Structured Finance - RMBS, Senior Director - Chicago

About the role

Fitch Ratings is seeking a Senior Director to join the Residential Mortgage-Backed Securities Group (RMBS) in their Chicago office. The U.S. RMBS group seeks a Senior Director to help lead transaction coverage and contribute to criteria, research, and market engagement.

Responsibilities

• Lead primary and surveillance analysis of RMBS transactions, including collateral, structural, legal, and counterparty assessments
• Own cash flow modeling, scenario design, and sensitivity analysis; oversee model deployment and results interpretation
• Present recommendations at rating committees; chair committees as needed and document decisions to a high standard
• Drive criteria application and contribute to criteria development and methodological enhancements
• Produce high-quality research, market commentary, and issuer/investor communications
• Manage and deepen assigned issuer and transaction relationships; represent Fitch in external meetings and conferences
• Coach and review the work of junior and senior analysts to ensure analytical rigor and consistency
• Monitor market developments, performance trends, and regulatory changes; translate insights into analytical viewpoints

Requirements

• You have 10+ years of relevant experience in RMBS/ABS, mortgage credit, structured finance, or closely related capital markets roles
• You hold at least a bachelor’s degree; advanced degree and/or CFA/FRM is a plus
• You possess strong analytical and quantitative skills, including proficiency with cash flow modeling and large datasets
• You have excellent written and verbal communication skills and are comfortable engaging senior external stakeholders
• You thrive in a collaborative, fast-paced environment and can manage multiple transactions and deadlines

Qualifications

• You may be a good fit if you have direct lead experience on RMBS new-issue and surveillance mandates, including presenting or chairing rating committees
• You have deep knowledge of U.S. mortgage products, origination/servicing practices, due diligence, and performance drivers
• You have hands-on experience with RMBS cash flow engines, loan-level analytics, and scenario/sensitivity frameworks
• You have demonstrated contributions to criteria, methodology consultations, or thought-leadership publications
• You have established relationships with RMBS issuers, arrangers, servicers, and investors
• You have experience mentoring and reviewing the work of junior analysts; strong quality control and documentation discipline