Data Scientist

Zest AI has been perfecting AI for consumer lending decisions since 2009. Our mission is to broaden access to equitable lending and our AI-enabled software creates some of the most inclusive risk models in the industry. Our Model Management System helps lenders make better decisions and better loans — increasing revenue, reducing risk, and automating compliance — while expanding credit access to deserving people with no added risk!

Our technology teams at Zest AI thrive on solving challenging problems that have a big impact on people's daily lives. We build tools to improve consumer lending by meeting the needs of financial institutions and their customers around the world. By leveraging a combination of machine learning and vast amounts of data, we seek to challenge traditional credit scoring models, while expanding the use of our proprietary technology across the fintech industry. Our team is committed to continuously leveraging and adapting the latest advances in AI/ML to benefit those we serve.

Data Scientists at Zest AI use the power of machine learning (ML) and statistical analysis to build, test, deploy, and monitor financial underwriting models. These models are providing fairer and transparent access to credit and have already had a substantial impact - scoring millions of Americans on over $180B in assets. By leveraging a combination of ML and vast amounts of data points, Zest seeks to challenge traditional credit scoring models, while expanding our proprietary AI-explainability technology across the fintech industry.

In this role you will:

• Translate unstructured business problems into well-defined machine learning projects
• Collaborate with a cross-functional team of Engineers, Product Managers, and Business Analysts to identify and manage high leverage opportunities for modeling work
• Design and implement highly generalizable models for predicting various outcomes. Incorporate and develop learnings back into the product for continuous improvement opportunities
• Build demos, guidance documentation, and assist with training to help others become more proficient
• Take responsibility for modeling implementation in real world settings. This may include creating experiments and developing prototypes, with the goal of returning practical value to our customers

We are looking for:

• MS or PhD in a quantitative field (Computer Science, Engineering, Physics, etc.) with hands-on experience of 3 years or more – experience in financial services is a plus!
• Strong fundamentals in programming, statistics, mathematics, and ML algorithms (neural networks, tree-based methods, optimizers, super/unsupervised learning, feature engineering, etc.)
• Expert experience designing, developing, and implementing machine learning models/algorithms. Familiar with implementing and developing/extending ML/AI frameworks (TensorFlow, XGBoost, Scikit-learn, etc.)
• Good development awareness regarding memory, disk I/O, and CPU/GPU management. Experience with modular/modern software design practices strongly preferred, in addition to experience with Python
• Passionate about ML/AI and how it can improve on the world

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 area, hybrid model 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).