Zest AI has been perfecting AI for consumer lending decisions since 2009. Our mission is to broaden access to equitable lending and our AI-enabled software creates some of the most inclusive risk models in the industry. Our Model Management System helps lenders make better decisions and better loans — increasing revenue, reducing risk, and automating compliance — while expanding credit access to deserving people with no added risk!

Our technology teams at Zest AI thrive on solving challenging problems that have a big impact on people's daily lives. We build tools to improve consumer lending by meeting the needs of financial institutions and their customers around the world. By leveraging a combination of machine learning and vast amounts of data, we seek to challenge traditional credit scoring models, while expanding the use of our proprietary technology across the fintech industry. Our team is committed to continuously leveraging and adapting the latest advances in AI/ML to benefit those we serve.

Machine Learning Engineers at Zest AI build software that enables our customers to quickly create, adopt, and operate machine learning models in production. For example, some work might be focused on scale (automating model builds/deployments), while other work might be addressing a specific capability (better model power, clearer model explainability, more desirable fairer model alternatives).

In this role you will:

• Lead end-to-end development efforts for complex ML/AI-powered solutions—from ideation through deployment—ensuring scalability, reliability, and maintainability.
• Design experiments/prototypes with cutting-edge techniques aimed at advancing both internal capabilities (e.g., automation pipelines) as well as customer-facing products.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with product management, sales/engagement management teams, data scientists/researchers—and provide thought leadership on how best-in-class ML technologies can address business challenges.
• Mentor junior engineers by providing guidance on technical design reviews/code quality standards/best practices.
• Build sophisticated internal tooling frameworks enabling seamless integration between analytics platforms & operationalized models used across departments/customers.
• Stay ahead-of-the curve regarding emerging trends within artificial intelligence/machine-learning research fields actively applying them where appropriate toward innovation opportunities aligned w/business objectives

We are looking for:

• MS or PhD in a quantitative field (Computer Science, Engineering, Physics, etc.).
• 2+ years of professional hands-on experience, with strong fundamentals in programming, statistics, mathematics, and ML algorithms (neural networks, tree-based methods, optimizers, super/unsupervised learning, feature engineering, etc.). Strong experience with Python required.
• Familiar with ML/AI frameworks (Pandas, XGBoost, Scikit-learn, etc.), and modular/modern OOP software design practices.
• Good development practices/ability regarding memory, disk I/O, and CPU/GPU management.
• History of research publications and/or implementations of state of the art techniques - preferably viewable through open source channels (arXiv, GitHub, etc.).
• Passionate about ML/AI and how it can improve the world.

Perks and benefits:

All Zestys experience:

• The opportunity to join a mission-focused company
• People – the best part of Zest
• Robust medical, dental and vision insurance plans
• Annual bonus plan participation
• 401(k) with generous match
• Employee Awards and Recognition
• 11 company holidays
• Winter break (office closed between Christmas and New Year's Day)
• Unlimited vacation time
• Employee Resource Groups
• Generous family leave policy (12 week maternity leave / 6 week paternity leave)
• Phone, internet, wellness, and professional development allowances
• Employee gatherings, including Town Hall meetings

Additionally, our Burbank, CA area, hybrid model Zestys enjoy:

• Beautiful, modern, dog-friendly office with lounge areas, video games, and gigantic jigsaw puzzles
• Daily catered lunches from LA’s best restaurants and a fully stocked kitchen
• Complimentary manicures, pedicures, and mindfulness sessions
• Company happy hours, social events, outings, and much more!

About Zest AI:

Creating a diverse and inclusive culture where all are welcomed, valued, and empowered to achieve our full potential is important to who we are and where we’re headed in the future. We know that unique backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives help us think bigger, spark innovation, and succeed together. Zest is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion and encourages professionals from underrepresented groups in technology and financial services to apply.

Our core values are Communication, Collaboration, Bias for Action, Client-centricity, and Heart. Learn more at Zest.ai, follow us on LinkedIn (linkedin.com/company/zest-ai/) or Twitter @Zest_AI, or check out our Insights blog (https://www.zest.ai/cms/insights).