Principal Data Scientist

Principal Data Scientist

Anywhere

Type: Contract-to-Hire

Category: Data

Industry: Financial Services

Workplace Type: Remote

Standard

Hours:

Open

Reference : JN -

Date Posted: 09/28/2026

Remote

Our client seeks a Principal Data Scientist to scale Data Science and AI capabilities for end-to-end payment optimisation. 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.

Rate: $85.00 to $95.00/hr. w2

• Define technical vision and strategy for data-driven product initiatives focused on payment optimisation, aligned to business goals.
• Develop scalable and reusable capabilities for real-time ML models including classification, ranking, optimisation, rapid experimentation, and continuous monitoring.
• Oversee and contribute to conceptualization, development, deployment, operation, validation, and maintenance of ML models and update systems.
• Establish and enforce best practices for ML modeling while evaluating and adopting modern tools, frameworks, and infrastructure.
• Foster a culture of innovation, experimentation, and collaboration while mentoring an elite team of data scientists.
• Partner with product, engineering, data, and compliance teams to integrate ML into products and communicate complex concepts to varied audiences.
• Collaborate with Data Science leaders to establish an operating model for ML R&D that optimises end-to-end 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 with 5+ years building large-scale, real-time ML systems in production, including 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. No
  
  SQL or graph databases are a plus.
• Demonstrated ability to lead solution design and execution, translating complex business requirements into actionable technology solutions.
• Exceptional 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 such as authorisation lifecycle, tokenisation, fraud and risk, and real-time payments. Experience with cloud platforms including 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 a relevant field. PhD preferred.

For our w2 consultants, we offer a great benefits package that includes Medical, Dental, and Vision benefits, 401k with company matching, and life insurance.

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.

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…