Data Scientist - AI/ML (Mid & Sr Levels)

Spade is a data and AI platform that structures and verifies transaction data for financial institutions and fintech companies. The Data Scientist will build and deploy real-time machine learning and AI systems, develop data-quality models and pipelines, and collaborate with engineering, product, and leadership to improve customer-facing products. Senior-level responsibilities additionally include shaping team roadmaps and mentoring data scientists.

Responsibilities

• Own the full lifecycle of ML/AI products. From first prototype to production system serving real customers
• Build the automated systems behind Spade's data quality. The models and pipelines that keep our accuracy and coverage ahead of the market
• Set the bar for how ML gets built here. Pushing for models that are not just accurate, but scalable, robust, and production-ready from day one
• Help shape where the data science team goes next. Partnering directly with leadership on roadmap and priorities •(Senior role)•
• Grow the team around you. Mentoring other data scientists and raising the practices we build on •(Senior role)•

Skills

• 3+ years building and shipping models in Python, in a fast-paced environment (5+ for senior)
• Worked hands-on with engineering and product, not just in a research silo
• Strong ML, stats, and data fundamentals (PySpark, pandas, SQL)
• A product mindset — you navigate ambiguity and optimize for customer value, not just model accuracy
• A collaborative streak — you take feedback well and care about the team's success, not just your own
• An AI-forward workflow — coding assistants and LLMs are part of how you already work, and you're excited to push further
• 5+ years, with end-to-end ownership of ML/AI products from idea to production
• Shipped ML/AI-powered products, ideally customer-facing
• A track record of mentoring and raising team standards
• Databricks, data pipelines, Hex
• Gen AI feature/product development
• Fintech experience — especially transaction, merchant, or location data
• Early-stage, high-growth startup experience

Benefits

• Meaningful equity, with flexibility for early exercise and an extended post-termination options period.
• 100% paid medical, mental, dental, and vision premium option plus One Medical membership for US-based employees.
• 401(k).
• Paid parental leave: 12 weeks of full pay for parents welcoming a new child into their home.
• Unlimited PTO.
• Flexible in-person culture: NYC HQ is hybrid and dog-friendly, with remote opportunities for certain roles in the US/Canada.
• Generous work-from-home stipend.
• Company-paid lunches.
• Citibike membership

Company Overview

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