Data Scientist - Specialist

Equifax is where you can power your possible. If you want to achieve your true potential, chart new paths, develop new skills, collaborate with bright minds,  and make a meaningful impact, we want to hear from you.

The Data Scientist - Specialist at Equifax leads the Model Risk Management team in validating statistical and advanced AI models. This strategic role combines hands-on technical oversight, team mentorship, and advisory duties regarding risk governance and regulatory compliance. Candidates require 7+ years of quantitative experience, proven leadership skills, and expertise in emerging technologies like generative and agentic AI.
What you’ll do

• Lead, manage, and mentor a high-performing team of model validators, ensuring their professional growth and development.

• Oversee the execution of multiple complex validation projects simultaneously, from test design to final delivery and communication.

• Foster a culture of critical thinking, continuous improvement, and effective risk management within the team.

• Collaborate with global partners to supervise validation projects, ensuring a consistent and technically sound approach to AI/Model Risk Management across non-direct reporting lines

• Perform and lead independent, hands-on model validations, including deep-dive analysis of model design, performance, and implementation.

• Develop and execute comprehensive validation test designs to assess model soundness and identify potential risks.

• Critically assess the completeness and accuracy of model documentation, code, and marketing materials.

• Conduct deep-dive research on emerging analytical techniques, with a particular focus on validating models using generative AI and agentic AI.

• Develop and implement innovative validation approaches for complex and nontraditional models, including those with unstructured data and unique risk profiles.

• Serve as a trusted advisor to model developers and business owners on model design, development, and risk mitigation strategies.

• Review and provide guidance on model monitoring plans and ongoing performance reports.

• Drive the enhancement of Model Risk Management procedures and standards to align with evolving regulatory requirements and industry best practices.

• Collaborate with key stakeholders across the organization, including marketing, technology, legal, compliance, and business owners, to ensure a robust model risk governance framework.

• Respond to and manage inquiries from clients, internal auditors, and regulators regarding model risk matters.

What experience you need 

• Master’s degree in a quantitative field such as statistics, data science, computer science, mathematics, economics, or finance.

• 7+ years of industry experience in predictive modeling, data science, or a related quantitative field. Prior experience with credit risk model development and/or validation is highly preferred.

• A minimum of 3 years of experience managing a highly talented team with 6 or more direct reports is preferred.

• Strong knowledge of and hands-on experience with either advanced forecasting analytics (e.g., logistic regression, time series modeling, ML classification models)) or advanced machine learning techniques including generative AI and agentic AI.

• Extensive experience with Big Data environments and advanced computational processes.

• Demonstrated experience with model risk management and/or compliance is highly preferred.

• Exceptional critical thinking, problem-solving, and analytical skills.

• Proven ability to quickly grasp complex concepts and identify potential model issues or validation gaps.

• Excellent interpersonal, networking, verbal, and written communication skills, with a proven ability to write and edit high-quality technical reports.

• Proficiency with programming languages such as SAS, SQL, R,
  Python, Scala, and Spark.

• Hands-on experience with UNIX/LINUX and Google cloud environments.

• Highly detail-oriented, proactive, and efficient.

What could set you apart

• Familiarity with regulatory requirements and guidelines related to Model Risk Management.

• Prior regulatory modeling development experience including ECL, Stress testing, CECL/IFRS9.

• First-hand experience on cloud-based platforms including GCP, Azure, or AWS.

• Exposure to AI agents, multi-agents and/or Agentic AI Frameworks.

• Excellent communication and presentation skills.

We offer a hybrid work setting, comprehensive compensation and healthcare packages, attractive paid time off, and organizational growth potential through our online learning platform with guided career tracks.

Are you ready to power your possible?  Apply today, and get started on a path toward an exciting new career at Equifax, where you can make a difference!

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