Data Scientist - Fraud Prevention & Risk Analytics

Data Scientist - Fraud Prevention & Risk Analytics

(Draper Utah, On-Site) 

ABOUT UPBOUND  

Upbound Group, Inc. (effective February 27, 2023: NASDAQ: UPBD) is an omni-channel platform company committed to elevating financial opportunity for all through innovative, inclusive, and technology-driven financial solutions that address the evolving needs and aspirations of consumers. The Company’s customer-facing operating units include industry-leading brands such as Acima, Rent-A-Center, and Brigit that facilitate consumer transactions across a wide range of store-based and digital retail channels, including over 2,400 company branded retail units across the United States, Mexico and Puerto Rico. Upbound Group, Inc. is headquartered in Plano, Texas. 

ABOUT THE POSITION 

We’re expanding our Fraud Prevention team and seeking a Data Scientist who will specialize in fraud detection and prevention. In this role, you’ll apply advanced analytics, machine learning, and statistical modeling to uncover fraud patterns, safeguard our customers, and protect Acima’s business. You’ll collaborate closely with fraud and data science teams to design proactive solutions, monitor portfolio health, and deliver insights that drive strategic decisions. The work you do will have immediate and lasting impact on both security and customer trust. 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Develop and deploy fraud detection models/strategies using Python and ML frameworks (Scikit-learn, XGBoost, etc.). 

• Engineer and optimize fraud-specific features (e.g., velocity checks, behavioral profiles, device/IP analysis). 

• Monitor and analyze fraud trends to identify vulnerabilities and recommend improvements. 

• Partner with Fraud Prevention Manager to design hybrid rules + ML fraud detection strategies. 

• Share data-driven insights with leadership to influence fraud risk strategy. 

• Support chargeback dispute/management processes through analytical insights. 

JOB REQUIREMENTS/QUALIFICATIONS 

• Bachelor’s or advanced degree in Data Science, Mathematics, Computer Science, Statistics, or related field 

• 5+ years’ experience programming in Python (NumPy, Pandas, Scikit-learn, XGBoost) 

• 2+ years’ experience with SQL 

• Experience with fraud prevention, detection, or risk analytics 

• Strong ability to balance fraud loss, customer experience, and portfolio performance 

• Excellent problem-solving and independent work skills 

• Experience with fraud prevention platforms (e.g., Kount, CyberSource Decision Manager, Signifyd) 

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS 

• Understanding of chargeback dispute/management processes 

• Knowledge of fraud typologies (card fraud, identity theft, synthetic identity, etc.) 

• Familiarity with advanced feature engineering for fraud detection 

• Master’s degree or higher in a quantitative discipline 

COMPENSATION/BENEFITS 

• Competitive compensation  

• Full health benefits-Medical/Dental/Vision  

• 401(k) match, (5%/4%)  

• DTO (discretionary time off)  

• Health savings account (HSA) with company contribution  

• College tuition reimbursement program (STEM degrees)  

• Unlimited use of LinkedIn Learning  

• On-site gym and showers 

• Free car charging 

Join us at the forefront of digital innovation, where your work will directly impact the future of financial accessibility and consumer experiences across retail, e‑commerce, and fintech. 

Upbound/Acima/Brigit are equal opportunity employers committed to ensuring that all employment decisions are made on a non-discriminatory basis, and without regard to actual or perceived race.