Founded in 2009, Zest AI has been pioneering innovative AI technology with a mission to expand credit access to create opportunities for more Americans to pursue their financial goals. Zest AI is transforming the $17 trillion US consumer credit market by delivering AI technology that helps lenders identify creditworthy borrowers overlooked by traditional methods, while leveling the playing field so financial institutions of all sizes can harness AI to provide better lending experiences.
With over 50 issued and pending patents across automation, accuracy, performance, and model explainability, Zest AI is a leader in financial technology, providing financial institutions with AI tools that create a more resilient US financial system and a stronger U.S. economy. With over 600 active AI models, financial institutions rely on Zest AI's comprehensive suite of solutions spanning marketing, underwriting, fraud detection, lending intelligence, and more to make smarter lending decisions while improving profitability. This US-based technology as a service company is headquartered in Los Angeles, California.
Machine Learning Engineers at Zest AI build software that enables our customers to quickly create, adopt, and operate machine learning models in production. For example, some work might be focused on scale (automating model builds/deployments), while other work might be addressing a specific capability (better model power, clearer model explainability, more desirable fairer model alternatives).
In this role you will:
- Collaborate on end-to-end development efforts for complex ML/AI-powered solutions—from ideation through deployment—ensuring scalability, reliability, and maintainability.
- Design experiments/prototypes with cutting-edge techniques aimed at advancing both internal capabilities (e.g., automation pipelines) as well as customer-facing products.
- Collaborate cross-functionally with product management, sales/engagement management teams, data scientists/researchers—and provide thought leadership on how best-in-class ML technologies can address business challenges.
- Build sophisticated internal tooling frameworks enabling seamless integration between analytics platforms & operationalized models used across departments/customers.
- Stay ahead-of-the curve regarding emerging trends within artificial intelligence/machine-learning research fields actively applying them where appropriate toward innovation opportunities aligned w/business objectives
What we’re looking for:
- 1+ years of hands-on experience (post graduation) building and deploying machine learning systems, with a track record of delivering production-grade solutions beyond classroom or internship projects
- Strong programming fundamentals in Python, with the ability to build reliable, scalable services and tools
- Familiarity with ML and GenAI frameworks (e.g., PyTorch, Hugging Face, LangChain, Scikit-learn, Pandas) and solid understanding of core ML/LLM concepts (transformers, embeddings, retrieval, evaluation, optimization, etc.)
- Comfort with modern software development practices (modular design, version control, testing, CI/CD, code review)
- Ability to write efficient, resource-aware code that handles memory, I/O, and CPU/GPU workloads effectively
- Experience with automation and tooling for data analysis, model evaluation, or workflow orchestration (e.g., Airflow, GitHub Actions, containerization)
- A quantitative degree (Computer Science, Engineering, Physics, Math, or related) — MS/PhD welcome, but not required
- Bonus: contributions to open-source projects in GenAI, ML tooling, or automation; GitHub repos or other visible examples of your work
What excites you:
- Designing and deploying GenAI-powered tools and features that help our data scientists, analysts, and customers work smarter
- Building tools that make ML development smoother and faster for cross functional partners
- Bridging the gap between research and production systems
- Continuously learning and staying curious about new ML methods
- Applying ML to solve real-world problems with real-world impact
Perks and benefits:
All Zestys experience:
- The opportunity to join a mission-focused company
- People – the best part of Zest
- Robust medical, dental and vision insurance plans
- Annual bonus plan participation
- 401(k) with generous match
- Employee Awards and Recognition
- 11 company holidays
- Winter break (office closed between Christmas and New Year's Day)
- Unlimited vacation time
- Employee Resource Groups
- Generous family leave policy (12 week maternity leave / 6 week paternity leave)
- Phone, internet, wellness, and professional development allowances
- Employee gatherings, including Town Hall meetings
Additionally, our Burbank, CA area, hybrid model Zestys enjoy:
- Beautiful, modern, dog-friendly office with lounge areas, video games, and gigantic jigsaw puzzles
- Daily catered lunches from LA’s best restaurants and a fully stocked kitchen
- Complimentary manicures, pedicures, and mindfulness sessions
- Company happy hours, social events, outings, and much more!
Work Authorization: Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States. At this time, Zest is not able to provide visa sponsorship for new hires. **NO C2C**
About Zest AI:
Creating a diverse and inclusive culture where all are welcomed, valued, and empowered to achieve our full potential is important to who we are and where we’re headed in the future. We know that unique backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives help us think bigger, spark innovation, and succeed together. Zest is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion and encourages professionals from underrepresented groups in technology and financial services to apply.
Our core values are Communication, Collaboration, Bias for Action, Client-centricity, and Heart. Learn more at Zest.ai, follow us on LinkedIn (linkedin.com/company/zest-ai/) or Twitter @Zest_AI, or check out our Insights blog (https://www.zest.ai/cms/insights).
