Principal Data Scientist

Description:

Hybrid 3 days onsite in Cincinnati, OH or Atlanta, GA

Our client seeks a Principal Data Scientist to scale Data Science and AI capabilities for end-to-end payment optimization. The role will collaborate with ML engineers and product partners to design and deploy real-time models and intelligent decision engines, drive strategy and roadmaps, lead cross-functional initiatives, and mentor senior data science talent. The position balances strategic leadership with hands‑on contribution across architecture, design reviews, code reviews, and select implementation to deliver production‑grade ML solutions.

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

• 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, Num Py, scikit‑learn) and strong SQL.
  
  Experience with No
  
  SQL 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.

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