Vice President, Credit Ratings, US ABS (Aviation)

About the Role

The Morningstar DBRS U.S. ABS team is seeking a ratings analyst with strong quantitative and analytical skills at the Vice President level. The role is based in New York, New York as part of the Global Structured Finance team. This team is responsible for rating and monitoring bonds and other lending products rated secured by recourse and non-recourse aviation finance asset classes (loan & lease ABS; EETCs (airline & engine); dynamic spare parts and engine pools; airline mileage programs; other aviation products).  The successful candidate will primarily, under the direction of the sector lead of the aviation asset class, conduct all the activities required to assign new ratings to aviation ABS transactions, including collateral assessment, cash flow analysis, operational risk assessment, and legal document reviews. 

Candidate should be willing to work in an environment with a strong focus on teamwork and have strong work ethics, an analytical and quantitatively oriented mind-set, and attention to details. The successful candidate will possess the interpersonal, presentation, and communication skills necessary to work with all levels of professionals, executives, and external contacts. The role offers wide opportunities to develop structured finance experience in a client facing environment.

Job Responsibilities

• Act as a lead rating analyst with minimal supervision or support a deal team on aviation related ABS transactions and present analysis to rating committee,

• Develop aviation asset knowledge and expertise across aircraft, engines, spare parts and airline mileage programs,
• Discuss rating approaches and analytical considerations with bankers and issuers.
• Analyze historical performance data and collateral characteristics/values and/or working with junior analysts performing such analysis,
• Work with cash flow modeling team to run appropriate stress scenarios for rating committee,

• Prepare materials to be reviewed at rating committee,
• Present analytical conclusions and recommendation to rating committee members,
• Review legal documents and address pertinent legal points with issuers and legal counsel,
• Prepare disclosure documents such as Pre-sale Reports, Rating Reports, Press Releases and regulatory disclosures,       
• Prepare and present new transactions to senior members of the ABS team to determine feasibility and methodology application.
• Work with the ABS Surveillance team to monitor existing ratings,
• Write research and participate in webinars and investor, issuer and banker meetings,
• Coordinate with other teams to support credit rating analysis, research and administration,
• Adhere to procedures and regulatory compliance,
• Mentor junior analysts

Qualifications

• Completion of bachelor’s degree in finance, math, economics, computer science, engineering, or any other related field.
• 7+ years of experience in aviation finance.
• Preferred to have direct aviation industry experience and knowledge, including possessing aircraft and other aviation assets knowledge and prior exposure at a leasing company, bank, investing house or similar constituent. 
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Office programs.
• Robust understanding of credit & legal aspects of structured finance transactions in aviation related products.
• Strong quantitative and analytical skills, with a high attention to detail. Excellent written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills.
• Self-starter and team player with demonstrated ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
• Personable, eager to learn, organized, deadline driven, and systems oriented.

Nice to have

• Master’s degree in finance, math, economics, computer science or any other related field.

Compensation and Benefits

At Morningstar we believe people are at their best when they are at their healthiest. That’s why we champion your wellness through a wide-range of programs that support all stages of your personal and professional life. Here are some examples of the offerings we provide:

• Financial Health 
  • 75% 401k match up to 7% 
  • Stock Ownership Potential
  • Company provided life insurance - 1x salary + commission

• Physical Health 
  • Comprehensive health benefits (medical/dental/vision) including potential premium discounts and company-provided HSA contributions (up to $500-$2,000 annually) for specific plans and coverages
  • Additional medical Wellness Incentives - up to $300-$600 annual
  • Company-provided long- and short-term disability insurance

• Emotional Health 
  • Trust-Based Time Off
  • 6-week Paid Sabbatical Program 
  • 6-Week Paid Family Leave & Paternity Leave 
  • Adoption Assistance 
  • Leadership Coaching & Formal Mentorship Opportunities
  • Annual Education Stipend 
  • Tuition Reimbursement

• Social Health 
  • Charitable Matching Gifts program
  • Dollars for Doers volunteer program
  • Paid volunteering days
  • 15+ Employee Resource & Affinity Groups 

Bonus Target %

Morningstar’s hybrid work environment gives you the opportunity to work remotely and collaborate in-person each week. While some positions are available as fully remote, we’ve found that we’re at our best when we’re purposely together on a regular basis, typically three days each week. A range of other benefits are also available to enhance flexibility as needs change. No matter where you are, you’ll have tools and resources to engage meaningfully with your global colleagues.