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# Sr Data Scientist I - (AI Focus)

- **Company:** Principal Financial Group
- **Location:** United States (Remote available)
- **Experience:** Expert
- **Salary:** $127,000.0 - $150,000.0
- **Contract:** Permanent contract
- **Skills:** Artificial Intelligence, Algorithm Design, Amazon Web Services, Data Analysis, Microsoft Azure, Big Data, Cloud Computing, Computer Programming, Github, R (Programming Language), Python (Programming Language), Machine Learning, Tensorflow, SAS (Software), Scientific Computating, SQL Databases, Systems Integration, Unstructured Data, Pytorch, Large Language Models, Snowflake, Prompt Engineering, Apache Spark, Model Validation, Generative AI, Keras, Scikit Learn, Optimization Algorithms, Data Management, Virtual Agents, Databricks
- **Published:** May 14, 2026
- **Apply:** https://www.indeed.com/viewjob?jk=230ea41cb1951ee2

## About the Role

Do you have experience in Statistics?, Do you have a Bachelor's degree?, * 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

## Description

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.


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