Data Solutions & Validation Sr. Specialist

Robinhood • Westlake, TX

11d • $106,000 - $160,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

The Senior Specialist, Model Validation & Analytics will support Robinhood’s Financial Crimes Team by validating, testing, tuning, and optimizing transaction monitoring and filtering programs. The role conducts quantitative and qualitative reviews of rule-based and machine-learning surveillance models, filtering systems, and detection logic, examining model design, algorithm soundness, data integrity, and change management.

The specialist partners with AML Surveillance, engineering, data science, product, and compliance teams to evaluate implementations and data pipelines, support remediation, and improve risk detection while reducing false positives. The role also supports AML and Model Risk subject-matter needs; maintains traceable change and issue management documentation; and prepares defensible validation reports, executive summaries, findings, and recommendations. Hands-on use of AI tools, large language models, and automation is expected to improve productivity and workflows.

This role is based in Robinhood’s Denver, Colorado; New York, New York; or Westlake, Texas offices, with in-person attendance expected at least three days per week.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in a quantitative, technical, or financial field, such as Computer Science, Data Analytics, Statistics, or Finance.
• At least 5 years of experience in AML, Financial Crimes, or risk management in financial services or fintech, focused on model validation, quantitative analysis, or surveillance system management.
• At least 3 years of direct experience verifying, validating, testing, or tuning AML rule-based systems and/or machine-learning models.
• Working knowledge of Model Risk Management principles and governance standards.
• Proficiency in SQL and experience with quantitative tools or programming languages such as Python or R to query large datasets, perform statistical analyses, and evaluate model performance.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to explain complex technical and quantitative concepts to non-technical partners.
• Ability to manage multiple competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Perform independent quantitative and qualitative analyses of rule-based and machine-learning financial crimes surveillance models, filtering systems, and detection logic.
• Review model design, algorithm soundness, data integrity, and change management.
• Collaborate with software engineers, data engineers, and data scientists to understand complex logic, evaluate model implementations, test data pipelines, and support issue remediation.
• Apply tuning methodologies and statistical analyses to calibrate surveillance models, maximize risk detection, and reduce false-positive volumes.
• Conduct data validation and logic testing to assess the completeness, accuracy, and reliability of data pipelines and inputs feeding compliance models.
• Serve as a subject-matter resource in AML and Model Risk and support cross-functional partners in understanding model logic, performance, and risk trade-offs.
• Partner with engineering, product, and compliance teams to ensure technical solutions are conceptually sound, effective, and aligned with risk tolerance.
• Follow change and issue management policies for covered systems, models, and solutions, maintaining end-to-end traceability and defensible documentation.
• Use AI tools, large language models, and automation techniques to improve productivity, deliverable quality, and team workflows.
• Write validation reports, change and issue management documentation, and executive summaries explaining model theory, testing logic, performance findings, and recommendations.

Benefits

• Performance-driven compensation with multipliers for outsized impact, bonus programs, and equity ownership.
• 401(k) matching.
• 100% paid health insurance for employees and 90% coverage for dependents.
• Flexible lifestyle spending account for wellness, learning, and more.
• Employer-paid life and disability insurance.
• Fertility benefits.
• Mental health benefits.
• Company holidays, paid time off, sick time, and parental leave.
• Catered meals, events, and comfortable workspaces.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior