Director of Data Science, Credit & Fraud Risk Modeling

• Education: Master's or PhD in a quantitative discipline: Statistics, Mathematics, Data Science, Econometrics, or a related field. This is a modeling-first role; a software engineering background alone won't be the right fit.
• Experience: 7+ years working as a Data Scientist or ML Engineer with a specific focus on predictive modeling, ideally in credit risk, fraud detection, or financial analytics. Experience deploying models that affect real credit or lending decisions is what we're looking for.
• Technical Skills:
• Advanced Python for statistical modeling and ML — not primarily for application development or infrastructure engineering
• Strong SQL for data extraction and feature construction
• Deep expertise in ML algorithms purpose-built for structured/tabular data: gradient boosting, ensemble methods, regression models, decision trees, and AutoML frameworks
• Industry Background: Prior experience in consumer lending, fintech, or financial services is highly preferred; you should already understand what DTI, PTI, and vintage analysis mean without needing context.
• Governance: Hands-on experience with model risk governance frameworks and working alongside validation teams; you know the SR 11-7 world and aren't intimidated by it.
• Communication: You can explain a gradient boosting model to a risk committee and a credit policy tradeoff to an engineer. Both matter here.

Kafene is revolutionizing the lease-to-own space. We're the point-of-sale powerhouse making flexible lease-to-own accessible to everyone—prime and non-prime customers alike. Our secret weapon? Cutting-edge AI and machine learning that analyzes 20,000+ data inputs in real-time, empowering retailers across furniture, appliances, electronics, tires, and durable goods to say "yes" to more customers.

The numbers tell our story: over $500 million in originations and counting. But we're just getting started.

Our 175-person team spans NYC headquarters, Wilmington, and remote talent across the globe —all united by a culture that thrives on collaboration, innovation, and genuine support. We don't just talk about great workplace culture; we deliver it. That's why Built In named us a Startup to Watch https://www.linkedin.com/company/built-in/?lipi=urn%3Ali%3Apage%3Ad_flagship3_detail_base%3B2jXPbPYzTW6P2Su6%2BfrBvw%3D%3D and Forbes recognized us as one of the Best Startup Employers https://www.forbes.com/sites/rachelpeachman/2023/03/07/meet-americas-best-startup-employers-2023/?sh=5a67d150410c.

Ready to be part of the fintech revolution? Join us.

Credit and risk are at the heart of our business. We're looking for a Director of Data Science, a senior individual contributor who will own the full lifecycle of the ML models that power our credit risk decisions. Reporting directly to the VP of Risk, you'll design, build, deploy, and monitor the models that determine how we approve customers, set credit amounts, predict defaults, and forecast losses. You'll work closely with cross-functional partners across risk, engineering, finance, and sales, and you'll have the rare opportunity to shape both the technical infrastructure and the business strategy behind it.

• Your models will directly determine credit outcomes for hundreds of thousands of real customers — this isn't a recommendations engine or an internal tool; it's the core of the business
• You'll own the full ML lifecycle, from raw data to production, without having to fight for scope or hand off the interesting parts to someone else
• ML is treated as a strategic asset at Kafene, not a support function; you'll present to executives and shape credit policy, not just fulfill tickets
• Competitive compensation, remote flexibility, and a team that's genuinely excited about the problems they're solving, including the hard regulatory and data constraints that make credit risk interesting

• Salary: Earn a competitive salary $145,000-$170,000
• Healthcare: We prioritize your well-being by covering 80% of medical, dental, and vision insurance costs, including coverage for your spouse, children, and other dependents.
• Retirement Benefits: Begin planning for your future from day one with our 401k plan.
• Paid Time Off: We understand the importance of work-life balance. That's why we offer flexible paid time off days starting from day one of your employment.

Note: This email address is specifically for accommodation requests and will only respond to those inquiries.