As PayJoy’s ML Platform Director, you will lead a team of very talented Machine Learning Engineers and Software Engineers that are responsible for the end-to-end ML ecosystem at PayJoy. This includes ML infrastructure: feature stores (online and offline), model serving, ETL/feature architecture and the infrastructure that helps us serve our customers like our internal offers API.
You will bridge the gap between business strategy (Risk, Fraud, Product) and technical execution, ensuring that our ML infrastructure is scalable, secure and world-class. You are a leader who enables senior-level engineers to solve the company’s most complex problems, fostering an environment where innovation meets production-grade reliability.
You will be part of a data science team on a mission to improve access to credit and technology in emerging markets with the opportunity of creating a big and real positive impact to our millions of users across the countries we operate in.
Key Responsibilities
Define the technical roadmap for our ML platform, modeling and internal APIs infrastructure, moving beyond individual projects to oversee the long-term sustainability of our "assembly line" approach to data products and ML model + offers serving.
Mentor and manage a team of Staff and Senior-level ML Engineers. Foster a culture of technical excellence, focusing on system design, scalability and code quality.
Act as the primary liaison between Data Science/ML Engineering and business stakeholders like Risk, Fraud, Engineering and Product. Translate complex business goals into actionable technical requirements that the team can execute at scale.
Own the long-term vision for our ML infrastructure, including deployment, monitoring and MLOps practices. Ensure that all data products are not only performant but also maintainable and compliant with global safety standards.
Guide the professional growth of your direct reports, ensuring they are challenged by the right problems and supported by clear career trajectories.
Champion the adoption of new technologies (e.g., LLMs, graph databases) and best practices that keep PayJoy at the forefront of financial ML without sacrificing stability.
Requirements
PhD or master’s in Computer Science, Statistics, Engineering or a related field
8+ years of hands-on experience in Data Science or ML Engineering, with at least 4+ years in a leadership role managing senior-level or staff-level engineers.
A proven track record of designing and delivering large-scale ML systems. You must have a deep understanding of the full ML lifecycle (from feature extraction to production monitoring) and the ability to review system designs and architecture at a high level.
Ability to identify bottlenecks in global ML operations and design systematic solutions. You think in terms of platforms, not just individual models.
Exceptional ability to communicate complex technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders. You can defend technical decisions to executive leadership and advocate for the "engineering mindset."
Skills Required
- PhD or master's degree in Computer Science, Statistics, Engineering, or a related field
- 8+ years of hands-on experience in Data Science or Machine Learning Engineering
- 4+ years of leadership experience managing senior-level or staff-level engineers
- Proven track record designing and delivering large-scale machine learning systems
- Deep understanding of the full machine learning lifecycle, from feature extraction through production monitoring
- Ability to review system designs and architecture at a high level
- Ability to identify bottlenecks in global machine learning operations and design systematic solutions
- Exceptional communication skills with technical and non-technical stakeholders
PayJoy Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about PayJoy and has not been reviewed or approved by PayJoy.
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Fair & Transparent Compensation — Pay is considered market‑aligned for senior U.S. technical roles, and public salary bands help candidates benchmark and align expectations. Feedback suggests this transparency supports confidence that offers are competitive for role and location.
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Healthcare Strength — Company‑paid basic medical, dental, vision, life, and disability coverage is emphasized as a standout element versus many startups. Feedback suggests this reduces out‑of‑pocket burden and strengthens the core benefits foundation.
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Parental & Family Support — Paid parental leave and flexible hours are highlighted alongside dedicated time off. Feedback suggests these family‑oriented policies enhance the perceived completeness of the package.
PayJoy Insights
What We Do
PayJoy's mission is to deliver access to credit to the next billion people in emerging markets worldwide. Our unique mobile security technology gives customers the ability to afford their first smartphone on credit, using the phone itself as collateral, and then provides further access to credit to help weather life's unexpected financial surprises and climb the ladder of economic well-being. Founded in 2015, today PayJoy has reached millions of customers in a dozen countries around the globe, including Mexico, Brazil, Colombia, India, Kenya, and South Africa, and is on a strong growth path with support from major industry partners to bring credit to the next billion emerging consumers.
