Distinguished Principal Engineer - AI Science

MSCI • San Francisco, CA

1d • $225,000 - $250,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

The Principal AI Scientist / Principal AI Engineer at MSCI is a high-impact, individual contributor role that sits at the intersection of advanced data science, machine learning, and product engineering. Operating within the core product teams, this leader directly shapes the algorithms powering the company’s multi-billion-dollar financial platform and products at MSCI. The role focuses on building production-grade machine learning models, scaling AI pipelines, and embedding generative AI agents to solve financial workflows for clients worldwide.

Requirements

• 10+ years of cumulative industry experience in a dedicated data science or machine learning capacity.
• 3+ years acting as a technical lead, steering data science initiatives or managing delivery of mission-critical ML workflows.
• Expert-level proficiency across optimization paradigms (e.g., gradient methods, Bayesian optimization) and foundational ML frameworks.
• Deep hands-on coding experience in big data environments using general-purpose languages like Python, Scala, Java, or R, alongside strong SQL capabilities.
• Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Ph.D. in a highly quantitative discipline (such as Computer Science, Statistics, Mathematics, Operations Research, or Economics).

Responsibilities

• Apply cutting-edge techniques in Natural Language Processing (NLP), Causal-ML, Deep Learning, Reinforcement Learning, and Generative AI (LLMs) to solve real-world financial problems.
• Partner directly with software engineers, product managers, and designers to design rapid experiments and build Minimum Viable Products (MVPs) to test out 0 → 1 AI-driven experiences.
• Lead the technical roadmap for a product area or domain.
• Drive end-to-end architecture designs for the team’s data science solutions and enforce best practices in code quality, algorithm development, experiences and agentic engineering.
• Build and standardize evaluation methodologies to strictly validate model accuracy, explainability (XAI), and fairness, ensuring compliant and responsible AI practices.
• Architect robust, end-to-end reusable pipelines that smoothly transition algorithmic models from standalone research prototypes directly into stable production-level services.
• Translate complex statistical and algorithmic logic into digestible, business-focused insights for senior leadership and non-technical stakeholders.
• Actively track the latest developments in academia and broader tech sectors to proactively integrate emerging AI paradigms into MSCI Products.
• Provide technical mentorship to junior engineers, fostering a collaborative culture of continuous technical excellence.

Benefits

• Eligible for annual bonus
• Transparent compensation schemes
• Comprehensive employee benefits, tailored to your location
• Flexible working arrangements
• Advanced technology
• Collaborative workspaces
• Access to our Learning@MSCI platform
• AI Learning Center
• LinkedIn Learning Pro
• Tailored learning opportunities for ongoing skills development
• Multi-directional career paths that offer professional growth and development through new challenges, internal mobility and expanded roles.
• Employee Resource Groups (All Abilities, Asian Support Network, Black Leadership Network, Climate Action Network, Hola! MSCI, Pride & Allies, Women in Tech, and Women’s Leadership Forum)

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Principal