Model Risk Management Lead, Machine Learning

Reposted One Month Ago
Easy Apply
Hiring Remotely in United States
Remote
164K-245K Annually
Mid level
Big Data • Fintech • Mobile • Payments • Financial Services
We create honest financial products that improve lives. Ready to make a difference?
The Role
Independently validate and monitor machine learning models for credit underwriting, credit risk, and fraud detection. Identify model weaknesses, recommend improvements, and collaborate with model owners to remediate findings. Support and maintain the Model Risk Management framework and coordinate with Internal Audit, Internal Controls, and Compliance on audit and regulatory requests.
Summary Generated by Built In

At Affirm, we exist for the moments that matter—giving people a clear, predictable way to pay over time, with no hidden fees, no surprises, and no tradeoffs on what matters most.

About Enterprise Risk & Internal Audit

The Enterprise Risk & Internal Audit department protects Affirm’s operations and long-term success. We identify, assess, and monitor risk across the business. Our work includes internal audits, regulatory assurance, fraud prevention, and crisis planning. The team maintains strong controls, tracks key risk indicators, and ensures readiness for external reviews. We uphold accountability, transparency, and resilience to support responsible growth.

About the Team
We’re looking for an intelligent, driven professional to join our Model Risk Management (MRM) team. This team seeks to establish, maintain and oversee an effective MRM framework to identify, quantify, monitor, mitigate and report on model risk throughout the company. You will have an outstanding opportunity to work cross-functionally to develop a profound understanding of models that drive critical business decisions, and add value to the company by mitigating risks due to ineffective model design or model misuse.
What You’ll Do

  • Perform independent challenges of machine learning models used for credit underwriting, credit risk, and/or fraud detection through thorough validation and ongoing monitoring 

  • Identify model weaknesses and opportunities for improvement

  • Collaborate with model owners to remediate model validation findings

  • Partner cross-functionally to implement and maintain the company’s MRM framework

  • Partner with Internal Audit, Internal Controls, and Compliance to ensure timely resolution of audit and regulatory requests

What We Look For

  • 4-6 years of professional experience in related technical areas such as model development, model validation, data science

  • Deep and broad knowledge and experience in machine learning modeling, credit underwriting, credit risk management, and/or fraud detection and fraud risk management

  • Proven ability to work with script languages(e.g., Python) and large-scale dataset (e.g., SQL)

  • Extensive experience with machine learning platforms and frameworks (e.g., scikit-learn, pyspark) and cloud-based coding environments and databases

  • BS, MS, or PhD in a quantitative field such as Math, Data Science, Computer Science

  • Oriented toward detail, curious about data/models/algorithms, skilled at critical thinking and problem solving

  • Extraordinary interpersonal and verbal/written communication skills

Pay Grade - M
Equity Grade - 8
Employees new to Affirm typically come in at the start of the pay range. Affirm focuses on providing a simple and transparent pay structure which is based on a variety of factors, including location, experience and job-related skills. Base pay is part of a total compensation package that may include equity rewards, monthly stipends for health, wellness and tech spending, and benefits (including 100% subsidized medical coverage, dental and vision for you and your dependents.)
USA base pay range (CA, WA, NY, NJ, CT) per year: $185,000 - $245,000
USA base pay range (all other U.S. states) per year: $164,000 - $224,000

#LI-Remote

Remote-first with flexibility built in
Affirm is proud to be a remote-first company. Most roles can be done from almost anywhere within the country of employment. Some positions may occasionally require in-person work at an Affirm office, and a few are office-based due to the nature of the work. All new hires will be invited to attend an in-person onboarding experience.

Benefits designed for you
Our benefits reflect our commitment to care, transparency, and flexibility. Here are a few highlights:

  • Health coverage at no cost: We cover 100% of premiums for employees and their dependents.
  • Spending stipends: Monthly stipends support your tech setup, and the ability to choose health and wellness options that are right for you.
  • Time off to recharge: Flexible time off and generous holiday calendars help you rest when you need to.
  • Own a piece of what you build: Our employee stock purchase plan (ESPP) lets you buy Affirm stock at a discount.

We’re committed to providing an inclusive interview process, including accommodations for candidates with disabilities. If you need support, we’re happy to help.

For positions based in San Francisco or Los Angeles: Affirm considers qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records, as required by law.

By clicking "Submit Application," you acknowledge that you have read Affirm's Global Candidate Privacy Notice and consent to the use of your personal information as described.

Skills Required

  • 4-6 years professional experience in model development, model validation, or data science
  • Deep knowledge and experience in machine learning modeling, credit underwriting, credit risk management, and/or fraud detection
  • Proven ability with scripting languages (e.g., Python) and large-scale datasets (e.g., SQL)
  • Extensive experience with machine learning frameworks (e.g., scikit-learn, pyspark) and cloud-based coding environments and databases
  • BS, MS, or PhD in a quantitative field such as Math, Data Science, or Computer Science
  • Strong attention to detail, curiosity about data/models/algorithms, critical thinking and problem solving
  • Extraordinary interpersonal and verbal/written communication skills

What the Team is Saying

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Affirm Compensation & Benefits Highlights

  • Affordable Benefits Zero-premium healthcare for employees and dependents is highlighted, with the benefits portal showing $0 payroll contributions and company-paid premiums for medical, dental, and vision in 2026. Transparent plan-cost displays further underscore the low out-of-pocket burden.
  • Leave & Time Off Breadth A wide mix is outlined, including Flexible Time Off for exempt employees, 20 accrued vacation days for non-exempt employees, Health Days, Bereavement, Life Happens leave, jury duty, and company-wide Away Days to reduce distractions. These programs collectively point to generous paid time provisions beyond standard PTO.
  • Wellbeing & Lifestyle Benefits No‑cost mental health support is offered via Lyra, and Forma-administered wallets provide substantial monthly stipends (e.g., Lifestyle and Tech) along with a S.A.F.E. family‑building wallet with a $20,000 lifetime maximum. This combination indicates strong support for everyday wellness and major life events.

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The Company
HQ: San Francisco , CA
2,200 Employees
Year Founded: 2012

What We Do

At Affirm, we help people say yes to the things that matter with flexible, transparent ways to pay over time. No hidden fees, no compound interest, and no fine print—just a smarter way to spend.

Why Work With Us

Who is an Affirmer? /noun/ Someone who believes finance shouldn’t be complicated. We come from a diverse set of backgrounds and we’re driven by the desire to improve lives through honest financial products. We define success by challenging one another to bring our best ideas to every single project—and we have fun while doing it.

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Affirm Offices

Remote Workspace

Employees work remotely.

Affirm is a remote-first company! Our employees can work anywhere in the U.S. but if an office is more your style, we have office locations in San Francisco, Chicago, New York City, and Pittsburgh.

Typical time on-site:
HQSan Francisco, CA
Spain
United Kingdom
Chicago, IL
New York, NY
Toronto, ON
Warsaw, PL
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