Sr Data Scientist, BNPL Credit Risk Oversight

Honey; Austin (TX); Hybrid; USD 131,000 - 194,000; Full time

Job summary

PayPal is seeking a data science professional to provide analytical support for the Second Line oversight of Buy Now Pay Later products, focusing on underwriting and account management.

You will develop advanced models, collaborate with risk, product, and engineering teams, and ensure data quality while mentoring junior data scientists. The role supports a balanced hybrid work model across Chicago and Austin.

Qualifications

• 3+ years in credit risk management or lending.
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent.
• Strong analytical and data storytelling skills.
• Experience with second line of defense is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead development and implementation of advanced data science models.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to define requirements.
• Drive data science best practices and data quality.
• Mentor junior data scientists.
• Monitor credit risk metrics and exposures.

Skills

Credit risk

Data science

Mentoring

Stakeholder collab

Python

SQL

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree

Advanced degree preferred

Tools

Python

SQL

Job description

The Company

PayPal has been revolutionizing commerce globally for more than 25 years. Creating innovative experiences that make moving money, selling, and shopping simple, personalized, and secure, PayPal empowers consumers and businesses in approximately 200 markets to join and thrive in the global economy.

We operate a global, two-sided network at scale that connects hundreds of millions of merchants and consumers. We help merchants and consumers connect, transact, and complete payments, whether they are online or in person. PayPal is more than a connection to third-party payment networks. We provide proprietary payment solutions accepted by merchants that enable the completion of payments on our platform on behalf of our customers.

We offer our customers the flexibility to use their accounts to purchase and receive payments for goods and services, as well as the ability to transfer and withdraw funds. We enable consumers to exchange funds more safely with merchants using a variety of funding sources, which may include a bank account, a PayPal or Venmo account balance, PayPal and Venmo branded credit products, a credit card, a debit card, certain cryptocurrencies, or other stored value products such as gift cards, and eligible credit card rewards. Our PayPal, Venmo, and Xoom products also make it safer and simpler for friends and family to transfer funds to each other. We offer merchants an end-to-end payments solution that provides authorization and settlement capabilities, as well as instant access to funds and payouts. We also help merchants connect with their customers, process exchanges and returns, and manage risk. We enable consumers to engage in cross-border shopping and merchants to extend their global reach while reducing the complexity and friction involved in enabling cross-border trade.

Our beliefs are the foundation for how we conduct business every day. We live each day guided by our core values of Inclusion, Innovation, Collaboration, and Wellness. Together, our values ensure that we work together as one global team with our customers at the center of everything we do – and they push us to ensure we take care of ourselves, each other, and our communities.

Job Summary

This role is responsible for providing analytical support for the Second Line oversight of Buy Now Pay Later products, including their Underwriting and Account Management practices, ensuring that the portfolio is properly managed and is operating according to strategic goals and within the risk appetite.

As part of the Second Line of Defense function, you will combine analytical rigor with credit risk domain expertise to provide independent oversight, delivering effective challenges on credit strategy and risk controls. To be successful, this role requires strong analytical skills, understanding of Credit Risk principles, and the ability to collaborate across multiple functions while maintaining independence.

This job will lead the development and implementation of advanced data science models and algorithms. You will work with stakeholders to understand requirements and deliver solutions. Your role involves driving best practices in data science, ensuring and data quality.

Job Description

Essential Responsibilities

• Lead the development and implementation of advanced data science models.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to understand requirements.
• Drive best practices in data science.
• Ensure data quality and integrity in all processes.
• Mentor and guide junior data scientists.
• Stay updated with the latest trends in data science.

Minimum Qualifications

• 3+ years relevant experience and a Bachelor’s degree OR Any equivalent combination of education and experience.

Additional Responsibilities & Preferred Qualifications

• An advanced degree in a quantitative field, such as statistics, mathematics, or engineering (preferred).
• 3+ years of experience in credit risk management/lending, involving understanding of credit risk fundamentals (e.g. underwriting principles, credit risk metrics) (preferred).
• Strong analytical skills, demonstrating ability to work with data, identify patterns, derive/visualize business insights, and translating them into compelling narratives.
• Experience with merchant or small business lending environments is a strong plus.
• Understanding of second line of defense functions is a strong plus
• Proficiency with Python, SQL, or other statistical analysis tools is a strong plus.
• Ability to assess, review and analyze current credit strategy and exposure limits/thresholds to ensure alignment to the Risk Appetite. Ensure adherence to changes in the business model and/or regulatory environment.
• Excellent written and verbal skills; interpersonal and collaborative skills; ability to communicate credit risk concepts to technical and non-technical audiences; ability to communicate second line challenges in an effective and respectful manner.
• Critical thinker with strong influencing, negotiation, and relationship building skills; an ability to interface internally and externally to ensure successful, high-quality outcomes.
• Ability to work with geographically disperse teams, especially with teams situated abroad and in different time zones.

Subsidiary

PayPal

Travel Percent

0

Primary Location | Pay Range

Chicago, Illinois: ($130,500.00 - $193,600.00 Annually)

Additional Location(s) | Pay Range

Austin, Texas: ($130,500.00 - $193,600.00 Annually)

Additional compensation for this role may include an annual performance bonus, equity, or other incentive compensation, as applicable.

For the majority of employees, PayPal's balanced hybrid work model offers 3 days in the office for effective in-person collaboration and 2 days at your choice of either the PayPal office or your home workspace, ensuring that you equally have the benefits and conveniences of both locations.

Our Benefits

At PayPal, we’re committed to building an equitable and inclusive global economy. And we can’t do this without our most important asset-you. That’s why we offer comprehensive, choice-based programs, to support all aspects of personal wellbeing—physical, emotional, and financial—delivering meaningful value where it matters most. We strive to create a flexible, balanced work culture with a holistic approach to benefits, including generous paid time off, healthcare coverage for you and your family, and resources to create financial security and support your mental health.

Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

PayPal provides equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. In addition, PayPal will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities. If you are unable to submit an application because of incompatible assistive technology or a disability, please contact us at [e-mail].

Belonging at PayPal

Our employees are central to advancing our mission, and we strive to create an environment where everyone can do their best work with a sense of purpose and belonging. Belonging at PayPal means creating a workplace with a sense of acceptance and security where all employees feel included and valued. We are proud to have a diverse workforce reflective of the merchants, consumers, and communities that we serve, and we continue to take tangible actions to cultivate inclusivity and belonging at PayPal.

Any general requests for consideration of your skills, please Join our Talent Community.