Sr Data Scientist I - (AI Focus)

The Data Science team is seeking a Sr. Data Scientist I to create AI and Data Science solutions which can include Generative AI, Agentic AI, traditional machine learning, and other branches of AI. You will support the development, deployment, and maintenance of machine learning models, including the integration of foundational generative models into pipeline solutions.

This role requires a multi-disciplinary approach, combining machine learning, algorithm development, data inference, financial and quantitative modeling, and optimization to address complex business challenges.

Responsibilities include researching and applying current and emerging data science principles, theories, and techniques to inform strategic decision-making. Participation in scientific research projects aimed at advancing data analytics capabilities is also a key aspect of the position.

Additional Responsibilities

• Responsible for answering business questions using machine learning techniques, algorithms and statistical models.
• Capturing and integrating large volumes of data, performs analysis, interprets results, and develops actionable insights and recommendations.
• Responsible for evaluating statistical/machine learning models to determine validity of analyses, testing models, and developing visualizations to help clients make business decisions.
• Collaborate & Partner closely with business and data teams and deliver data science solutions to identify business problems.
• Coaching, mentoring, reviewing work of junior data scientists.

• Bachelor's Degree required (quantitative discipline preferred)
• MS/PhD strongly preferred
• Experience applying AI techniques such as Agentic AI or Generative AI.
• 6+ years of professional experience building machine learning and predictive models (advanced degrees may substitute for some experience).
• Deep knowledge of Statistics, Mathematics, Optimization, Machine Learning theory and quantitative techniques.
• Proven experience working with Large Language Models (LLMs) in applied use cases (e.g., prompt design, model integration, or deployment).
• Advanced programming skills in Python, R, SAS, or SQL.
• Proficiency with ML frameworks (e.g., TensorFlow, PyTorch, Scikit-learn, Keras) and scientific computing libraries.
• Ability to lead projects from model design to deployment
• Expertise in evaluating and making decisions around the use of new or existing machine learning, data analysis, optimization techniques/tools for a project.
• Expertise in model evaluation, tuning and performance, operationalization and scalability of scientific techniques and establishing decision strategies
• Passion for picking up new techniques/technologies
• Self-motivated attitude and desire to work on applied problems
• Hands-on experience with large datasets, including both structured and unstructured data, and familiarity with big data tools (e.g., Spark) and cloud platforms (e.g., AWS, Azure).

Skills That Will Help You Stand Out:

• AWS SageMaker or Databricks
• Agentic AI
• Generative AI
• Snowflake
• GitHub
• SAS

Salary ranges below reflect targeted base salaries. Non-sales positions have the opportunity to participate in a bonus program. Sales positions are eligible for sales incentives, and in some instances a bonus plan, whereby total compensation may far exceed base salary depending on individual performance. Actual compensation for all roles will be based upon geographic location, work experience, education, licensure requirements and/or skill level and will be finalized at the time of offer.

Salary Range (Non-Exempt expressed as hourly; Exempt expressed as yearly)

$127000 - $150000 / year

Time Off Program

Flexible Time Off (FTO) is provided to salaried (exempt) employees and provides the opportunity to take time away from the office with pay for vacation, personal or short-term illness. Employees don't accrue a bank of time off under FTO and there is no set number of days provided.

Pension Eligible

Yes

Work Environment

This role offers in-office, hybrid (blending at least three office days in a typical workweek), and remote work arrangements (only if residing more than 30 miles from Des Moines, IA, Raleigh, NC, or Charlotte, NC). You'll work with your leader to figure out which option may align best based on several factors.

Work Authorization/Sponsorship

At this time, we're not considering candidates that need any type of immigration sponsorship now or in the future or those needing work authorization for this role. (This includes, but is not limited to students on F1-OPT, F1-CPT, J-1, etc.)

Nonimmigrant Workers (https://www.uscis.gov/working-in-the-united-states/temporary-nonimmigrant-workers) and Green Card for Employment-Based Immigrants (https://www.uscis.gov/green-card/green-card-eligibility/green-card-for-employment-based-immigrants)

At Principal, we value connecting on both a personal and professional level. Together, we're imagining a more purpose-led future for financial services - and that starts with you. Our success depends on the unique experiences, backgrounds, and talents of our employees. And we support our employees the same way we support our customers: with comprehensive, competitive benefit offerings crafted to protect their physical, financial, and social well-being. Check out our careers site (https://www.principal.com/about-us/careers) to learn more about our purpose, values and benefits.