Staff Analyst

About Upstart

Upstart is the leading AI-driven lending marketplace, partnering with banks and credit unions to expand access to affordable credit. Our platform increases approval rates while reducing loss rates across demographics, offering a seamless, digital-first borrowing experience. More than 80% of borrowers are approved instantly, with zero documentation required.

With offices in San Mateo, CA; Columbus, OH; and Austin, TX, Upstart operates as a digital-first company, allowing most employees to work from anywhere in the United States.

About the Team

Upstart’s Small Dollar Loan team offers a fair, non-predatory alternative to high-cost payday loans, targeting customers often deemed “too risky” by traditional lenders. Since its launch in April 2022, the product has expanded credit access for tens of thousands of customers while demonstrating strong unit economics.

The team operates like a startup within Upstart, rapidly refining ML models, automating customer experiences, and scaling the business.

Role Overview

As a Staff Analyst, you will play a key role in driving data-informed decision-making for the Small Dollar Loan product. Partnering with Product, Engineering, and Data Science teams, you will uncover insights, optimize loan performance, and shape product strategy, directly impacting Upstart’s growth trajectory.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the development of data-driven strategies to grow and enhance the Small Dollar Loan product.

• Collaborate with Product and GM teams to shape roadmaps and business strategies with actionable insights.

• Design, build, and maintain analytics frameworks to monitor product performance, user behavior, and loan outcomes.

• Conduct deep-dive analyses and modeling to identify growth opportunities, optimize performance, and refine risk strategies.

• Define and execute experimentation strategies (A/B testing, causal inference) to improve customer experience and financial outcomes.

• Present insights and recommendations effectively to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.

Minimum Qualifications

• 8+ years in product analytics, data science, or related quantitative roles, preferably in fintech, lending, or consumer finance.

• BS in a quantitative field (Statistics, Economics, Computer Science, Data Science).

• Strong proficiency in SQL and Python (or R) for data analysis, modeling, and automation.

• Experience in A/B testing, causal inference, and experimental design.

• Exceptional communication skills with a proven ability to translate complex data insights into actionable recommendations.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with lending products, risk modeling, or financial services analytics.

• Knowledge of data modeling principles and scalable analytical models.

• Ability to influence cross-functional teams through compelling data storytelling.

• Strategic mindset and comfort with ambiguity in solving complex problems.

Why Upstart

• Remote-first, flexible work environment with optional on-site collaboration sessions.

• Competitive total compensation package, including target bonuses and equity.

• Comprehensive benefits: medical, dental, vision, 401(k), and more.

• Inclusive and diverse company culture committed to equitable hiring and professional growth.