Sr . Data Scientist

Summary of position The Senior Data Scientist will play a critical role in developing, implementing, and maintaining predictive models and analytical frameworks that directly influence consumer lending acquisition, underwriting, fraud prevention, and portfolio performance. This position is hands-on, requiring strong technical expertise in data science and machine learning, paired with the ability to collaborate across business functions. The Senior Data Scientist will apply advanced statistical and machine learning techniques to optimize lending policies, improve lead acquisition, enhance fraud detection, and support customer lifecycle management. Candidates should bring strong problem-solving skills, a collaborative spirit, and flexibility to adapt to evolving priorities. Familiarity with industry-standard LMS platforms such as Infinity or Tekambi is required. Experience with automated ML platforms like DataRobot is strongly preferred. Direct experience in tribal lending or the broader consumer lending industry is a plus. This position will report to the Chief Risk Officer. Essential Roles/Responsibilities Insight & Data Science · Develop, test, and deploy predictive models to support loan application decisioning, fraud detection, repayment risk, affordability assessments, and lead conversion. · Support champion/challenger testing of consumer lending scorecards, underwriting rules, and lending policies. · Conduct deep-dive analyses into loan performance, repayment behavior, and borrower characteristics; translate findings into actionable recommendations. · Apply a variety of modeling techniques including regression, decision trees, gradient boosting, clustering, and neural networks. · Leverage DataRobot and custom-built pipelines (Python/R) for model development, validation, and deployment. · Collaborate with LMS platform Collaborate with LMS platform account executives (Infinity, Tekambi, or similar) to operationalize scorecards and decisioning logic. · Perform back-testing, statistical validation, and ongoing monitoring to ensure models remain accurate and stable in production. · Deliver clear visualizations and insights to stakeholders across risk, operations, and finance. Data Management & Engineering Support · Partner with BI/Technology teams to define, source, and maintain datasets used for lending analytics and portfolio monitoring. · Use SQL (SSMS preferred) to query, clean, and transform large-scale lending data. · Ensure data integrity, perform feature engineering, and document business rules used for modeling. · Support development of automated pipelines to track model performance and portfolio KPIs. Collaboration & Business Impact · Work closely with Risk, Marketing, Operations, and Finance to align models with consumer lending strategies and portfolio goals. · Support initiatives such as lead source optimization, pricing strategies, repayment forecasting, and fraud mitigation. · Act as a subject matter expert on lending-focused modeling methodologies and statistical best practices. · Stay current on AI/ML tools, bureau and third-party data offerings, and trends in the consumer lending industry. Onboarding & Alignment (0–30 Days) • Gain a deep understanding of Makes Cents Inc.’s consumer lending business model, portfolio, and underwriting process. • Build working relationships with Risk, Operations, Marketing, and Technology stakeholders. • Access, validate, and familiarize with LMS platforms (Infinity, Tekambi) and key data pipelines. • Review existing consumer lending models, scorecards, and loan performance reports. Early Deliverables (30-60 days): • Conduct an initial diagnostic of current loan decisioning models and risk scorecards; identify gaps and opportunities. • Begin developing at least one new or improved consumer lending model (e.g., fraud detection or repayment prediction) using DataRobot or Python/R. • Provide early insights into borrower risk patterns, repayment behavior, or lead source quality. • Document data sources, feature sets, and assumptions for a core initiative. Impact & Execution (60–90 Days) • Deploy a new or updated model into champion/challenger testing within Infinity or Tekambi. • Deliver a 90-day report to leadership with findings, early results, and ROI estimates. • Propose a roadmap for future lending model development, monitoring, and automation. • Establish credibility as a trusted, collaborative data science partner across the business Education Requirements • Master’s degree in Statistics, Data Science, Economics, Econometrics, Computer Science, or a related quantitative field. • PhD preferred but not required. Qualifications • 3–5+ years of experience in predictive modeling, applied data science, or analytics within consumer lending or fintech. • Strong experience with loan decisioning models, fraud detection, lead optimization, and repayment forecasting. • Hands-on experience with Infinity, Tekambi, or similar LMS/decisioning platforms. • Proven use of DataRobot or other AutoML platforms in production. • Experience in high-volume, data-intensive consumer lending environments. • Experience in tribal lending is highly preferred Knowledge and Skills • Advanced SQL (SSMS preferred) for querying and data wrangling. • Familiarity with model interpretability tools (SHAP, LIME, etc.). • Experience with BI tools (Tableau, Power BI, Domo). • Familiarity with cloud-based environments (AWS, Azure, or GCP). • Strong communication skills: able to explain technical findings in plain language. • Ability to manage multiple projects independently in a fast-paced environment. • Strong programming in Python or R (experience with scikit-learn, XGBoost, LightGBM, TensorFlow, or PyTorch a plus). Attributes • Oral Expression - The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand • Oral Comprehension - The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences • Written Comprehension - The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing • Written Expression - The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand • Speech Clarity - The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you • Speech Recognition - The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person • Hands-on problem solver with a practical, execution-focused mindset. • Strong analytical and critical-thinking skills. • Collaborative team player with excellent cross-functional communication. • Flexible, adaptable, and eager to contribute in a fast-changing consumer lending environment. • Continuous learner with a passion for emerging AI/ML tools and lending technologies. Physical Demands While performing the duties of the job, the employee is frequently required to sit and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools or controls; and reach with hands and arms. Must be able to occasionally lift up to 5 lbs. Must be able to work with a moderate noise level office atmosphere. Work Environment The position is remote under theMake Cents, Inccompany located inParshall, ND.Normal working hours are8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., CST.Monday through Friday, with flexibility to meet project deadlines with additional hours in the evening and/or weekends may be necessary. Occasional travel may be required for training, vendor meetings, or cross-team collaboration. Job Type: Full-time Pay: $120,000.00 - $150,000.00 per year Benefits: • 401(k) • 401(k) matching • Dental insurance • Employee assistance program • Health insurance • Life insurance • Paid time off • Retirement plan • Vision insurance Application Question(s): • Must acceptable Background check and an Alcohol & Drug Testing Education: • Master's (Required) Experience: • Data science: 3 years (Required) • Tekambi: 3 years (Required) • Call center: 1 year (Required) Work Location: Remote