Manager for Machine Learning Modeler / Data Scientist

ZestFinance is a technology startup that uses machine learning and large-scale data analysis to transform credit availability for millions of Americans. Over the past 5 years, ZestFinance has built a big data underwriting technology that more accurately predicts likelihood of repayment. ZestFinance uses this technology to make loans to customer that banks typically overlook. ZestFinance also licenses its technology to other companies, including JD.com in China.

As a Machine Learning Modeler at ZestFinance, you will use your modeling artistry to develop radically new methods for manipulation and prediction that will enable Zest clients to provide fair, transparent credit around the globe. The Manager, Modeling will lead a team of 1-2 modelers to drive client engagements that leverage Zest’s underwriting technology platform. Zest clients are industry leaders who want to leverage Zest’s ML technology pipeline to propel their businesses forward. The Manager, Modeling will autonomously manage all aspects of the client engagement including target determination, feature engineering, model building, ensembling, results analysis, and presenting work product to the client.

* Lead 1-2 modelers to design and implement highly generalizable models for predicting various outcomes * Be the accountable engagement manager to deliver Zest caliber work to clients * Take responsibility for modeling implementation in real world settings to solve real world problems * Work with Product Management, Marketing, and Business Analysis to develop models to support specific business needs * Aggressively drive innovation that creates proprietary advantage for Zest * Mentor junior team members in modeling artistry * Feel good about coming to work and enjoy not only the time you spend at the office, but the people you’re spending it with as well

* Bachelor’s Degree in a quantitative discipline; advanced degrees preferred * Expert experience designing, developing, and implementing machine learning models / algorithms * A proven track record of success building highly predictive models that drive business value * Professional history of being promoted to increasing levels of responsibility * Extensive programming experience in one or more of the following: R, Python, Julia, Vowpal Wabbit and an interest in learning new languages and technologies * Knowledge of data structures and parallelization * Solid communication and project management skills to effectively lead client engagements * Experience with large scale data storage and analysis (e.g., Spark, MapReduce) is a plus * Strategic – goal oriented, organizes thinking within analytical frameworks