Sr Data Scientist, BNPL Credit Risk Oversight

Join a team supporting Second Line oversight for Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) products, helping ensure underwriting and account management practices keep the BNPL portfolio operating within risk appetite. This hybrid role (3 days in the office, 2 days by choice) blends advanced analytics with credit risk domain expertise, with independence and room to drive data science best practices.

Location: Austin, TX (hybrid)

Compensation: USD 130,500 - 193,600 per year

What you’ll do

• Provide analytical support for Second Line oversight of BNPL products, including Underwriting and Account Management practices.
• Ensure the portfolio is managed according to strategic goals and is operating within risk appetite.
• Lead the development and implementation of advanced data science models and algorithms.
• Partner with stakeholders to understand requirements and deliver data science solutions.
• Drive and apply data science best practices, including ensuring data quality and integrity across processes.
• Maintain analytical rigor through independent oversight, delivering effective challenges on credit strategy and risk controls.
• Mentor and guide junior data scientists.
• Stay current with the latest trends in data science.

Key qualifications

• 3+ years of relevant experience and a Bachelor’s degree OR any equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Advanced degree in a quantitative field (preferred), such as statistics, mathematics, or engineering.
• 3+ years of experience in credit risk management or lending (preferred), including credit risk fundamentals like underwriting principles and credit risk metrics.
• Strong analytical skills, including the ability to work with data, identify patterns, derive or visualize business insights, and translate them into clear narratives.
• Experience in merchant or small business lending 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 and analyze current credit strategy and exposure limits or thresholds to ensure alignment with Risk Appetite, including adherence to changes in the business model and/or regulatory environment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills to explain credit risk concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences, including respectful communication of Second Line challenges.
• Critical thinking with strong influencing, negotiation, and relationship-building skills to partner internally and externally.
• Ability to work effectively with geographically dispersed teams, including teams abroad and across time zones.

Tools you’ll use

• Python
• SQL

Benefits

• Generous paid time off
• Healthcare coverage for you and your family
• Resources to create financial security and support your mental health
• Comprehensive, choice-based programs to support personal wellbeing across physical, emotional, and financial areas
• Balanced hybrid work model: 3 days in the office and 2 days at your choice of either the PayPal office or your home workspace

Travel: 0

Additional compensation: An annual performance bonus, equity, or other incentive compensation may be included, as applicable.