MRM Senior Data Scientist

Pacific Life • Newport Beach, CA

2d • Hybrid

About The Position

Providing for loved ones, planning rewarding retirements, saving enough for whatever lies ahead – our policyholders count on us to be there when it matters most. It’s a big ask, but it’s one that we have the power to deliver when we work together. We collaborate and innovate – pushing one another to transform not just Pacific Life, but the entire industry for the better. Why? Because it’s the right thing to do. Pacific Life is more than a job, it’s a career with purpose. It’s a career where you have the support, balance, and resources to make a positive impact on the future – including your own. Pacific Life is actively seeking a talented Senior Data Scientist to join our Model Risk Management team in Newport Beach, CA. This is a hybrid role with relocation support available. As an MRM Senior Data Scientist, you will lead independent validation and oversight across Generative AI and Machine Learning models. In this pivotal role, you will work closely with data scientists, business partners, and senior leaders to ensure models are fit for purpose and in line with our risk appetite. Join a growing company and help shape our approach to AI governance and validation.

Requirements

• 5+ years developing and validating AI/ML models, preferably in financial services.
• Strong background in Machine Learning, Generative AI, and Engineering practices.
• Independent, risk-based thinker with sound judgement and a partnership mindset to providing effective challenge
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to translate technical findings into clear and actionable recommendations for technical teams, management, and governance forums.
• Passionate learner and self-starter who stays current with evolving Generative AI tools and techniques.
• Bachelor’s degree in statistics, data science, computer science, engineering, mathematics, or a related quantitative field required.
• Highly proficient in Python, ML libraries such as scikit-learn and data query language such as SQL and pyspark.
• Experienced with modern Generative AI orchestration and evaluation frameworks, such as LangChain, LangGraph, agent frameworks, experiment tracking, and observability tools.
• Experienced with modern engineering and developer productivity tools such as Github-copilot, Cursor, Claude Code and Codex.
• Demonstrated understanding of engineering and model lifecycle best practices.
• Demonstrated ability to assess complex model designs and identify weaknesses with material risk implications.
• Strong foundation in statistics and machine learning concepts, including overfitting, regularization, multicollinearity, and parametric/non-parametric models.

Nice To Haves

• Advanced degree preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead independent validation of Machine Learning and Generative AI models, including model design review, code review, testing, controls assessment, and quantitative bias/fairness review.
• Serve as a trusted partner to analytic, legal, and compliance teams – build relationships and drive engagement, influence design decisions, and provide effective challenge that raises the bar on model quality and governance.
• Champion efficient modeling techniques and strong governance throughout the model life cycle.
• Design and build AI solutions that streamline internal team workflows and elevate oversight quality.
• Track emerging tools, techniques, and regulations, and contribute to maturing the MRM and AI governance frameworks.

Benefits

• Your wellbeing is important to Pacific Life, and we’re committed to providing you with flexible benefits that you can tailor to meet your needs. Whether you are focusing on your physical, financial, emotional, or social wellbeing, we’ve got you covered.
• Prioritization of your health and well-being including Medical, Dental, Vision, and Wellbeing Reimbursement Account that can be used on yourself or your eligible dependents
• Generous paid time off options including: Paid Time Off, Holiday Schedules, and Financial Planning Time Off
• Paid Parental Leave as well as an Adoption Assistance Program
• Competitive 401k savings plan with company match and an additional contribution regardless of participation

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Number of Employees: 501-1,000 employees