Sr. Data Scientist

The Senior Data Scientist supports the development, maintenance, and enhancement of data analytics for small business lending. This role requires strong AI-driven thinking, high-quality execution, results orientation, and a proactive, ownership-focused mindset. This is not a research role-it's a practical, production-focused IC role involving significant data cleaning, data manipulation, and model-building using real-world datasets.

The Senior Data Scientist works with Credit, Risk, and Engineering teams to build and maintain production-ready credit risk models that support small-business lending. The role is accountable for preparing complex datasets, developing predictive models, and delivering accurate, high-quality analytical outputs that inform underwriting and credit strategy. This individual should be comfortable performing deep data cleaning, working with diverse data sources, owning projects end-to-end, and proactively identifying and solving problems in a fast-moving, production-focused environment.

Lendistry: Who We Are

We're proud to be the nation's largest minority-led, tech-savvy lender for small businesses and commercial real estate. As a certified Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) and Community Development Entity (CDE), our mission is all about creating economic opportunities and fueling growth for small business owners and their communities. Join us as we pave the way with innovative financing and financial education!

What You'll Be Doing

• Develop and maintain production-ready credit risk, fraud detection, and other predictive models that support small-business lending decisions.
• Clean, transform, and prepare large, complex datasets for modeling and analysis.
• Work with diverse data sources including business credit bureau data, bank transaction data, financial statements, and alternative datasets.
• Apply AI-driven thinking to improve modeling efficiency, automate processes, and enhance model performance.
• Deliver high quality analytical and modeling outputs that directly support underwriting and credit strategy.
• Identify issues and opportunities proactively and recommend actionable solutions.
• Take ownership of data science deliverables from exploration through deployment and ongoing monitoring.
• Create clear documentation and reports that support internal governance, audits, and cross-functional understanding.

• Master's degree in quantitative field.
• 5+ years of hands-on experience in data science, credit risk analytics, or quantitative modeling.
• Experience in fintech, lending, banking, or SMB credit environments.
• Experience working with SMB lending products, including term loans, lines of credit, or merchant cash advances.
• Experience working with credit bureau datasets, banking transaction data and financial statement data.
• Proficiency in Python, SQL, and common ML frameworks.
• Ability to perform deep data cleaning, feature engineering, and dataset construction.
• Strong ability to produce high-quality work efficiently and with attention to detail.
• Results-focused mindset with the ability to drive outcomes that support business objectives.
• Proactive problem solver who identifies and addresses issues independently.
• Strong ownership and accountability for end-to-end project execution.
• Effective communicator who can collaborate with cross-functional partners.
• Experience with Claude Code is a plus., This is a stationary position that requires frequent sitting (approximately 95%), repetitive wrist motions, grasping, speaking, listening, close vision, and the ability to adjust focus. It also may require occasional standing, lifting, carrying of 20lbs or less, walking, kneeling, bending/stooping, twisting, pulling/pushing, and reaching above the shoulder. Employees in this position must be physically able to efficiently perform the essential functions of the position.

Pulled from the full job description

• Pet insurance
• Health insurance
• 401(k) matching
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance
• Health savings account
• Dental insurance, * Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Generous Paid Time Off
• Birthday Day Off
• 12 Paid Company Holidays
• 401(k) Match
• FSA and HSA
• Paid Life Insurance
• Paid Disability Insurance
• Pet Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Professional Development Courses
• In Office Provided Snacks and Drinks
• Gym Facilities (LA & Tustin/CEC Offices)
• In Office Engagement Activities

Compensation Range

The US base salary range for this full-time position is $126,000 - $165,000 annually.

Our salary ranges are determined by role, level, and location.

The range displayed on each job posting reflects the minimum and maximum base salary for new hires for the position across all US locations. Within the range, individual pay is determined by multiple factors like job-related skills, experience, and state of residence. Your recruiter can share more about the specific salary range during the interview process.

Please note that the compensation details listed in US role postings reflect the base salary only, and do not include any variable compensation elements.