Lead Data Scientist

Netspend • Austin, TX

6d

About The Position

The Lead Data Scientist is an advanced professional responsible for spearheading the design and deployment of the company’s most complex machine learning and predictive modeling initiatives. At this level, they possess in-depth professional knowledge and exhibit advanced experience to resolve intricate analytical challenges. They will work creatively and effectively on complex data issues where the analysis of situations requires an in-depth evaluation of variable factors. Operating with a high degree of autonomy, they will exercise independent judgment in selecting methods, techniques, and evaluation criteria, often acting as a technical team lead and determining procedures on new, high-impact assignments.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Data Science, Computer Science, Statistics, Mathematics, or a highly quantitative field.
• Minimum of 8 years of related professional experience with a Bachelor's degree; OR 6 years of experience with a Master's degree; OR a PhD with 3 years of experience.
• Expert-level proficiency in Python or R, and advanced SQL capabilities.
• Deep, hands-on expertise with advanced machine learning frameworks (e.g., TensorFlow, PyTorch, Keras, XGBoost).
• Extensive experience deploying models into production environments using cloud platforms (e.g., AWS SageMaker, GCP, Databricks).
• Strong understanding of MLOps, CI/CD pipelines, and version control.
• Exhibits advanced experience and in-depth professional knowledge to resolve complex models and operational procedures.
• Works creatively and effectively to solve complex issues.
• Works on complex issues where analysis of situations or data requires an in-depth evaluation of variable factors.
• Exercises independent judgment in selecting methods, techniques, and evaluation criteria for obtaining optimal results.
• Determines methods and procedures on new assignments and coordinates the activities of other personnel (acts as a Team Lead).
• Networks collaboratively with key contacts outside their own area of expertise to drive broad business impact.

Nice To Haves

• A Master’s degree or Ph.D. is strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead the end-to-end design, development, training, and deployment of complex, highly scalable machine learning models and AI solutions that address critical business priorities.
• Serve as the principal technical lead on significant data science projects. Determine the analytical methods, techniques, and evaluation criteria required to achieve successful project outcomes.
• Tackle highly complex, multi-variable data issues. Apply in-depth professional knowledge and creative problem-solving techniques to uncover deep insights from massive, disparate datasets.
• Act as a technical mentor and team lead for junior to mid-level data scientists (P1-P3). Coordinate the activities of other analytical personnel to ensure project milestones are met while maintaining high-quality code and modeling standards.
• Build networks and collaborate deeply with key contacts outside your immediate area of expertise, including senior leaders in Data Engineering, Product Management, and Business Operations, to drive the adoption of data science solutions.
• Continuously evaluate the company’s data capabilities and emerging AI/ML technologies. Recommend innovative tools and algorithmic approaches to keep the organization at the forefront of the industry.
• Synthesize and present complex analytical findings to non-technical executive stakeholders, clearly articulating the business value and strategic implications of predictive models.
• All other duties assigned.

What This Job Offers

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