Data Scientist

Founded in 2009, Zest AI is transforming the $17 trillion U.S. consumer credit market through AI\-driven technology that helps lenders identify creditworthy borrowers overlooked by traditional methods. Our platform enables financial institutions of all sizes to harness AI to improve underwriting accuracy, expand credit access, and deliver better lending experiences. With more than 600 active AI models and over 50 issued and pending patents, Zest AI provides solutions across marketing, underwriting, fraud detection, and lending intelligence. Headquartered in Los Angeles, Zest AI partners with financial institutions to make smarter lending decisions while strengthening the resilience of the U.S. financial system. Data Scientists at Zest AI use machine learning and statistical rigor to build, deploy, and govern underwriting models that drive real\-world credit decisions at national scale. In this senior role, you will operate as a technical leader—setting the standard for scientifically rigorous and defensible modeling, driving innovation to improve model performance, and guiding data and modeling strategy for new products and initiatives while influencing product direction across the organization. **Why this role is exciting** * Own and shape national\-scale ML systems powering $180B\+ in credit decisions * Set modeling strategy and standards for high\-stakes, regulated environments * Drive 0→1 product innovation through data and modeling leadership * Partner with executive stakeholders across Product, Engineering, and Client teams * Influence the future of explainable AI in financial services **Responsibilities** * Own modeling strategy and execution across products; set the standard for rigorous, explainable, and defensible ML in a regulated environment * Architect and deliver production ML systems that drive step\-function improvements in underwriting performance * Drive innovation in modeling and feature engineering to unlock new signal and materially improve outcomes * Lead 0→1 and scaled product initiatives by defining data and modeling strategy end\-to\-end * Establish org\-wide standards for modeling, validation, and experimentation; mentor and raise the technical bar * Partner cross\-functionally (Product, Engineering, Risk, Clients) to translate ambiguous problems into scalable systems and measurable impact **We are looking for:** * MS or PhD in a quantitative field such as Computer Science, Engineering, Physics, Mathematics, or related discipline * 6\+ years of experience in machine learning / data science roles (experience in fintech or regulated domains strongly preferred) * Deep expertise in statistical modeling, machine learning, and feature engineering at scale * Proven track record of owning and delivering production ML systems with measurable business impact * Experience leading large, ambiguous projects and influencing cross\-functional stakeholders * Strong hands\-on experience with traditional ML frameworks such as XGBoost, Scikit\-learn, etc. * Strong systems thinking, including performance optimization (memory, compute, I/O) * Proficiency in Python and modern software engineering practices * Demonstrated ability to mentor others and raise the technical bar of a team * Passion for applying AI to real\-world, high\-impact problems **Perks and benefits:** *All Zestys experience:* * The opportunity to join a mission\-focused company * People – the best part of Zest * Robust medical, dental and vision insurance plans * Annual bonus plan participation * 401(k) with generous match * Employee Awards and Recognition * 11 company holidays * Winter break (office closed between Christmas and New Year's Day) * Unlimited vacation time * Employee Resource Groups * Generous family leave policy (12 week maternity leave / 6 week paternity leave) * Phone, internet, wellness, and professional development allowances * Employee gatherings, including Town Hall meetings **Additionally, our Burbank, CA hybrid Zestys enjoy:** * Beautiful, modern, dog\-friendly office with lounge areas, video games, and gigantic jigsaw puzzles * Daily catered lunches from LA’s best restaurants and a fully stocked kitchen * Complimentary manicures, pedicures, and mindfulness sessions * Company happy hours, social events, outings, and much more! **About Zest AI:** Creating a diverse and inclusive culture where all are welcomed, valued, and empowered to achieve our full potential is important to who we are and where we’re headed in the future. We know that unique backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives help us think bigger, spark innovation, and succeed together. Zest is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion and encourages professionals from underrepresented groups in technology and financial services to apply. Our core values are Communication, Collaboration, Bias for Action, Client\-centricity, and Heart. Learn more at Zest.ai, follow us on LinkedIn (linkedin.com/company/zest\-ai/) or Twitter @Zest\_AI, or check out our Insights blog (https://www.zest.ai/cms/insights).