Senior Machine Learning Engineer Research Scientist, Fraud

Plaid

Confirmed live today High trust

Quick summary

Work type
On-site
Location
New York, NYSeattle, WASan Francisco, CA
Salary
$228,960–$315,360 / yr
Posted
2 days ago
Freshness
Confirmed live today

Market check

Salary context

Above market

How this pay compares to similar roles

Similar $218k
This role $272k
$160k most similar roles pay here $332k

This role pays more than 87% of similar roles. Most pay $180,300–$254,750 — the shaded band above. At the midpoint, this role pays about $272k versus about $218k for comparable roles.

Based on 240 similar postings.

Employer

About Plaid

Plaid is a financial technology company that builds a data network powering digital finance applications, enabling consumers to securely connect their financial accounts to apps and services. Industry: Financial Technology & Data Infrastructure

Plaid currently has 41 open roles on FindRole.

Listed pay typically runs $201,600–$272,400 across 41 roles with salary data.

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View all roles at Plaid

At a glance

TL;DR · Senior Machine Learning Engineer Research Scientist, Fraud

Senior Machine Learning Engineer (Research Scientist) - Fraud joins the Fraud Data team to develop machine learning models that detect and prevent fraud while minimizing friction for legitimate users. In this research role, you will lead applied research to build next-generation detection models across relational graphs, sequential events, images, and video data. You will own a research roadmap, design rigorous experiments, and translate innovative prototypes into production-ready solutions. The work involves exploring state-of-the-art approaches including Graph Neural Networks and Transformer-based foundation models. Key responsibilities include prototyping multimodal learning, publishing findings, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to improve fraud detection across the network. Required skills include a PhD or equivalent research experience, scientific rigor, and proficiency in Python. The role focuses on solving complex security and risk problems using large-scale training and graph systems.

What you'll do

  • Research and prototype state-of-the-art approaches in graph machine learning, sequential modeling, and multimodal learning.
  • Develop next-generation fraud detection models using relational graphs, sequential events, images, and video data.
  • Design rigorous experiments and evaluation methodologies that reflect real-world fraud dynamics.
  • Translate innovative research prototypes into production-ready solutions with measurable product impact.
  • Execute a research roadmap to identify new signals and evaluate innovative modeling approaches.
  • Communicate complex research findings internally and externally to advance the technical bar for fraud machine learning.
  • Build high-quality research prototypes in Python to inform or transition into production systems.

What we're looking for

  • PhD in Machine Learning, AI, Computer Science, Statistics, Applied Mathematics, or a related field (preferred).
  • Equivalent research experience such as significant publications, patents, or widely adopted contributions if no PhD is held (preferred).
  • 2–4+ years of relevant industry or research lab experience with demonstrated research leadership.
  • Proven track record of translating innovative research into measurable product or business impact.
  • Demonstrated scientific rigor and strong written and verbal communication skills to explain complex findings.
  • Strong proficiency in Python and experience building high-quality research prototypes for production systems.
  • Experience in fraud detection, security, risk, or abuse prevention (preferred).
  • Experience with large-scale training, graph systems, and sequential modeling (preferred).

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