Lead Machine Learning Scientist

at  Paypal

At PayPal (NASDAQ: PYPL), we believe that every person has the right to participate fully in the global economy. Our mission is to democratize financial services to ensure that everyone, regardless of background or economic standing, has access to affordable, convenient, and secure products and services to take control of their financial lives.
Job Description Summary: Our Global Analytics and Data Science team is looking for a seasoned data scientist to work on our next generation CECL-compliant loss forecasting models. Leveraging state of the art machine learning/econometrics techniques together with PayPal’s huge proprietary database you will predict and quantify account-level credit risk which will drive PayPal’s credit-related loss reserves. Ideal candidates are experienced in machine learning / statistical modeling, have a credit risk background and experience with complex big data environments. You will be required to drive projects and solutions from start to finish. Having a strong sense of accountability coupled with a passion for delivering crisp data insights and the ability to tell stories through data are essential. Experience with IFRS9, and understanding of CECL loss forecasting models is a plus
Job Description:
Our Global Analytics and Data Science team is looking for a seasoned data scientist to work on our next generation CECL-compliant loss forecasting models. Leveraging state of the art machine learning/econometrics techniques together with PayPal’s huge proprietary database you will predict and quantify account-level credit risk which will drive PayPal’s credit-related loss reserves. Ideal candidates are experienced in machine learning / statistical modelling, have a credit risk background and experience with complex big data environments. You will be required to drive projects and solutions from start to finish. Having a strong sense of accountability coupled with a passion for delivering crisp data insights and the ability to tell stories through data are essential. Experience with IFRS9, and understanding of CECL loss forecasting models is a plus.

Specific Responsibilities

• Build, run and document CECL-compliant loss prediction models
• Perform model validation and performance monitoring
• Ongoing enhancement of model performance using innovative features and algorithms
• Analyze large volumes of internal and external data using common data science tools (SAS, SQL, R, Python, etc.) to deliver unique insights into relationships across a wide array of products, platforms, customers, merchants, and experiences.
• Work closely with Accounting and Finance teams to align on definitions, loss predictions and address variation in loss predictions
• Communicate complicated analytic results in brief, concise, and brilliant formats best suited to senior audiences
• Manage and improve the process of data collection, ingestion, manipulation, and display for risk related reporting processes
• Collaborate with all aspects of the PayPal Credit business including a broad range of partners to plan and deliver fully developed solutions for Risk analytics and reporting
• Lead the planning, development, and delivery of analytic projects from start to finish; includes all stages of project identification, stakeholder engagement, project management, and closeout
• Interact regularly with analytic professional communities (INFORMS, CFA Institute etc.) and educational resources to maintain an understanding of the best practices industry-wide

Functional Skills & Behaviors

• Machine learning / econometrics
• Solid technical / data-mining skills and ability to work with large volumes of data; extract and manipulate large datasets using common tools such as SQL, SAS, Hadoop, or other programming/scripting languages (Python, Perl, R, etc.) to translate data into business decisions/results
• Be data-driven and outcome-focused
• Must have good business judgment with demonstrated ability to think creatively and strategically
• Takes personal ownership; Self-starter; Ability to drive projects with minimal guidance and focus on high impact work
• Learns continuously; Seeks out knowledge, ideas and feedback.
• Looks for opportunities to build skills, knowledge and expertise.
• Comfortable with ambiguity and frequent context-switching in a fast-paced environment

Qualifications

• Proven experience in the ideation, research, discovery, development, implementation, and ongoing monitoring of quantitative solutions for consumer credit or small business credit
• 3+ years of experience in consumer credit or small business credit-related position
• Well-formed foundation of education and work experience in Data Science and Risk Analysis, preferably in applied data science, statistics, mathematics, or computer science
• Familiarity with data engineering, data management, data modelling, standard ETL techniques including extract, de-duping, cleansing, integration, and aggregation
• Proven experience using common data science tools like R and Python to rapidly solve business problems, preferably with respect to a credit/lending risk organization
• Demonstrated ability to influence critical business outcomes in a matrix based, global environment
• Excellent verbal and written communication and collaboration skills to effectively communicate with both business and technical development teams
• At a minimum, candidate must have a bachelor’s degrees in a quantitative discipline (e.g. statistics, data science, computer science, engineering, operations research, or mathematics); preferably an advanced degree
• Experience with CECL is a plus (Current Expected Credit Loss)

PayPal is committed to fair and equitable compensation practices.
Actual Compensation is based on various factors including but not limited to work location, and relevant skills and experience.
The total compensation for this practice may include an annual performance bonus (or other incentive compensation, as applicable), equity, and medical, dental, vision, and other benefits. For more information, visit https://www.paypalbenefits.com.
The U.S. national annual pay range for this role is $84500 to $204600
Our Benefits:
At PayPal, we’re committed to building an equitable and inclusive global economy. And we can’t do this without our most important asset—you. That’s why we offer benefits to help you thrive in every stage of life. We champion your financial, physical, and mental health by offering valuable benefits and resources to help you care for the whole you.
We have great benefits including a flexible work environment, employee shares options, health and life insurance and more. To learn more about our benefits please visit https://www.paypalbenefits.com
Who We Are:
To learn more about our culture and community visit https://about.pypl.com/who-we-are/default.aspx
PayPal has remained at the forefront of the digital payment revolution for more than 20 years. By leveraging technology to make financial services and commerce more convenient, affordable, and secure, the PayPal platform is empowering more than 400 million consumers and merchants in more than 200 markets to join and thrive in the global economy. For more information, visit paypal.com.
PayPal provides equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. In addition, PayPal will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities. If you are unable to submit an application because of incompatible assistive technology or a disability, please contact us at paypalglobaltalentacquisition@paypal.com.
As part of PayPal’s commitment to employees’ health and safety, we have established in-office Covid-19 protocols and requirements, based on expert guidance. Depending on location, this might include a Covid-19 vaccination requirement for any employee whose role requires them to work onsite. Employees may request reasonable accommodation based on a medical condition or religious belief that prevents them from being vaccinated.
Notice to Applicants and Employees who reside within New York city. Click https://careers.pypl.com/Contact-Us/default.aspx
to view the notice

• Build, run and document CECL-compliant loss prediction models
• Perform model validation and performance monitoring
• Ongoing enhancement of model performance using innovative features and algorithms
• Analyze large volumes of internal and external data using common data science tools (SAS, SQL, R, Python, etc.) to deliver unique insights into relationships across a wide array of products, platforms, customers, merchants, and experiences.
• Work closely with Accounting and Finance teams to align on definitions, loss predictions and address variation in loss predictions
• Communicate complicated analytic results in brief, concise, and brilliant formats best suited to senior audiences
• Manage and improve the process of data collection, ingestion, manipulation, and display for risk related reporting processes
• Collaborate with all aspects of the PayPal Credit business including a broad range of partners to plan and deliver fully developed solutions for Risk analytics and reporting
• Lead the planning, development, and delivery of analytic projects from start to finish; includes all stages of project identification, stakeholder engagement, project management, and closeout
• Interact regularly with analytic professional communities (INFORMS, CFA Institute etc.) and educational resources to maintain an understanding of the best practices industry-wid