AI Model Risk Validation Specialist

Department:

Information Technology

Job Description:

Serve as the independent validator of AI Systems, responsible for technical assessment, model risk evaluation, and ongoing monitoring of AI/ML models across The Mutual Group and its member insurance carriers.

This is a highly hands-on individual contributor role focused exclusively on AI Systems, with emphasis on predictive models impacting underwriting, claims, and decision-making. The role supports the AIS Program by providing objective, technical validation input into governance and approval decisions.

Work Arrangement:

• Employees who live within 30 miles of the TMG home office are expected to follow a hybrid or in-office schedule. The initial training period may require additional in‑office days.

Accountabilities:

Model Validation (Core Responsibility)

• Perform independent validation of AI/ML models, including:

  • Model design, methodology, and assumptions
  • Training and test data quality and representativeness
  • Performance metrics, thresholds, and benchmarking

• Review vendor-provided FactSheets and technical documentation for completeness and accuracy

Risk Assessment

• Evaluate key model risks, including:

  • Bias and fairness
  • Explainability and interpretability
  • Model limitations and edge cases

• Assess alignment with:

  • NAIC expectations
  • Model risk management practices

• Identify gaps and recommend risk mitigation strategies

Governance Integration

• Provide independent validation input into AI governance decisions
• Support the AIS / Security Governance Team by contributing technical risk perspectives during AI system reviews
• Act as a second-line reviewer to challenge assumptions and strengthen decision-making

Ongoing Monitoring

• Lead twice-annual validation of AI Systems

• Monitor predictive models for:

  • Drift
  • Stability
  • Performance degradation
• Ensure monitoring practices align with AIS Program requirements
• Recommend corrective actions when performance or risk thresholds are breached

Documentation & Audit Support

• Maintain model validation documentation for:

  • Internal audit
  • Regulatory review

• Ensure validation results are:

  • Clearly documented
  • Traceable and reproducible

• Support inquiries with technical analysis and evidence

Qualifications:

• 5+ years in data science, model risk management, or AI/ML validation
• Experience working with predictive models in regulated environments (insurance or financial services preferred)

• Strong understanding of:

  • Machine learning models and statistical techniques
  • Model evaluation and validation methodologies
  • Bias and fairness concepts
  • Model lifecycle management

• Familiarity with:

  • NAIC AI Model Bulletin
  • NIST AI RMF
  • Model governance and validation standards
• Ability to translate technical findings into business and risk implications

Pay Range:

Anticipated Hiring Range:

• $100,000 - $135,000 annual base salary depending on experience, qualifications, and geographic location

Benefits:

We are proud to offer our full-time regular employees a robust benefits suite that includes:

• Competitive base salary plus incentive plans for eligible team members
• 401(K) retirement plan that includes a company match of up to 6% of your eligible salary
• Free basic life and AD&D, long-term disability and short-term disability insurance
• Medical, dental and vision plans to meet your unique healthcare needs
• Wellness incentives
• Generous time off program that includes personal, holiday and volunteer paid time off
• Flexible work schedules and hybrid/remote options for eligible positions
• Educational assistance

Equal Opportunity Employer

The Mutual Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer. It is our policy to recruit, hire, train and promote individuals in all job classifications without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or any other characteristic protected by law.

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