Lead Data Scientist

You will be in charge of creating an automatic system to make our credit underwriting decisions, working closely with the Product and Engineering. You will develop and keep improving our credit risk models to drive down our loss rate. Your responsibilities includes

• Develop machine learning models to predict default

• Aggregating and synthesizing datasets from multiple data environments

• Search and acquire new datasets 

• Investigate loss cases to to identify new signal and trends in the user behavior

• Conduct loss sensitivity analysis

• Build analytical dashboards

• Automate model refresh and re-calibrating

• Model maintenance including models performance monitoring and drift monitoring

• May lead/mentor junior data scientists 

Qualifications

• Master's or PhD degree in Physics, Statistics, Mathematics,, Engineering, Computer Science, or a quantitative field.

• Expert knowledge of data analytics and modeling using SQL, Python and machine learning/analytical packages 

• Deep understanding and extensive experience in developing and deploying ML solutions from initial concepts to final deliverables.

• Strong problem solving and communication skills

• Self motivated and is eager to learn and able to work collaboratively in a fast moving environment

• 2+ years of hands-on experience in building credit risk models, preferably within the fintech industry

• Attention to details and intellectual curiosity to understand user behavior and loss patterns

What we’re like:

Scrappy. We had a product goal and put out the MVP, collecting our first users with steady growth via paid channels in four months. We don’t cut corners when we know we’ll need them but we don’t build things without that need. We don’t like inefficiency but we dislike operationalizing one-off tasks even more.

Risk-oriented. Everything has risk, but a mature team knows how to make these tradeoffs. That’s why we built the MVP fast––because time is your most valuable asset and is practically fungible with money in the startup world.

Data-obsessed. We all look at data and pull it, and we believe that understanding the mechanics can yield valuable insights. Complex systems require elegant, not just simple solutions. You absolutely need to be interested in data if you want to leverage your knowledge of systems.

Lucky. That’s how we look at this journey so far. From our timing of fundraising, to the circumstances in which we came together, to the initial product traction we’re getting, there’s no other word to describe it. We are grateful you are reading this, and we know that if you’re meant to be with us on this journey, then we will see you soon.

About Kikoff:

Kikoff is a personal finance platform designed to help millions of underserved Americans achieve financial wellness. Our mission is to provide refreshingly fair, effective, and simple pathways for everyday people to meet their financial goals. We design financial products that simplify credit building so our users can reach their financial goals. Kikoff is a Series B company and has raised over $42 million in total funding. Investors include Portage Ventures, Lightspeed Venture Partners, GGV, Coatue, Core Innovation Capital, and basketball star Stephen Curry. Kikoff was founded in 2019 and is headquartered in San Francisco with an office in Reno.

Why Kikoff:

This is a consumer fintech startup, and you will be working with serial entrepreneurs who have built strong consumer brands and innovative products. We are backed by some of Silicon Valley’s top VCs. We value extreme ownership, clear communication, a strong sense of craftsmanship, and the desire to create lasting work and work relationships. Yes, you can build an exciting business AND have real-life real-customer impact.

Competitive pay based on experience

🏥 Medical, dental, and vision coverage - Kikoff covers the full cost of health insurance for the employee!

📈 Stock Options

🏝 Flexible vacation policy to help you recharge

💰 US salary range for this full-time position consists of base + equity + benefits

Location: San Francisco, CA

Visa sponsorship available: Kikoff is willing to provide sponsorship for H1-B visas and U.S. green cards for exceptional talent.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement 

Kikoff Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to complying with all federal, state, and local laws providing equal employment opportunities and considers qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, pregnancy, sex, gender expression or identity, sexual orientation, citizenship, or any other legally protected class.

Please reference the following information for more information:

https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/migrated_files/employers/poster_screen_reader_optimized.pdfhttps://www.dol.gov/ofccp/regs/compliance/posters/pdf/OFCCP_EEO_Supplement_Final_JRF_QA_508c.pdf 

Compensation Range: $304K - $469K