Founding Machine Learning Engineer Jobs in Cary, IL

The Company
PayPal has been revolutionizing commerce globally for more than 25 years. Creating innovative experiences that make moving money, selling, and shopping simple, personalized, and secure, PayPal empowers consumers and businesses in approximately 200 markets to join and thrive in the global economy.
We operate a global, two-sided network at scale that connects hundreds of millions of merchants and consumers. We help merchants and consumers connect, transact, and complete payments, whether they are online or in person. PayPal is more than a connection to third-party payment networks. We provide proprietary payment solutions accepted by merchants that enable the completion of payments on our platform on behalf of our customers.
We offer our customers the flexibility to use their accounts to purchase and receive payments for goods and services, as well as the ability to transfer and withdraw funds. We enable consumers to exchange funds more safely with merchants using a variety of funding sources, which may include a bank account, a PayPal or Venmo account balance, PayPal and Venmo branded credit products, a credit card, a debit card, certain cryptocurrencies, or other stored value products such as gift cards, and eligible credit card rewards. Our PayPal, Venmo, and Xoom products also make it safer and simpler for friends and family to transfer funds to each other. We offer merchants an end-to-end payments solution that provides authorization and settlement capabilities, as well as instant access to funds and payouts. We also help merchants connect with their customers, process exchanges and returns, and manage risk. We enable consumers to engage in cross-border shopping and merchants to extend their global reach while reducing the complexity and friction involved in enabling cross-border trade.
Our beliefs are the foundation for how we conduct business every day. We live each day guided by our core values of Inclusion, Innovation, Collaboration, and Wellness. Together, our values ensure that we work together as one global team with our customers at the center of everything we do - and they push us to ensure we take care of ourselves, each other, and our communities.
Job Summary:
This job is responsible for independently validating and providing oversight of high-impact statistical, machine learning, and AI models across key business areas such as credit, fraud, marketing, and collections. It involves assessing model soundness, data quality, and performance to identify and mitigate model risk, while collaborating with developers and business partners on remediation and improvement. The position also supports AI and model risk governance to ensure compliance with PayPal's enterprise risk framework and evolving regulatory standards.
Job Description:
Essential Responsibilities:

• Develop and optimize machine learning models for various applications.
• Preprocess and analyze large datasets to extract meaningful insights.
• Deploy ML solutions into production environments using appropriate tools and frameworks.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate ML models into products and services.
• Monitor and evaluate the performance of deployed models.

Minimum Qualifications:

• 3+ years relevant experience and a Bachelor's degree OR Any equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience with ML frameworks like TensorFlow, PyTorch, or scikit-learn.
• Familiarity with cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP) and tools for data processing and model deployment.
• Several years of experience in designing, implementing, and deploying machine learning models.

Additional Responsibilities & Preferred Qualifications:

• Advanced degree (Master's or Ph.D.) in a quantitative discipline such as Statistics, Mathematics, Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field.
• Strong knowledge of statistical and machine learning techniques, including but not limited to logistic regression, time-series modeling, random forests, support vector machines, gradient boosting (e.g., XGBoost), and deep learning architectures (e.g., CNNs, RNNs).
• Proficiency in programming and big-data technologies, with hands-on experience in tools such as Python (Scikit-learn, TensorFlow), SQL, Hadoop, and Spark.
• Relevant modeling experience in one or more of the following domains: credit risk scoring, fraud detection, financial forecasting, or marketing analytics - gained through industry or academic research.
• Strong collaboration and communication skills, with the ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a cross-functional team.
• Ability to articulate complex technical concepts clearly to non-technical stakeholders and build constructive working relationships across functions.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with Large Language Models (LLMs), Agentic AI, or related generative AI applications.
• Familiarity with model governance, model risk management, or AI regulatory compliance frameworks (e.g., SR 11-7, OCC 2011-12, EU AI Act) is a plus.

Subsidiary:
PayPal
Travel Percent:
0
The base pay for this role will depend on where you work and the relevant experience and expertise you bring. The expected range of pay for this role by location is:
Primary Location | Pay Range:
Chicago, Illinois | ($145,000.00 - $215,050.00 Annually)
Additional Location(s) | Pay Range:
San Jose, California | ($159,500.00 - $236,500.00 Annually)
Austin, Texas | ($145,000.00 - $215,050.00 Annually)
Additional compensation for this role may include an annual performance bonus, equity, or other incentive compensation, as applicable.
PayPal does not charge candidates any fees for courses, applications, resume reviews, interviews, background checks, or onboarding. When making an application directly, we will never ask you to share passwords, one-time passcodes (OTP), or verification codes. Any such request is a red flag and likely part of a scam. All communication regarding your application will come from official PayPal email domains. If you suspect fraudulent activity, please report it immediately. To learn more about how to identify and avoid recruitment fraud please visit https://careers.pypl.com/contact-us.
For the majority of employees, PayPal's balanced hybrid work model offers 3 days in the office for effective in-person collaboration and 2 days at your choice of either the PayPal office or your home workspace, ensuring that you equally have the benefits and conveniences of both locations.
Our Benefits:
At PayPal, we're committed to building an equitable and inclusive global economy. And we can't do this without our most important asset-you. That's why we offer comprehensive, choice-based programs, to support all aspects of personal wellbeing-physical, emotional, and financial-delivering meaningful value where it matters most. We strive to create a flexible, balanced work culture with a holistic approach to benefits, including generous paid time off, healthcare coverage for you and your family, and resources to create financial security and support your mental health.
Who We Are:
Click Here to learn more about our culture and community.
Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
PayPal provides equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. In addition, PayPal will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities. If you are unable to submit an application because of incompatible assistive technology or a disability, please contact us at paypalglobaltalentacquisition@paypal.com.
Belonging at PayPal:
Our employees are central to advancing our mission, and we strive to create an environment where everyone can do their best work with a sense of purpose and belonging. Belonging at PayPal means creating a workplace with a sense of acceptance and security where all employees feel included and valued. We are proud to have a diverse workforce reflective of the merchants, consumers, and communities that we serve, and we continue to take tangible actions to cultivate inclusivity and belonging at PayPal.
Any general requests for consideration of your skills, please Join our Talent Community.
We know the confidence gap and imposter syndrome can get in the way of meeting spectacular candidates. Please don't hesitate to apply.