Risk Model Validation Associate - GenAI & ML

It Starts Here:

Santander is a global leader and innovator in the financial services industry and is evolving from a high-impact brand into a technology-driven organization. Our people are at the heart of this journey and together, we are driving a customer-centric transformation that values bold thinking, innovation, and the courage to challenge what's possible. This is more than a strategic shift. It's a chance for driven professionals to grow, learn, and make a real difference.

If you are interested in exploring the possibilities We Want to Talk to You!

The Difference You Make:

The Risk Model Validation Associate conducts independent validations of complex risk models against established standards, developing benchmarks, challenger analyses, and replication testing, while leading special projects and programs as needed.

Position Summary

• Review and assess overall model health within established governance frameworks, proactively identifying risks, issues, and control gaps.

• Perform independent, end-to-end validations of a broad range of statistical, machine learning, and GenAI models in accordance with internal standards and regulatory expectations.

• Develop and execute effective benchmarks, challenger models, and replication analyses to evaluate model soundness and performance.

• Evaluate model assumptions, limitations, and weaknesses, and clearly document findings, conclusions, and remediation recommendations.

• Partner closely with model owners and developers to understand model design, intended use, and underlying business context.

• Assess ongoing model performance and monitoring results to ensure continued fitness for purpose.

• Ensure full adherence to company model risk management policies, procedures, and documentation requirements.

What You Bring:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education

• Bachelor's Degree or equivalent work experience - Required.

• Master's Degree or higher in Statistics, Mathematics, Engineering, Computer Science, Economics, or a related field - Preferred.

Experience

• 5+ years of experience working with statistical models or building GenAI/ML solutions, including rigorous testing, validation, and documentation - Required.

• Experience in the financial services industry, including risk modeling and regulatory compliance (e.g., SR 11-7) - Preferred.

Skills

Hard Skills

• Programming proficiency in Python, with experience using Git; SQL experience - Required.

• Machine learning model knowledge, including model development, validation, and performance assessment techniques.

• Generative AI experience, including evaluation of LLM architectures, design decisions, implementation approaches, and associated risks such as hallucinations, toxicity, and bias.

• Hands-on experience with Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) systems, including document ingestion, chunking strategies, embeddings, retrieval methods, orchestration frameworks (e.g., LangChain, LlamaIndex), and response grounding.

• Hands-on experience with AWS-native services such as Bedrock, Lambda, API Gateway, S3, IAM, CloudWatch, and MLOps/LLMOps capabilities.

Soft Skills

• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills with the ability to challenge model assumptions and conclusions.

• Effective written and verbal communication skills, particularly in documenting and explaining complex technical topics.

• Collaborative mindset with the ability to work effectively with technical and business stakeholders.

• High attention to detail and commitment to quality, accuracy, and governance standards.

Certifications:

• No Certifications listed for this job.

It Would Be Nice For You To Have:

• Established work history or equivalent demonstrated through a combination of work experience, training, military service, or education.

• Experience in Microsoft Office products.

What Else You Need To Know:

The base pay range for this position is posted below and represents the annualized salary range. For hourly positions (non-exempt), the annual range is based on a 40-hour work week. The exact compensation may vary based on skills, experience, training, licensure and certifications and location.

Base Pay Range:

Minimum:

$90,000.00 USD

Maximum:

$170,000.00 USD

We Value Your Impact:

Your contribution matters and it's recognized. You can expect a fair and competitive rewards package that reflects the impact you create and the value you deliver. We know rewards go beyond numbers. Offering more than just a paycheck our benefits are designed to support you, your family and your well-being, now and into the future. Santander Benefits - 2026 Santander OnGoing/NH eGuide (foleon.com) (

Risk Culture:

We embrace a strong risk culture and all of our professionals at all levels are expected to take a proactive and responsible approach toward risk management.

EEO Statement:

At Santander, we value and respect differences in our workforce. We actively encourage everyone to apply. Santander is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, genetics, disability, age, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.

Working Conditions:

Frequent minimal physical effort such as sitting, standing and walking is required for this role. Depending on location, occasional moving and lifting light equipment and/or furniture may be required.

Employer Rights:

This job description does not list all of the job duties of the job. You may be asked by your supervisors or managers to perform other duties. You may be evaluated in part based upon your performance of the tasks listed in this job description. The employer has the right to revise this job description at any time. This job description is not a contract for employment and either you or the employer may terminate your employment at any time for any reason.

What To Do Next *: *

If this sounds like a role you are interested in, then please apply.

We are committed to providing an inclusive and accessible application process for all candidates. If you require any assistance or accommodation due to a disability or any other reason, please contact us at [email protected] to discuss your needs.

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER M/F/Vet/Disabled/SO