Senior Data Scientist, Algorithm - Financial Markets
Data Scientist · Senior · Full Time
Opens Airwallex's application page
Role
What you'll do.
Senior Data Scientist role at Airwallex focused on financial markets risk management and algorithm development. The position requires expertise in statistical modeling and machine learning to optimize FX trading, market forecasting, and risk assessment for a global fintech platform serving 200,000+ businesses.
Responsibilities
- Risk Portfolio Management: Effectively manage Airwallex's comprehensive risk portfolio and deliver actionable insights to shape overall risk strategy within global financial markets
- Statistical Modeling & ML Implementation: Apply advanced statistical and machine learning models to estimate financial markets risk exposures including FX, credit, capital, and product-specific risks
- Market Optimization: Optimize market forecasting algorithms, order routing systems, fund efficiency metrics, and dynamic pricing decisions using data-driven approaches
- Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with Product Managers, Traders, Risk teams, Engineering, and stakeholders to deliver data-driven recommendations supporting commercial objectives
- Executive Communication: Present analytical results and insights clearly to cross-functional teams and executives to influence business strategies and decision-making processes
- Algorithm Development: Design and implement sophisticated algorithms for real-time risk assessment and automated trading decision support systems
Qualifications
What we look for.
Technical
Programming Expertise
Expert-level proficiency in SQL for data querying, Python for scripting and analysis, and statistical software like R for quantitative modeling
Machine Learning & Statistics
Strong ability to perform statistical analysis and develop machine learning models for data-informed financial decisions and risk assessment
Schema Design
Experience in database schema design and dimensional data modeling for financial data architecture and optimization
Financial Markets Knowledge
Strong understanding of financial markets, foreign exchange mechanisms, and dynamic trading systems architecture
Education
Advanced Degree Requirement
PhD or Master's degree in quantitative fields such as Statistics, Engineering, Sciences, Computer Science, or Economics
Quantitative Background
Strong foundation in mathematical modeling, statistical analysis, and computational methods for financial applications
Experience
Industry Experience
Minimum 5+ years of professional experience in data science, quantitative analysis, or related analytical roles in technology or financial services
Executive Communication
Proven experience communicating complex analytical results to executives and cross-functional teams to influence strategic decisions
Financial Services Background
Preferred experience in technology companies, financial services, trading environments, or high-growth startup ecosystems
Skills
Required
Python Programming
Expert-level Python skills for data analysis, machine learning model development, and automation of financial processes
SQL Mastery
Advanced SQL proficiency for complex data querying, joins, and database optimization in financial data environments
Statistical Analysis
Strong statistical modeling skills including hypothesis testing, regression analysis, and time series forecasting for financial markets
Machine Learning
Hands-on experience with supervised/unsupervised learning, feature engineering, and model validation for risk assessment
Financial Markets Knowledge
Deep understanding of FX markets, trading systems, risk management, and financial instrument pricing mechanisms
Executive Communication
Ability to translate complex technical findings into clear, actionable insights for business stakeholders and executives
Preferred
R Programming
Nice to haveStatistical computing experience with R for advanced quantitative analysis and specialized financial modeling packages
Schema Design
Nice to haveExperience with database schema design and dimensional modeling for optimized financial data architecture
Trading Experience
Nice to haveBackground in algorithmic trading, order management systems, or electronic market making in financial services
Fintech Experience
Nice to havePrevious work in financial technology companies, payment platforms, or high-growth startup environments
Cloud Platforms
Nice to haveExperience with AWS, GCP, or Azure for scalable data processing and machine learning model deployment
Tech stack
Languages
Frameworks
Databases
Tools
Other
Compensation
Pay and benefits.
Base·USD 200,000 – 250,000
Benefits
Global Career Growth
Opportunity to work across 26 offices globally with a diverse team of 2,000+ innovative professionals in the fintech space
Equity Participation
Equity participation in a US$8 billion valued company backed by world-leading investors including T. Rowe Price, Visa, and Mastercard
Professional Development
Accelerated learning opportunities working on complex, high-visibility problems with exceptional teammates in cutting-edge fintech
Hybrid Work Model
Flexible hybrid work arrangement combining remote work with collaborative in-office time in San Francisco
Equal Opportunity Environment
Inclusive workplace committed to diversity and equal opportunity employment with accommodation support for disabilities
Innovation Culture
Work environment that encourages AI adoption, first-principles thinking, and zero-to-one product development
Process
Interview steps.
- 01
Initial Screening
Phone or video screening with HR to discuss background, experience, and role alignment with focus on quantitative experience
- 02
Technical Assessment
Take-home coding challenge involving financial data analysis, statistical modeling, or machine learning problem solving using Python/SQL
- 03
Technical Interview
Deep-dive technical discussion covering statistical methods, machine learning approaches, and financial markets knowledge with data science team
- 04
Case Study Presentation
Present a business case study demonstrating analytical thinking, communication skills, and ability to derive actionable insights from data
- 05
Cross-Functional Panel
Panel interview with stakeholders from Product, Engineering, and Risk teams to assess collaboration and business acumen
- 06
Final Leadership Interview
Leadership interview focusing on cultural fit, career motivations, and strategic thinking with senior data science or executive team members
Full posting
Original listing.
About Airwallex
Airwallex is the only unified payments and financial platform for global businesses. Powered by our unique combination of proprietary infrastructure and software, we empower over 200,000 businesses worldwide – including Brex, Rippling, Navan, Qantas, SHEIN and many more – with fully integrated solutions to manage everything from business accounts, payments, spend management and treasury, to embedded finance at a global scale.
Proudly founded in Melbourne, we have a team of over 2,000 of the brightest and most innovative people in tech across 26 offices around the globe. Valued at US$8 billion and backed by world-leading investors including T. Rowe Price, Visa, Mastercard, Robinhood Ventures, Sequoia, Salesforce Ventures, DST Global, and Lone Pine Capital, Airwallex is leading the charge in building the global payments and financial platform of the future. If you’re ready to do the most ambitious work of your career, join us.
Attributes We Value
We hire successful builders with founder-like energy who want real impact, accelerated learning, and true ownership. You bring strong role-related expertise and sharp thinking, and you’re motivated by our mission and operating principles. You move fast with good judgment, dig deep with curiosity, and make decisions from first principles, balancing speed and rigor.
You're humble and collaborative; turn zero‑to‑one ideas into real products, and you “get stuff done” end-to-end. You use AI to work smarter and solve problems faster. Here, you’ll tackle complex, high‑visibility problems with exceptional teammates and grow your career as we build the future of global banking. If that sounds like you, let’s build what’s next.
About the team
As a global team, we span across Australia, China, USA, and Singapore, revolutionizing applied data science, data engineering and platform solutions to support Airwallex's rapid growth. You will collaborate with a diverse range of cross-functional partners, including Product, Engineering, Marketing, Sales, Finance, and more, to tackle complex data problems and shape the future of fintech.
Learn more about the data science team in this blog.
The Role
Effectively manage Airwallex’s risk portfolio, delivering actionable insights to shape our overall risk strategy within financial markets
Apply statistical and/or machine learning models to estimate financial markets risk exposures (including FX, credit, capital, and other product risks), and optimize market forecasting, order routing, fund efficiency, and pricing decisions
Partner with Product Managers, Traders, Risk, Engineering, and other stakeholders to deliver data-driven recommendations that support commercial and operational objectives
Clearly present analytical results and insights to cross-functional teams to influence business strategies and decision-making
Who you are
We're looking for people who meet the minimum qualifications for this role. The preferred qualifications are great to have, but are not mandatory.
Minimum qualifications:
5+ years industry experience and an advanced degree (PhD or MS) in a quantitative field (e.g. Statistics, Engineering, Sciences, Computer Science, Economics)
Strong understanding of financial markets, foreign exchange, and/or dynamic trading systems is a plus
Experience with communicating the results of analyses to executives and cross-functional teams to influence the strategy
Expert in data querying languages (e.g. SQL), scripting languages (e.g. Python), and/or statistical/mathematical software (e.g. R), experience in schema design and dimensional data modeling a plus
Ability to perform statistical analysis and develop machine learning models to drive data-informed decisions
Preferred qualifications:
Experience in technology, financial services, trading environment and/or a high growth environment is advantageous
Applicant Safety Policy: Fraud and Third-Party Recruiters
To protect you from recruitment scams, please be aware that Airwallex will not ask for bank details, sensitive ID numbers (i.e. passport), or any form of payment during the application or interview process. All official communication will come from an @airwallex.com email address. Please apply only through careers.airwallex.com or our official LinkedIn page.
Airwallex does not accept unsolicited resumes from search firms/recruiters. Airwallex will not pay any fees to search firms/recruiters if a candidate is submitted by a search firm/recruiter unless an agreement has been entered into with respect to specific open position(s). Search firms/recruiters submitting resumes to Airwallex on an unsolicited basis shall be deemed to accept this condition, regardless of any other provision to the contrary.
Equal opportunity
Airwallex is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity and anyone seeking employment at Airwallex is considered based on merit, qualifications, competence and talent. We don’t regard color, religion, race, national origin, sexual orientation, ancestry, citizenship, sex, marital or family status, disability, gender, or any other legally protected status when making our hiring decisions. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please let us know.
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