Data Scientist, Sr.

About The Company Join the Tilt team at Tilt (formerly Empower), a pioneering financial technology company dedicated to transforming access to credit. We leverage mobile-first solutions and advanced machine learning models to go beyond traditional credit scoring methods. Our innovative approach utilizes over 250 real-time financial signals to identify genuine potential, enabling us to serve underserved populations more effectively. Recognized among the next billion-dollar startups, Tilt is committed to creating a new credit system that supports working individuals in achieving their financial goals. Our mission is to provide fair, accessible, and transparent financial products that empower people to build better financial futures.

About The Role We are seeking a highly skilled Senior Data Scientist to join our dynamic team. In this role, you will oversee the entire machine learning lifecycle—from initial conception and stakeholder collaboration to model development, deployment, and ongoing optimization. You will work closely with credit, product, and finance teams to develop and enhance credit risk models, build ML-based paycheck detection algorithms, and contribute to strategies that reduce loss rates while increasing approval rates. The ideal candidate will possess a strong passion for leveraging data to drive business growth and improve customer financial health. This position offers an exciting opportunity to impact our Tilt Cash Advance and Thrive Line of Credit products significantly. As a remote-first organization, we value flexibility and collaboration, with regular company offsites to foster team connectivity.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, computer science, finance, mathematics, or related fields
• 4+ years of industry experience in data mining, machine learning, statistical analysis, or predictive modeling
• Deep understanding of statistics and machine learning techniques such as regression, classification, clustering, and optimization
• Experience building predictive models from scratch
• Proficiency in Python programming with intermediate to advanced SQL skills
• Hands-on experience with ML packages like scikit-learn, LightGBM, XGBoost, SparkML, etc.
• Knowledge of deep learning frameworks such as TensorFlow, Keras, or PyTorch is preferred but not mandatory
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to communicate complex concepts effectively to technical and non-technical audiences
• Ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams including engineering, product, credit, and business units

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and optimize machine learning models to address key business priorities
• Collaborate with stakeholders to understand requirements and translate them into scalable data solutions
• Implement models into production environments in partnership with engineering teams
• Build and maintain data pipelines and analytics standards to facilitate ongoing analysis and model deployment
• Develop innovative credit risk models and ML algorithms, including paycheck detection and fraud prevention tools
• Analyze large-scale datasets to extract actionable insights and inform strategic decisions
• Influence strategies related to underwriting, marketing, customer experience, and risk management
• Stay updated with the latest advancements in machine learning and incorporate best practices into projects
• Communicate findings and technical details effectively to both technical teams and executive leadership

Benefits

• Work in a virtual-first environment with support for flexible remote working arrangements
• Competitive compensation packages and equity options
• Comprehensive health plans across multiple premium levels with subsidies
• Opportunity for visibility and direct engagement with senior leadership
• Paid global onsite gatherings twice a year for team bonding and strategic alignment
• Growth opportunities based on contributions and impact rather than rigid timelines
• Supportive environment that values innovation, collaboration, and mutual respect

Equal Opportunity

Tilt is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status. We believe that a diverse team fosters innovation and drives our mission to expand access to fair credit for everyone.