National Funding seeks a high-level data scientist to work closely with business stakeholders to understand its data and models through a statistical lens.  This is a unique opportunity to shape future business and credit analysis models at one of the nation's leading lenders. As Principal Data Scientist you will understand model performance by creating an evaluation framework that can be applied across the organization.  An experience in running regression studies will help you track performance of existing and new models both before deploying to, and while in, production.  Ability to successfully traverse Python frameworks (pandas, numpy, jupyter notebooks) is a key to this role as is having a working knowledge of SQL.  The principal data scientist will lead efforts to execute a new analytic vision by collaborating to assess and develop new analytic opportunities. This role will provide key strategic insights and shape initiatives for the company that have a high impact within the organization.

RESPONSIBILITY:

• Build an evaluation framework to understand model performance using metrics like precision, recall, f1, and confusion matrices for models in the categories of customer lifecycle, LTV, and portfolio performance
• Design statistical experiments to help answer deep business questions
• Perform analysis that help National Funding understand how its models directly contribute to top and bottom-line growth
• Work with top level leaders in the organization to answer deep questions where a report or dashboard doesn't go far enough
• Craft logistical and linear regression models using basic modeling techniques
• Work with Python and data science frameworks (pandas, numpy, keras, jupyter notebooks)
• Manage and guide data science and data engineering elements of machine learning projects
• Set a strategic direction for data identification, collection and qualification activities
• Present reports and findings to senior level technical and non-technical audiences

QUALIFICATIONS:

• PhD in Statistics or similar quantitative field of study (Math, Economics, Financial Engineering, Physics, Chemical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Operations Research, etc.) or Master's Degree with at least 5 years relevant professional experience
• Deep understanding of statistical and predictive modeling techniques
• An understanding of machine learning techniques and how they are evaluated and built
• Statistical and data science programming skill in Python and its related data science frameworks (pandas, numpy, keras, juptyer notebooks, etc..).  One doesn't need a deep software engineering experience here, just a data scientists competence level
• Knowledge of R a plus as an older model exists that should be converted in the future
• A working knowledge of SQL.  Must be able to be successful in writing moderate queries for data mining.  Once again, no need for deep DBA skills, but must be able to perform joins, groups, and other aggregates.
• Excellent presentation and communication skills

WHY NATIONAL FUNDING?

• Positive, energetic, passionate, business casual environment
• Fantastic benefits package including medical, dental, life, LTD, FSA, 401(k) with employer match
• Numerous employee events throughout the year including our annual traditions such as Day at the Del Mar Racetrack, Del Mar Mud Run, Bring Your Kid to Work Day, Holiday Party, Employee and Family picnic, sporting events, and more

NATIONAL FUNDING is one of the country's leading financial technology companies for small and medium-sized businesses, providing working capital loans and equipment financing. For several years running, we have been ranked by the San Diego Business Journal as one of the 100 Fastest Growing Private Companies in San Diego and listed on the Inc. 5000 List of America's Fastest Growing Private Companies. We serve the small business community nationwide by offering a range of financial services and products. Since 1999, National Funding has loaned nearly $1.5 billion to over 25,000 small businesses in hundreds of communities and industries. As we have grown, so too has our product line, and now we are ranked as one of the country's top 10 largest private lenders of small business loans.