Data Scientist, Model Risk Management

Block is one company built from many blocks, all united by the same purpose of economic empowerment. The blocks that form our foundational teams - People, Finance, Counsel, Hardware, Information Security, Platform Infrastructure Engineering, and more - provide support and guidance at the corporate level. They work across business groups and around the globe, spanning time zones and disciplines to develop inclusive People policies, forecast finances, give legal counsel, safeguard systems, nurture new initiatives, and more. Every challenge creates possibilities, and we need different perspectives to see them all. Bring yours to Block.
Team
The Model Risk Management team ensures our machine learning models are safe, reliable, and compliant with regulatory requirements. We focus on building automated validation tools while maintaining high standards for model assessment. Our work helps prevent errors and bias while making sure models are used appropriately across Block. We work closely with teams throughout the company to establish practical governance frameworks, assess model performance, and share best practices. As a core part of the compliance organization, we support all key areas of Block regardless of product or market.
The Role
We're looking for a Data Scientist to help us make our model validation process both more efficient and more thorough. You'll split your time between hands-on model validation work and developing tools to automate these processes. Your experience validating ML models will be key in building practical solutions that help our team work more effectively.
To start, you'll validate machine learning models across our anti-money laundering (AML), Know Your Customer (KYC), and sanctions screening systems. This hands-on work will help you spot patterns and opportunities where automation can help, leading to a greater focus on building and improving our validation frameworks.
We're looking for someone with strong technical skills in both quantitative analysis and software engineering. You should be detail-oriented and familiar with relevant regulations and industry standards. Clear communication and the ability to work both independently and as part of a team are essential.
You Will

• Primary Focus:
  
  • Build tools that make model validation faster and more consistent
  • Create validation components we can reuse across different projects
  • Develop automated approaches for common tasks like:
  • Checking model performance
  • Running statistical tests
  • Verifying data quality
  • Testing model assumptions
  • Tracking performance changes over time
  • Build testing frameworks that work for different types of models
  • Create tools that help generate clear validation reports
  • Set up systems to continuously monitor model performance
• Immediate Responsibilities:
  
  • Assess machine learning models using statistical analysis and testing
  • Look for patterns in validation work that could be automated
  • Set up ways to track how models perform over time
  • Keep validation documentation clear and up-to-date
  • Work with other teams to understand their validation needs
  • Build good working relationships while keeping business goals in mind

You Have
Required:

• Advanced degree in Statistics, Mathematics, Physics, Computer Science, or related quantitative field
• 5+ years experience in model validation or risk management, with focus on machine learning models; or 3+ years and a graduate degree
• Strong software engineering practices and experience building maintainable, well-documented code
• Expertise in Python for building robust validation frameworks and automation tools
• Strong understanding of machine learning algorithms and statistical testing methodologies
• Advanced SQL skills for data analysis and validation automation
• Experience with test automation and software testing frameworks
• Strong quantitative skills with the ability to identify patterns in validation processes
• Experience building modular, reusable code and tools
• High ethical standards with a commitment to integrity and professionalism

Preferred:

• Experience developing internal tools or validation frameworks
• Knowledge of software development best practices (version control, unit testing, CI/CD)
• Experience validating models in regulatory environments (SR 11-7)
• Experience with AML, KYC, fraud detection, or other financial compliance models
• Knowledge of emerging technology validation approaches
• Experience with data visualization tools (e.g., Looker) for monitoring and reporting

Why Block?
At Block, you'll be at the forefront of transforming how we approach model risk management through automation. Your work will not only ensure the reliability and safety of our machine learning systems but will also create lasting impact by building the tools and frameworks that will shape the future of model validation. This is a unique opportunity to combine technical expertise in machine learning, validation, and software development to create innovative solutions in the fintech space.
We value diversity of perspectives because they fuel creativity and innovation. We offer competitive compensation packages, benefits, and perks, along with opportunities for career growth and professional development. As a Data Scientist in Model Risk Management at Block, you will be part of a team that is committed to providing reliable and accurate decision-making support while minimizing risk and delivering long-term value to the organization and its stakeholders.
If you are passionate about using your quantitative and technical skills to make an impact on economic empowerment while building the future of model validation, join us at Block!
We're working to build a more inclusive economy where our customers have equal access to opportunity, and we strive to live by these same values in building our workplace. Block is an equal opportunity employer evaluating all employees and job applicants without regard to identity or any legally protected class. We also consider qualified applicants with criminal histories for employment on our team, and always assess candidates on an individualized basis.
We believe in being fair, and are committed to an inclusive interview experience, including providing reasonable accommodations to disabled applicants throughout the recruitment process. We encourage applicants to share any needed accommodations with their recruiter, who will treat these requests as confidentially as possible. Want to learn more about what we're doing to build a workplace that is fair and square? Check out our I+D page .
Block will consider qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records for employment in accordance with state and local laws and "fair chance" ordinances.
Block takes a market-based approach to pay, and pay may vary depending on your location. U.S. locations are categorized into one of four zones based on a cost of labor index for that geographic area. The successful candidate's starting pay will be determined based on job-related skills, experience, qualifications, work location, and market conditions. These ranges may be modified in the future.
To find a location's zone designation, please refer to this resource . If a location of interest is not listed, please speak with a recruiter for additional information.
Zone A:
$163,600 - $245,400 USD
Zone B:
$155,400 - $233,200 USD
Zone C:
$147,300 - $220,900 USD
Zone D:
$139,000 - $208,600 USD
Every benefit we offer is designed with one goal: empowering you to do the best work of your career while building the life you want. Remote work, healthcare coverage, flexible time off, and modern family planning are just some of our offerings. Check out our other benefits at Block.
Block, Inc. (NYSE: XYZ) builds technology to increase access to the global economy. Each of our brands unlocks different aspects of the economy for more people. Square makes commerce and financial services accessible to sellers. Cash App is the easy way to spend, send, and store money. Afterpay is transforming the way customers manage their spending over time. TIDAL is a music platform that empowers artists to thrive as entrepreneurs. Bitkey is a simple self-custody wallet built for bitcoin. Proto is a suite of bitcoin mining products and services. Together, we're helping build a financial system that is open to everyone.