Head of Data Science

Mission Lane is combining the power of data, technology, and exceptional service to pave a clear way forward for millions of people on the path to financial success. By attracting top talent and leveraging cutting‑edge technology, we’re enabling people to unlock real financial progress. Sound like a mission you can get behind?

As the Head of Data Science, you will lead the strategic direction of data science for the next phase of Mission Lane’s growth by innovating on the application of machine learning to underwriting and other practical problems. You will report directly to the COO and lead one of the most knowledgeable and effective data science teams in fintech.

Drive financial and customer outcomes through machine learning and cross‑functional collaboration with the entire business: marketing, acquisitions, fraud, portfolio management, collections, and more. You will develop the data science team to add new data sources, improve our modeling methodology, and practice sound risk management.

• Understands how to operate a data science team to reach strategic business goals through talent development, cross‑functional partnerships, and technical innovation
• Has experience applying data science to credit risk management
• Can make your team better every day because you can be clear about goals and the team’s purpose. You can execute through education, organization, and trust
• Has a deep understanding of the field of data science and can communicate a vision to your team on how the field can be applied to solve difficult, practical problems
• Has created, deployed, and managed experiments and models in production systems. You can genuinely speak to practitioners about the fundamental principles and challenges required to be successful in applied work
• Knows and teaches solid fundamentals with software engineering (test‑driven development, code review, refactoring) and the PyData stack (numpy, scikit‑learn, polars, etc.)
• Balances the demands of development speed with the need to meet compliance standards and documentation in a regulated industry

• Experience solving problems in consumer lending or fintech
• Excellence in communication and collaboration with executives, Board members, and regulators

• Work:
  An engaging culture with access to training programs and advancement opportunities
• Life:
  Full health, dental, and vision benefits, Flexible Spending Account (for medical and childcare expenses), paid parental leave, and a 401k Company Match
• Balance:
  Generous PTO, flexible schedules, a Calm App subscription, and more

Target Base Range: 250,

Additional compensation in the form(s) of participation in our annual incentive program and equity are dependent on role. Pay is based on factors such as work experience, education, certification(s), training, skills, and competencies related to the role. Mission Lane also offers a comprehensive benefits plan, which includes paid time off, 401(k) match, a monthly wellness stipend, health/dental/vision insurance options, disability coverage, paid parental leave, flexible spending account (for childcare and healthcare), life insurance, and a remote‑friendly work environment.

Founded in December 2018, Mission Lane is a purpose‑driven fintech company based in the U.S., with headquarters in Richmond, Virginia.

It all started with a realization: nearly fifty percent of the adult population in the U.S. doesn’t have access to a clear line of credit. Most traditional credit card companies either overlook or overcharge this group because they have less‑than‑perfect credit scores or no scores  decided this just wouldn’t do.

In partnership with our sponsor banks, we offer credit cards under the Mission Lane brand name, with better, clearer terms, and a more refined customer experience than the alternatives available to people working hard to improve their credit. To date, over four million consumers have chosen Mission Lane, earning high customer ratings on Credit Karma for its market segment and industry‑leading Net Promoter scores.

Mission Lane has…