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Model Validation Analyst Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Create, execute, track and report on model validation, functional and integration test cases of ... analytical and problem solving skills Must be able to work independently and be a good team player ...

Establish scalable, efficient, automated processes for large scale data analyses, model development, model validation, and model implementation. (40 hours / week, 8:00am-5:00pm, Salary Range $123531 ...

Establish scalable, efficient, automated processes for large scale data analyses, model development, model validation, and model implementation. (40 hours / week, 8:00am-5:00pm, Salary Range $103522 ...

Partner with Model Risk Management on model validations, annual reviews, and ongoing assessments. * Analyze model performance and explain model behavior to business stakeholders. * Utilize advanced ...

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Model Validation Analyst information

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$54

How much do model validation analyst jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for model validation analyst in California is $30.84, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.07 and $37.98 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a model validation analyst?

Model Validation Analysts are professionals who assess and validate mathematical models used by organizations, especially in finance and risk management. Their primary responsibility is to ensure that these models are accurate, reliable, and compliant with regulatory standards. They review model assumptions, methodologies, and data inputs, as well as perform independent testing and documentation. By doing so, they help organizations manage risks and make informed decisions based on trustworthy model outputs.

What are common challenges faced by model validation analysts, and how can they be addressed?

Model Validation Analysts often encounter challenges such as evaluating complex models with limited documentation, managing tight deadlines for validation reports, and staying current with evolving regulatory requirements. These challenges can be addressed by maintaining clear communication with model developers, utilizing standardized validation frameworks, and participating in ongoing training or workshops. Building strong analytical and documentation skills also helps ensure thorough and effective model assessments.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a model validation analyst?

To thrive as a Model Validation Analyst, you need strong quantitative analysis skills, a background in statistics or mathematics, and typically a degree in a relevant field such as finance, economics, or data science. Familiarity with statistical software (e.g., SAS, R, Python), risk modeling tools, and knowledge of regulatory requirements are essential. Attention to detail, critical thinking, and effective communication skills help you interpret model results and convey findings to stakeholders. These competencies ensure robust model risk management, regulatory compliance, and informed decision-making within financial institutions.

What is the difference between Model Validation Analyst vs Quantitative Analyst?

AspectModel Validation AnalystQuantitative Analyst
Required CredentialsBachelor's in finance, statistics, or related field; often certifications like CFA or FRMBachelor's or higher in finance, mathematics, or related; CFA or FRM common
Work EnvironmentFinancial institutions, risk management, model validation teamsInvestment banks, asset management firms, hedge funds
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in risk management, model validation departmentsUsed in trading, investment analysis, portfolio management

The Model Validation Analyst primarily focuses on verifying and validating financial models to ensure accuracy and compliance within risk management teams. In contrast, Quantitative Analysts develop and implement complex models for trading and investment strategies. While both roles require strong quantitative skills and similar certifications, their core responsibilities and work environments differ significantly.

What are popular job titles related to Model Validation Analyst jobs in California? For Model Validation Analyst jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Model Validation Analyst jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Model Validation Analyst jobs in California are:
Infographic showing various Model Validation Analyst job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 3% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $64,148 per year, or $30.8 per hour.

AVP, Credit Model Development

Synchrony Financial

Costa Mesa, CA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 22 days ago


Synchrony Financial rating

9.0

Company rating: 9.0 out of 10

Based on 52 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

2nd of 150 rated financial services


Job description

Role Summary/Purpose:

Synchrony's Credit Account Management (ACM) - Model Development role will provide excellent opportunities to support our ACM analytics and modeling capabilities. In this role, you will contribute to the development and execution of models for customer account management.

The successful candidate will be responsible for executing key aspects of the model development lifecycle, including internal model building, assisting in the review of vendor models, supporting validation processes, and assisting with regulatory documentation. We are looking for a candidate who is curious and passionate about technical problem-solving and has hands-on experience in big data environments, computer programming, Python, AWS, Machine Learning (ML), or AI/GenAI.

The successful candidate will have good communication skills, solid hands-on model development experience, and an understanding of model risk. The role will focus on core technical model development and analytics to support account management.

Main Responsibilities:

  • Perform hands-on data collection, data cleansing, model development to support ACM model projects.

  • Partner with Model Risk Management on model validations, annual reviews, and ongoing assessments.

  • Analyze model performance and explain model behavior to business stakeholders.

  • Utilize advanced ML techniques to perform data mining for customer risk analysis and profiling.

  • Prepare and maintain comprehensive model documentation required to meet regulatory and compliance standards.

  • Lead automation initiatives using AWS, Python, Tableau, and related tools.

  • Build expertise in Synchrony's data warehouse and analytics ecosystem.

  • Perform other duties and/or special projects as assigned

Qualifications/Requirements:

  • Bachelor's degree in Statistics, Mathematics, Data Science, or a related quantitative field.

  • Approximately 3+ years of hands-on experience as a model developer or model validator, specifically within financial services, credit risk, or fraud analytics.

  • 2+ years of hands-on technical experience with data science/statistical tools and environments such as Python, Spark, AWS SageMaker, H2O, and SAS.

  • Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to present analytical findings and complex modeling concepts to diverse audiences.

  • Ability and flexibility to travel for business as required

Desired Qualifications:

  • Master's Degree or MBA with advanced analytic focus, or equivalent advanced degree

  • Experience using advanced modeling & data mining techniques (e.g. Machine learning, Big Data) to develop/ optimize Credit strategies

  • Strong communication and presentation skills and the ability to interact with and present to senior leaders and clients

  • Experience with commercial lending products and practices

  • Demonstrated ability to identify automation opportunities and lead initiatives that improve efficiency, data quality controls, and analytical processes.

Grade/Level: 10

The salary range for this position is 100,000.00 - 170,000.00 USD Annual and is eligible for an annual bonus based on individual and company performance.

Actual compensation offered within the posted salary range will be based upon work experience, skill level or knowledge.

Salaries are adjusted according to market in CA, NY Metro and Seattle.

Our Way of Working:

We're proud to offer you flexibility. At Synchrony, our way of working allows you to have the option to work from home near one of our Hubs or come into one of our offices.You will be required to commute to your nearestHub (either virtual or physical) for in-person engagement activities such as regularbusiness or team meetings, training and culture events.

*Field Sales and some Commercial team roles may have varied location requirements based upon partner obligations or preferences.

Eligibility Requirements:

  • You must be 18 years or older

  • You must have a high school diploma or equivalent

  • You must be willing to take a drug test, submit to a background investigation and submit fingerprints as part of the onboarding process

  • You must be able to satisfy the requirements of Section 19 of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act.

  • New hires (Level 4-7) must have 9 months of continuous service with the company before they are eligible to post on other roles. Once this new hire time in position requirement is met, the associate will have a minimum 6 months' time in position before they can post for future non-exempt roles. Employees, level 8 or greater, must have at least 18 months' time in position before they can post. All internal employees must consistently meet performance expectations and have approval from your manager to post (or the approval of your manager and HR if you don't meet the time in position or performance expectations).

Legal authorization to work in the U.S. is required. We will not sponsor individuals for employment visas, now or in the future, for this job opening.All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.

Our Commitment:

When you join us, you'll be part of an inclusive culture where your individual skills, experience, and voice are not only heard - but valued. Together, we're building a future where we can all belong, connect, and turn ideals into action. More than 50% of our workforce is engaged in our Employee Resource Groups (ERGs), where community and passion intersect to offer a safe space to learn and grow.

This starts when you choose to apply for a role at Synchrony. We ensure all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status. We're proud to have an award-winning culture for all.

Reasonable Accommodation Notice:

  • Federal law requires employers to provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities. Please tell us if you require a reasonable accommodation to apply for a job or to perform your job. Examples of reasonable accommodation include making a change to the application process or work procedures, providing documents in an alternate format, using a sign language interpreter, or using specialized equipment.

  • If you need special accommodations, please call our Career Support Line so that we can discuss your specific situation. We can be reached at 1-866-301-5627. Representatives are available from 8am - 5pm Monday to Friday, Central Standard Time

Job Family Group:

Credit

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