[Hiring] Staff Machine Learning Model Risk Specialist @Upstart

Role Description

As a Staff Model Risk Specialist at Upstart, you will independently execute core components of the model risk management program supporting Upstart Bank. You will oversee risk across a diverse and growing inventory of models and Generative AI applications, including sophisticated machine learning models used in lending and other models supporting areas such as fraud, compliance, finance, capital and liquidity, servicing, and operational risk.

This presents a unique opportunity to help build a comprehensive model risk management program for a new bank. You will evaluate model and GenAI application documentation, monitoring, governance, and risk assessments while partnering with developers, business sponsors, and risk stakeholders to identify and address emerging risks. You will apply a risk-based approach across technologies that range from traditional statistical methods to advanced machine learning and GenAI systems, adapting your review to their different purposes, complexities, and risk profiles. You will also translate complex technical concepts into clear, decision-useful information for audiences with varying levels of technical expertise.

How you’ll make an impact

• Partner with Machine Learning teams, GenAI application developers, business sponsors, and other stakeholders to maintain accurate inventories, risk assessments, documentation, monitoring reports, and supporting governance materials for models and GenAI applications affecting Upstart Bank.
• Review methodologies, assumptions, data inputs, system designs, performance measures, controls, and limitations to provide effective challenge and identify areas requiring further analysis or remediation.
• Apply a risk-based approach to evaluate a broad range of quantitative methods and technologies, from traditional statistical and financial models to complex machine learning models and GenAI applications.
• Conduct and document model risk assessments, monitoring reviews, and targeted quantitative analyses that support internal policies and regulatory expectations.
• Help develop practical governance approaches for new and rapidly evolving technologies, particularly machine learning and GenAI applications for which risks, evaluation methods, and industry practices continue to evolve.
• Respond to model- and GenAI-related questions from regulators, lending partners, and other external stakeholders in collaboration with Machine Learning, business teams, Legal, Compliance, and partner-facing teams.
• Track model risk issues, remediation plans, program goals, and emerging risks, escalating material findings and recommending practical improvements as the Bank’s model inventory and use cases continue to expand.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in quantitative field such as finance, mathematics, economics, statistics or a related discipline.
• 4+ years of experience in model risk management, model validation, model governance, machine learning, data science, quantitative risk, AI governance, or a related technical risk function.
• Internship or project experience related to model risk management, model validation, machine learning, or data science.
• Basic understanding of AI/ML methodologies such as tree-based models and neural networks.
• General familiarity with GenAI applications.
• Experience coding in R, Python, or similar languages such as Matlab.

Requirements

• PhD in a quantitative field of study such as statistics, econometrics, finance, mathematics; or a related discipline.
• 5+ years of experience in model risk management or model governance, or related fields such as ML and Data Science, Risk, Trust and Safety, or Technical Writing.
• Familiarity with GenAI applications, including evaluation approaches, prompt and system design, retrieval-augmented generation, tool use, guardrails, and ongoing monitoring.
• Experience assessing models used outside of credit underwriting, such as models supporting fraud, compliance, finance, capital and liquidity, servicing, operational risk, or financial reporting.
• Strong communication skills: ability to adapt technical information to varying needs and audiences, and managing trade-offs such as providing modeling detail while protecting intellectual property.
• Proactive mindset with the ability to take initiative.
• Understanding of advanced AI/ML topics such as model monitoring, fairness, and explainability.
• Advanced coding skills in R, Python, and SQL, and experience using Git.
• Interest in or knowledge of consumer lending, credit risk, model fairness, explainability, or the use of machine learning and GenAI in a regulated environment.

Benefits

• Competitive compensation, including base pay, bonus opportunities, and annual equity grants that vest quarterly.
• Retirement benefits to help you plan for the future, including a 401(k) or Group Retirement Savings Plan with a company match of $2 for every $1 contributed, up to $15,000 annually (USD in the US, CAD in Canada).
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP) with discounted stock purchase options for eligible employees (US only).
• Comprehensive health coverage designed to support you and your family, including medical, dental, vision, and wellness resources for US and supplemental health coverage for Canada.
• Health Savings Account contributions from Upstart for eligible plans (US only).
• Income protection benefits, including life insurance and disability coverage for added financial security.
• Paid time off, sick leave, and company holidays, in line with local requirements.
• Paid family and parental leave to support caregiving and major life moments (duration varies by country).
• Family-centered benefits to support fertility, parenthood, and caregiving needs.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) offering mental health support and life-centered resources.
• Financial wellness resources, including access to financial planning tools and a financial concierge service (US Only).
• Annual wellness allowance to support your physical and emotional well-being and personal development, based on what matters most to you.
• Annual productivity allowance to invest in relevant tools and resources you need to do your best work, no matter where you work from.
• Connection and community through team events, all-company updates, and employee resource groups (ERGs).
• Onsite perks, including catered lunches and fully stocked micro-kitchens when working from one of our offices in the Bay Area, Austin, Columbus, and New York City (opening Summer 2026!).