Lead Data Scientist

Enova; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 140,000 - 210,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

PTO & paid holidays off

Sabbatical program

Summer hours

Paid parental leave

401(k) matching + Roth option

Job summary

Enova is seeking a Lead Data Scientist in Chicago, IL to lead model development, validation, and governance for credit risk models. You will mentor teammates, communicate complex quantitative concepts, and collaborate with cross-functional partners to drive data-driven decisions.

The role emphasizes independent validation, production readiness, and continuous improvement of risk analytics methodologies, with hybrid in-office expectations.

Qualifications

• Strong knowledge of statistical models and risk management methodologies.
• Advanced Python programming for data analysis.
• Experience with relational databases such as SQL.
• Experience in developing or validating advanced credit risk models.
• 5+ years in quantitative analysis in financial services and leading analytics projects.
• Ability to explain quantitative concepts to technical and non-technical stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Lead and perform model validation of credit risk models.
• Prepare model validation reports and documentation.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to team members.
• Interact with stakeholders to gather information and provide effective challenge.
• Support model releases to production.
• Monitor model performance dashboards and build alerts.
• Drive improvements to validation methodologies, processes, and governance.
• Conduct ad hoc analyses for risk management, marketing and operations.

Skills

Statistical modeling

Python

SQL

Data analysis

Model validation

Mentorship

Communication

Tools

Python

SQL

Job description

• As a Lead Data Scientist, you will be one of Enova’s most valuable team members. You will develop, enhance and test the company’s models for use in determining the appropriate lending criteria and verification procedures. You will lead and perform independent model validations to evaluate model fit for purpose, conceptual soundness, mathematical theory and assumptions, data/assumptions, and output reasonableness
• At times, you may be asked to conduct ad hoc analysis using statistical and financial tools to recommend for risk management, marketing and operational strategies. You will demonstrate the ability to interpret and organize data, and communicate it effectively to cross functional teams, and provide technical guidance and mentorship to other team members to solve business problems, define requirements and support implementation
• Lead and perform model validation of credit risk models
• Prepare model validation reports and write technical documentation
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to team members in validating and preparing models for production
• Interact with model stakeholders and business partners to gather information about credit models and risk acceptances and provide effective challenge when appropriate
• Support model releases to ensure they are quickly and accurately put into production
• Monitor model performance dashboards, build alerts, and escalare concerns as appropriate
• Drive improvements to model validation methodologies, processes, and governance practices by leveraging data manipulation, machine learning, and programming skills to enhance automation and develop custom tools

Benefits

• Our hybrid roles require in-office work Tuesday through Thursday, with remote flexibility on Mondays and Fridays. This schedule fosters collaboration, team connection, and strategic planning, enhancing communication and effectiveness to drive results
• Health, dental, and vision insurance including mental health benefits
• PTO & paid holidays off
• Sabbatical program (for eligible roles)
• Summer hours (for eligible roles)
• Paid parental leave
• DEI groups (B.L.A.C.K. @ Enova, HOLA @ Enova, Women @ Enova, Pride @ Enova, South Asians @ Enova, APEX @ Enova, and Parents @ Enova)
• Charitable matching and a paid volunteer day…Plus so much more!
• Employee recognition and rewards program
• 401(k) matching plus a roth option

Strong knowledge of statistical models and methodologies used in risk managementAdvanced programming skills in Python and the ability to write customized programs for meaningful data analysisExperience working with relational databases, such as SQLExperience in developing and/or independently validating advanced credit risk models5+ years of experience in quantitative analysis in the financial services industry and experience leading complex analytical or model validation projects is preferredDemonstrated ability to provide technical guidance and communicate complex quantitative concepts to technical and non-technical stakeholders