Risk Modeling and Data Governance Associate

About Santander Bank, N.A.

Santander is a global leader and innovator in the financial services industry, evolving into a technology-driven organization. We value bold thinking, innovation, and the courage to challenge what’s possible. This is an opportunity for driven professionals to grow, learn, and make a real difference.

The Difference You Make

The Risk Modeling & Data Governance Associate serves as a subject matter expert in designing and implementing end-to-end data governance frameworks for key reporting and business processes. This role partners with business leaders to ensure data quality and timely delivery. Additionally, it performs independent challenge and validation of complex risk models in accordance with Data Management and Model Validation standards, including benchmark development, challenger analysis, and replication testing, while supporting special projects as needed.

Position Summary

• Identify, document, and assess model data inputs for completeness, consistency, lineage, and control effectiveness.
• Define, document, and execute data validation requirements for model validation activities, including scope, control design, testing approaches, and evidentiary standards.
• Perform independent, end-to-end validation of statistical, machine learning, and Generative AI models, aligning with internal governance frameworks and regulatory expectations.
• Develop and execute benchmarks, challenger models, and replication analyses to assess model soundness, stability, and performance.
• Evaluate model assumptions, limitations, monitoring results, and performance metrics, documenting findings, conclusions, and remediation recommendations.
• Assess overall model health and compliance with data and model risk management policies, proactively identifying risks, issues, and control gaps.
• Partner with model owners, developers, and business stakeholders to understand model design, intended use, and business context, providing effective challenge.
• Support ongoing governance initiatives and special projects related to data quality, model risk, and regulatory readiness.

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

• 7+ years of experience working with statistical models, developing, and/or validating machine learning or Generative AI solutions, including rigorous testing and documentation – Required.
• Quantitative or analytical professional background in Finance, Economics, Statistics, Mathematics, Engineering, or a related discipline – Required.
• Experience in the financial services industry with exposure to data management, risk modeling, and regulatory compliance (e.g., BCBS 239, SR 11-7) – Required.
• Prior consulting, advisory, or second-line oversight experience within data governance, model validation, or risk analytics environments – Preferred.

Hard Skills

• Knowledge of machine learning models, including development, validation, performance testing, and monitoring techniques.
• Generative AI expertise, including evaluation of LLM architectures, design decisions, implementation approaches, and associated risks such as hallucinations, bias, and toxicity.
• Hands-on experience with Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) systems, including document ingestion, chunking strategies, embeddings, retrieval techniques, orchestration frameworks, and response grounding.
• Hands-on experience with AWS-native services such as Bedrock, Lambda, API Gateway, S3, IAM, CloudWatch, and MLOps or LLMOps capabilities.
• Strong Python proficiency for data manipulation, validation, automation of controls, and development of reproducible, well-documented scripts using version control.
• SQL proficiency, including data extraction, joins, aggregation, reconciliation, and validation across multiple data sources.
• Experience using Power BI to develop dashboards that visualize data quality metrics, trends, and validation outcomes.
• Demonstrated ability to operate effectively within a controlled, regulated environment with strong documentation standards and a risk-and-controls mindset.

Soft Skills

• Proven ability to communicate complex technical, data, and model risk concepts clearly to non-technical governance and risk stakeholders.
• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills with the ability to independently challenge model assumptions and conclusions.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills, particularly in documenting and explaining complex technical and governance topics.
• Collaborative mindset with the ability to partner effectively with technical teams and business stakeholders.
• High attention to detail and a strong 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.

Compensation and Benefits

The base pay range for this position is $78,750.00 USD to $130,000.00 USD. The exact compensation may vary based on skills, experience, training, licensure and certifications, and location. We offer a fair and competitive rewards package, including benefits designed to support your well-being.

Risk Culture

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

EEO Statement

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. We actively encourage everyone to apply and are committed to providing an inclusive and accessible application process.

Working Conditions

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

Employer Rights

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

Next Steps

If this sounds like a role you are interested in, please apply. If you require any assistance or accommodation due to a disability or any other reason, please contact us at TAOps@santander.us to discuss your needs.

Key skills/competency

• Risk Modeling
• Data Governance
• Machine Learning
• Generative AI
• Python
• SQL
• Model Validation
• Data Quality
• Regulatory Compliance
• AWS