Principal Data Scientist

• Define the technical vision and strategy for data-driven initiatives focused on end-to-end payment optimization and align with business goals.
• Develop scalable and reusable capabilities to power real-time machine learning models, enable rapid experimentation at scale, and support continuous monitoring of ML products.
• Oversee and participate hands-on in the conceptualization, development, production deployment, operation, validation, and maintenance of ML models and model update systems.
• Establish and enforce best practices for ML modeling while driving adoption of modern tools, frameworks, and infrastructure.
• Foster a culture of innovation, experimentation, and collaboration and mentor a team of data scientists.
• Partner with product, engineering, data, and compliance teams to integrate ML into products and communicate complex concepts to diverse audiences.
• Collaborate with Data Science leaders to establish an operating model for ML R&D that optimizes delivery of business value.

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in computer science, statistics, mathematics, engineering, or related field. PhD preferred.
• 7+ years in ML research or engineering and 5+ years building large-scale, real-time ML systems in production with hands-on experience.
• Expertise in machine learning, statistical modeling, and data analysis with strong experience across the ML lifecycle and experimentation.
• Proficiency in Python (Pandas, NumPy, scikit-learn) and strong SQL. Experience with NoSQL or graph databases is a plus.
• Demonstrated ability to lead solution design and execution, translating complex business requirements into actionable technology solutions.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills with the ability to influence and collaborate across technical and business audiences, including executives.
• Bonus: Experience in payments, fintech, or financial services. Knowledge of payment systems, fraud and risk, or real-time payments. Experience with AWS, GCP, Snowflake, Databricks, or Vertex AI. Agile development experience. Background in large companies, mature ML teams, or regulated industries.

Education Requirements:

Bachelor’s or master’s degree in computer science, statistics, mathematics, engineering, or related field. PhD preferred.

This is a contract to hire opportunity. Applicants must be willing and able to work on a w2 basis and convert to FTE following contract duration. For our w2 consultants, we offer a great benefits package that includes Medical, Dental, and Vision benefits, 401k with company matching, and life insurance.

Rate: $85.00 to $95.00/hr. w2, Skills, experience, and other compensable factors will be considered when determining pay rate. The pay range provided in this posting reflects a W2 hourly rate; other employment options may be available that may result in pay outside of the provided range.

W2 employees of Eliassen Group who are regularly scheduled to work 30 or more hours per week are eligible for the following benefits: medical (choice of 3 plans), dental, vision, pre-tax accounts, other voluntary benefits including life and disability insurance, 401(k) with match, and sick time if required by law in the worked-in state/locality.

If anyone reaches out to you about an open position connected with Eliassen Group, please ensure that you are working directly with us by confirming the following:

· When you work with Eliassen Group, all email communication will come from an Eliassen.com address, never Gmail, Yahoo, etc.

Eliassen Group is a strategic consulting firm that helps organizations reach further and achieve more through our technology, business advisory, and life sciences solutions. For nearly 40 years, we have combined exceptional people, deep domain expertise, and intelligent capabilities to expand our clients’ capacity and accelerate meaningful outcomes. We are driven by a purpose to positively impact the lives of our employees, clients, consultants, and the communities we serve.