Manager, Machine Learning Engineering (Underwriting)

About the Role

The machine learning engineering team at Affirm is at the forefront of innovation, using cutting-edge techniques and rich data representations to build models that predict expected returns, lifetime value, and conversion rates. As the manager of this team, you will be responsible for setting the technical strategy, guiding your engineers through complex projects, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure that technical solutions are sustainable, risks are managed, and trade-offs are well understood.

Affirm operates in a remote-first environment, which means you will have the flexibility to work from anywhere in Canada. This role offers a unique opportunity to join a company that is committed to making a positive impact on consumers' financial lives.

What You Will Do

• Set the technical strategy for the machine learning engineering team and ensure alignment with business objectives.
• Manage a team of ML engineers, providing guidance, feedback, and leadership to help them grow professionally.
• Collaborate with product management, design, and analytics teams to ensure that technical solutions are well-integrated into the product development lifecycle.
• Act as a force multiplier by defining and advocating for technical solutions and operational processes that drive efficiency and innovation.
• Develop and maintain a deep understanding of Affirm's products, services, and customer needs to inform technical decision-making.
• Partner with risk leaders to design and implement ML solutions that balance business objectives with risk management.
• Stay up-to-date with the latest advancements in machine learning and assess their potential applications within Affirm.
• Contribute to the development of a cohesive long-term ML strategy that aligns with Affirm's mission and goals.
• Ensure that the ML engineering team is equipped with the necessary tools, resources, and support to deliver high-quality solutions.
• Foster a culture of innovation, experimentation, and continuous learning within the team.

What We Are Looking For

• Bachelor's degree in a technical field (such as Computer Science, Engineering, or Mathematics) with 8+ years of industry experience, including 3+ years of managing engineers.
• Proficiency in machine learning with experience in areas including tree-based models, transformers, deep learning, and agentic ML.
• Strong engineering skills with the ability to provide hands-on technical leadership and work with Affirm's code and architecture.
• Ability to thrive in ambiguity and move seamlessly between low-level language details and high-level system architecture.
• Experience in managing and developing talent, with a focus on providing feedback, guidance, and leadership.
• Strong collaboration and communication skills, with the ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams.
• A passion for digital finance and a commitment to Affirm's mission of making credit more honest and friendly.

Nice to Have

• Experience with cloud-based technologies and containerization (e.g., Docker, Kubernetes).
• Knowledge of data engineering principles and experience with data pipelines.
• Familiarity with DevOps practices and tools (e.g., Jenkins, CircleCI).
• Experience with agile development methodologies and version control systems (e.g., Git).
• Certification in machine learning or a related field.

Benefits and Perks

• Competitive base salary within the range of
  78,000 - $228,000 per year, depending on experience.
• Equity rewards as part of Affirm's total compensation package.
• 100% subsidized medical, dental, and vision coverage for you and your dependents.
• Monthly stipends for health, wellness, and tech spending.
• Flexible remote work arrangement with the option to work from anywhere in Canada.
• Opportunities for professional growth and development in a rapidly expanding company.
• Access to cutting-edge technologies and tools to support your work and personal development.
• A dynamic and supportive work environment that values innovation, collaboration, and teamwork.

• Be prepared to showcase your technical expertise in machine learning, including your experience with specific models and techniques.
• Highlight your ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams, including product management, design, and analytics.
• Emphasize your experience in managing and developing talent, and your approach to providing feedback and guidance to engineers.
• Make sure to research Affirm's products and services to understand how your skills and experience align with the company's mission and goals.
• Prepare to discuss your approach to technical decision-making, including how you assess risks and trade-offs in ML projects.
• Showcase your passion for digital finance and your commitment to making a positive impact on consumers' financial lives.
• Be prepared to discuss your experience with agile development methodologies, DevOps practices, and version control systems.