Model Risk Management Lead, Machine Learning

About Affirm and Enterprise Risk & Internal Audit

Affirm is transforming the credit industry by offering transparent buy-now-pay-later options without hidden fees or compounding interest. The Enterprise Risk & Internal Audit team safeguards Affirm’s operational integrity and promotes sustainable business success through risk identification, assessment, monitoring, and controls. Their responsibilities include internal audits, regulatory compliance, fraud prevention, and crisis readiness, ensuring accountability and resilience across the organization.

About the Role

The Model Risk Management (MRM) unit is seeking a skilled professional to oversee a robust framework that identifies, quantifies, monitors, and mitigates model risks across the company. This role offers collaboration opportunities to deeply understand the models that underpin critical business decisions and to reduce risks from model design flaws or misuse.

Key Responsibilities

• Independently validate and continuously monitor machine learning models applied in credit underwriting, credit risk, and fraud detection.
• Detect weaknesses in models and propose enhancements.
• Work collaboratively with model owners to address validation findings.
• Support development and upkeep of the company’s model risk management framework through cross-department partnerships.
• Coordinate with Internal Audit, Controls, and Compliance teams to resolve audit and regulatory issues promptly.

Candidate Profile

• Between 4 to 6 years of professional experience in fields such as model development, validation, or data science.
• Comprehensive knowledge and hands-on experience with machine learning models related to credit underwriting, credit risk management, or fraud risk management.
• Proficiency in scripting languages like Python and managing large datasets using SQL.
• Extensive experience with machine learning frameworks (e.g., scikit-learn, PySpark) and cloud-based development environments.
• Educational background with a BS, MS, or PhD in quantitative disciplines including Mathematics, Data Science, or Computer Science.
• Detail-oriented, analytical thinker with a strong curiosity for data, models, and algorithms.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication abilities, both written and verbal.

Compensation and Benefits

The base salary range for this position in Canada is between $145,000 and $205,000 annually. Affirm offers a transparent pay structure based on location, experience, and skills. In addition to base salary, total compensation may include monthly stipends for health, wellness, technology, and benefits such as fully subsidized medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees and their dependents. Eligible employees may also receive equity awards through Affirm Holdings, Inc.

Work Environment

Affirm supports a remote-first work culture, allowing most employees the flexibility to work from almost anywhere within their country of employment. Some roles near Affirm offices may require occasional onsite presence. Certain jobs remain office-based based on their nature.

Additional Benefits

• Comprehensive health care coverage with premiums fully paid by the company for employees and dependents.
• Generous flexible spending accounts covering technology, food, lifestyle, and family formation expenses.
• Competitive paid vacation and holidays to support work-life balance and rest.
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP) offering discounted shares of the company.

Equal Opportunity and Accommodations

Affirm is committed to an inclusive hiring process and provides reasonable accommodations during recruitment for candidates with disabilities. The company also complies with relevant fair chance employment ordinances for positions applicable within certain U.S. locations.