calculations, troubleshooting issues, and documenting what you find. You will work alongside our existing team and partner daily with our offshore development and data team.
This is also a growth seat. The right person is someone we can develop into broader data leadership as the team and platform mature. That requires genuine curiosity about the business, not just the data.
What You'll Be Doing
Data Catalog and Lineage (primary focus)
- Own and maintain our data catalog -- vendors, datasets, fields, and calculations -- keeping every entry current as the underlying data and agreements change
- Trace individual fields and calculated values back to their original source; the lineage of any number should be documented and defensible
- Keep confidence and status markers honest (confirmed vs. draft) and work the open-items queue down rather than letting unknowns accumulate
- Document data usage and licensing constraints per vendor -- what we can and cannot show customers
Hands-On Data Work and QA
- Write your own SQL to pull, join, trace, and validate data -- no waiting on someone else to run queries for you
- Validate calculation engines and derived metrics against their inputs; reconcile figures across datasets and products
- Investigate discrepancies end to end and flag root causes clearly
- Prepare clean, well-labeled data inputs and extracts for the engineering and offshore teams
Support and Troubleshooting
- Partner with the PMO on intake: help triage and validate data-related requests entering the queue
- Support the broader data, algorithm, and calculations team with hands-on troubleshooting
- Help Customer Service investigate reported data issues -- "why hasn't the closing price updated?" -- and provide clear answers or route them to the right owner
Vendor Coordination
- Track what each vendor agreement licenses us to receive and use; surface renewals, gaps, and usage-rights questions to the Director of Technology Operations
- Keep the data holdings record accurate enough that leadership can rely on it for decisions and audits
AI-Assisted Tooling
- Use AI tools (Claude and similar) to accelerate data mapping, documentation, and repetitive data tasks
- Help shape how those tools fit into our workflows and contribute hands-on to the next iteration of our data platform
Documentation
- Keep documentation current and readable -- "ask the Data Analyst" and "check the catalog" should give the same answer
- Write findings and summaries plainly for both technical and non-technical readers
What We're Looking For
- 2+ years in a hands-on data role -- data analyst, data coordinator, data steward, reporting analyst, or similar
- Working SQL proficiency: you write your own queries to trace, join, and validate data
- Strong spreadsheet skills (Excel or Google Sheets), including comfort with large and messy datasets
- Exceptional attention to detail and follow-through; you get real satisfaction from accuracy and getting the small things right
- Clear written communication; your documentation can stand on its own
- Self-directed -- you thrive on execution in an environment where processes exist but are still being built
- Interest in growing into broader data responsibility over time
Nice to have:
- Fintech, financial services, or media/publishing data background
- Familiarity with data catalogs, data lineage, or data governance concepts
- Experience using AI tools (Claude, Copilot, ChatGPT) to accelerate data work
- Exposure to BI tools (Tableau, Power BI, Looker) or Snowflake
- Understanding of financial calculations and market data
- Russian language skills -- our offshore data team speaks Russian; helpful, not required
Location: Baltimore, MD -- Hybrid (Remote considered for highly qualified candidates)
Salary Range: $85,000 - $110,000
Equal Opportunity
As an employer committed to equal opportunity and a diverse workforce, all qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
The base pay range for this role is $85,000 – $110,000 per year.
Similar Jobs
Artificial Intelligence • Big Data • Cloud • Information Technology • Software • Big Data Analytics • Automation
Analyzes renewal opportunities and account histories, gathers pricing, product, partner, and contract data, and prepares system-derived renewal proposals. Uses Salesforce and Excel to validate information, review documents, test system enhancements, and coordinate with cross-functional teams. Manages assigned regional tasks, organizes findings, and ensures accurate, timely completion in a deadline-driven environment.
Top Skills:
ExcelMicrosoft PowerpointMicrosoft WordSalesforce
Aerospace • Information Technology • Software • Cybersecurity • Design • Defense • Manufacturing
Manage information security risk, governance, compliance, and incident response across enterprise systems. Responsibilities include implementing security controls, conducting risk assessments, penetration testing, vulnerability assessments, threat monitoring, firewall management, mitigation planning, breach investigations, security awareness training, and maintaining NIST 800-171 System Security Plans and governance documentation.
Top Skills:
Cloud Security FrameworksDfarsFirewallsHipaaIso/Iec 27001Nist 800-171Pci-DssSecurity Incident Response Platforms
Digital Media • Information Technology • News + Entertainment
Develop and manage local advertising clients and agencies to achieve sales goals. Create market research, advertising proposals, forecasts, reports, and sales documentation. Prospect for new customers, coordinate advertising schedules and client requirements with internal teams, monitor account activity and collections, and maintain accurate customer records. The role requires independent judgment, punctual attendance, and flexibility to work nights, weekends, variable schedules, and overtime.
Top Skills:
Advertising TechnologyDigital AdvertisingMultiscreen Video AdvertisingTv Advertising
What you need to know about the Austin Tech Scene
Austin has a diverse and thriving tech ecosystem thanks to home-grown companies like Dell and major campuses for IBM, AMD and Apple. The state’s flagship university, the University of Texas at Austin, is known for its engineering school, and the city is known for its annual South by Southwest tech and media conference. Austin’s tech scene spans many verticals, but it’s particularly known for hardware, including semiconductors, as well as AI, biotechnology and cloud computing. And its food and music scene, low taxes and favorable climate has made the city a destination for tech workers from across the country.
Key Facts About Austin Tech
- Number of Tech Workers: 180,500; 13.7% of overall workforce (2024 CompTIA survey)
- Major Tech Employers: Dell, IBM, AMD, Apple, Alphabet
- Key Industries: Artificial intelligence, hardware, cloud computing, software, healthtech
- Funding Landscape: $4.5 billion in VC funding in 2024 (Pitchbook)
- Notable Investors: Live Oak Ventures, Austin Ventures, Hinge Capital, Gigafund, KdT Ventures, Next Coast Ventures, Silverton Partners
- Research Centers and Universities: University of Texas, Southwestern University, Texas State University, Center for Complex Quantum Systems, Oden Institute for Computational Engineering and Sciences, Texas Advanced Computing Center
