Staff ML Model Risk Specialist

Posted 2 Days Ago
Easy Apply
2 Locations
Remote
157K-217K Annually
Mid level
Artificial Intelligence • Fintech • Machine Learning • Social Impact • Software
Upstart is dedicated to improving access to credit for all. Why? Because credit really matters.
The Role
Lead the implementation of model risk management at Upstart, partnering with ML teams to ensure robust specifications, compliance, and documentation for models.
Summary Generated by Built In

About Upstart

Upstart is the leading AI lending marketplace partnering with banks and credit unions to expand access to affordable credit. By leveraging Upstart's AI marketplace, Upstart-powered banks and credit unions can have higher approval rates and lower loss rates across races, ages, and genders, while simultaneously delivering the exceptional digital-first lending experience their customers demand. More than 80% of borrowers are approved instantly, with zero documentation to upload.

Upstart is a digital-first company, which means that most Upstarters live and work anywhere in the United States. However, we also have offices in San Mateo, California; Columbus, Ohio; and Austin, Texas.

Most Upstarters join us because they connect with our mission of enabling access to effortless credit based on true risk. If you are energized by the impact you can make at Upstart, we’d love to hear from you!

The Team: 

Upstart’s ML Model Risk team is responsible for ensuring that the risk of machine learning (ML) models at Upstart is well-understood, monitored, and mitigated, which requires deep understanding of the models themselves. This work is essential for Upstart’s internal risk management, ensuring that our models help us make better decisions, and to maintain credibility with external stakeholders such as our lending partners and regulators. The team’s focus is on articulating sound model risk management principles and implementing them in collaboration with our peers on Upstart’s Risk and Machine Learning teams. This work also includes explaining our ML models to stakeholders, supporting external validations, and conducting analyses to reinforce our goals.

As a Staff ML Model Risk Specialist at Upstart, you will play a critical role in making robust model risk management a reality by leading day-to-day implementation of Upstart’s model risk management program. This work includes partnering with our Machine Learning teams to meet model risk management requirements, with tasks ranging from producing robust model documentation, assisting with monitoring and validation efforts, and partnering with other Upstart stakeholders to understand model risk management needs across the enterprise.

How you’ll make an impact

  • Partner with model developers in the Machine Learning team to maintain robust and up-to-date model inventory, model risk assessments, documentation, and monitoring reports. For instance, ensure that documentation is both technically adequate and comprehensible to stakeholders with varying needs and levels of technical sophistication.
  • Partner with ML teams to provide effective challenge of Upstart’s models and communicate modeling assumptions to external stakeholders.
  • Answer model questions from lending partners, in collaboration with other teams.
  • Partner with central Upstart’s Legal and Compliance teams as needed to ensure our model risk management  implementation meets or exceeds Upstart’s internal policies as well as regulatory requirements.

Minimum Qualifications 

  • Master’s degree in quantitative field such as finance, mathematics, economics, statistics or a related discipline
  • 4+ years of experience in model risk management or model governance, or related fields such as ML and Data Science, Risk, Trust and Safety, or Technical Writing
  • Understanding of AI/ML methodologies such as tree-based models and neural networks
  • Experience coding in R, Python, or similar languages such as Matlab

Preferred Qualifications

  • PhD in a quantitative field of study such as statistics, econometrics, finance, mathematics; or a related discipline
  • 5+ years experience in similar roles
  • Strong communication skills: ability to adapt technical information to varying needs and audiences, and managing trade-offs such as providing modeling detail while protecting intellectual property
  • Proactive mindset with the ability to take initiative and drive projects forward
  • Understanding of advanced AI/ML topics such as model monitoring, fairness, and explainability
  • Advanced coding skills in R, Python, and SQL, and experience using Git
  • Consumer lending knowledge and/or experience within an ML-centric technology company

What you'll love: 

  • Competitive Compensation (base + bonus & equity)
  • Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage with Health Savings Account contributions from Upstart 
  • 401(k) with 100% company match up to $4,500 and immediate vesting and after-tax savings
  • Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP)
  • Life and disability insurance
  • Generous holiday, vacation, sick and safety leave  
  • Supportive parental, family care, and military leave programs
  • Annual wellness, technology & ergonomic reimbursement programs
  • Social activities including team events and onsites, all-company updates, employee resource groups (ERGs), and other interest groups such as book clubs, fitness, investing, and volunteering
  • Catered lunches + snacks & drinks when working in offices

Position Location - This role is available in the following locations: Remote

Time Zone Requirements - This team operates on the East/West Coast time zones. 

Travel Requirements - As a digital first company, the majority of your work can be accomplished remotely. The majority of our employees can live and work anywhere in the U.S but are encouraged to to still spend high quality time in-person collaborating via regular onsites. The in-person sessions’ cadence varies depending on the team and role; most teams meet once or twice per quarter for 2-4 consecutive days at a time.

#LI-REMOTE

#LI-MidSenior --> use for L5, L6

At Upstart, your base pay is one part of your total compensation package.  The anticipated base salary for this position is expected to be within the below range. Your actual base pay will depend on your geographic location–with our “digital first” philosophy, Upstart uses compensation regions that vary depending on location. Individual pay is also determined by job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. Your recruiter can share more about the specific salary range for your preferred location during the hiring process.

In addition, Upstart provides employees with target bonuses, equity compensation, and generous benefits packages (including medical, dental, vision, and 401k).

United States | Remote - Anticipated Base Salary Range

$157,000$217,000 USD

Upstart is a proud Equal Opportunity Employer. We are dedicated to ensuring that underrepresented classes receive better access to affordable credit, and are just as committed to embracing diversity and inclusion in our hiring practices. We celebrate all cultures, backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences, and know that we can only become better together. 

If you require reasonable accommodation in completing an application, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, or otherwise participating in the employee selection process, please email [email protected]

https://www.upstart.com/candidate_privacy_policy

Top Skills

Git
Matlab
Python
R
SQL

What the Team is Saying

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The Company
HQ: San Mateo, CA
1,500 Employees
Remote Workplace
Year Founded: 2012

What We Do

Upstart is the leading AI lending marketplace, connecting millions of consumers to more than 100 banks and credit unions that leverage Upstart’s AI models and cloud applications to deliver superior credit products. With Upstart's AI, lenders can approve more borrowers at lower rates across races, ages, and genders, while delivering the exceptional digital-first experience customers demand. More than 80% of borrowers are approved instantly, with zero documentation to upload. Founded in 2012, Upstart’s platform includes personal loans, automotive retail and refinance loans, home equity lines of credit, and small-dollar “relief” loans.

If you are energized by the impact you think you could make at Upstart, we'd love to hear from you!

Why Work With Us

Connection to our mission creates a special environment where people feel passionately about the impact they make in the world. Upstart is fast-paced, and we encourage ownership at all levels of the organization. As a result, culture at Upstart is driven by Upstarters. Upstarters are proactive, talented, multi-dimensional and collaborative.

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Upstart Offices

Remote Workspace

Employees work remotely.

Upstart has a digital-first model enabling most Upstarters can live and work anywhere in the U.S. We also offer in-person options from our office locations in San Mateo, California; Columbus, Ohio; and Austin, Texas.

Typical time on-site: None
HQSan Mateo, CA
Austin, TX
Columbus, OH
Learn more

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